Hugh Bowman hopes Straight Arron can continue an upward career trajectory with victory in the HK$13 million G1 Citi Hong Kong Gold Cup (2000m) at Sha Tin on Sunday (25 February).
Third in the G3 Centenary Vase Handicap (1800m) under 135lb on 4 February, Straight Arron faces the elite of Hong Kong’s middle-distance ranks this weekend with five-time Group 1 winner Romantic Warrior and BMW Hong Kong Derby (2000m) and G1 Stewards’ Cup victor Voyage Bubble headlining the entries.
Bowman is optimistic Straight Arron can build on his impressive fourth in the G1 LONGINES Hong Kong Cup (2000m) behind Romantic Warrior on 10 December, when he was beaten only three-quarters of a length.
“I think Straight Arron proved on international day that he’s not far behind these horses and I think he’s going well and I think he’s a genuine top-three chance and we’ll see how he goes,” Bowman said.