Hugh Bowman is optimistic a drop in distance will pave the way for Sky Trust to push for victory in the first section of the Class 3 Cosmos Handicap at Sha Tin on Saturday when the gelding squares off with emerging talent Sky Jewellery.
Hugh Bowman has 45 wins for the 2024-25 season (Pic – HKJC)
Twelfth in the HK$13 million Hong Kong Classic Cup behind Rubylot on 2 March after making a long, sustained gallop from the back straight, Sky Trust drops to 1400m – a trip which has yielded two wins and six minor placings for the So You Think gelding.
“I thought his run, although well-beaten, was actually unbelievable last start,” Bowman said.
“He jumped well and didn’t settle, so I let him gallop down the back straight but, even though three-wide, he got into a really sweet rhythm on the bend and it was no surprise to see him pick up into the straight but I was surprised at how long he sustained his gallop, having behaved the way he did in the early and middle stages.
“So, back in trip is a huge advantage to him and the horse is in great form. He’s a big horse, so the weight (135lb), he’ll certainly be able to carry.”
A reserve for the HK$26 million BMW Hong Kong Derby at Sha Tin on 23 March, Caspar Fownes-trained Sky Trust faces 11 rivals this weekend including Sky Jewellery, whose two wins from only three starts have come under Bowman.
Sky Jewellery makes it two wins from three starts (Pic – HKJC)
“I did have the choice of rides and Sky Jewellery is a just a little bit light for me with 123 pounds – a very exciting young horse,” Bowman said of his decision to partner Sky Trust.
“I think Sky Jewellery still has a bit of development to do. Last start, he got a bit lost when he turned into the home straight and he dropped the bridle, but his class shone the last 100 metres. Up in class, he’ll have to improve but he’s certainly got the improvement in him.”
Brenton Avdulla partners Sky Jewellery for John Size.
Bowman has nine rides tomorrow including Ricky Yiu’s Sunlight Power who has drawn barrier one in the HK$3.12 million Class 2 The Kowloon Tong Club Trophy Handicap.
“He does have a little bit of a tendency to lay in slightly under pressure, but he’s a very genuine horse and his form is very consistent. With a perfect draw this weekend, we should get a lovely run and make his presence felt,” Bowman said.
Britney Wong has 12 wins in her debut Hong Kong season (Pic – HKJC)
Britney Wong hopes Youth Power can continue her recent strong form by contending in the Class 4 The Association Of Hong Kong Racing Journalists Challenge Cup Handicap for David Hayes.
With a double at Sha Tin last Sunday (9 March), Wong leads the Sha Tin All Weather standings with seven wins from Luke Ferraris (5) and Matthew Chadwick and the first-season apprentice hopes Youth Power can prevail at his first attempt over 1800m.
“The horse can be a little tricky in that he can get keen early but as long as we’ve got cover, he will be fine,” Wong said. “He’s been running close, so hopefully Saturday’s the day. I think he’ll be fine stepping up to 1800m.”
Keith Yeung also notched a double at Sha Tin last weekend and hopes Master Of All can handle a rise in grade when he tackles the second section of the Class 3 Cosmos Handicap.
With four wins and five minor placings from his past 10 starts, Master Of All graduated to Class 3 with a desperate short-head success under Alexis Badel over 1400m at Sha Tin on 16 February.
Allocated 118lb, Yeung reunites with Master Of All, intent on posing a fourth win on the Charm Spirit gelding.
“He’s a lovely horse, anyone can ride him and still have a good performance. He’s so easy to handle and so honest. He’s got a big heart,” Yeung said.
“I don’t think there’s too much speed in the race, he’s got good gate speed and with no weight on his back, I’m hoping he can get to the front easily. He’s been racing consistently and going into Class 3 with no weight on his back, I’m hoping he will race well again.”
Saturday’s 10-race card at Sha Tin starts with the Class 5 Snapdragon Handicap at 07h00.
