Underscoring his status as Hong Kong’s premier miler, Voyage Bubble claimed a second straight HK$13 million G1 Stewards’ Cup (1600m) at Sha Tin this afternoon (Sunday, 19 January) for jockey James McDonald and trainer Ricky Yiu.
Receiving a smooth passage throughout, six-year-old Voyage Bubble settled behind leaders California Spangle and Beauty Eternal after breaking from barrier four. Turning for home, Voyage Bubble quickly made ground to hit the lead with 400m left to run.
“I reckon this is the best he’s felt since I’ve ridden him. He strode around to the start with a real purpose and he’s such an easy horse to read,” McDonald said. “He’s superb. He’s just bomb proof, jumps fast, puts himself in a good position and quickens.”
Sent off as 1.8 favourite, today’s Group 1 is Voyage Bubble’s third after wins in this race last year and last month’s HK$36 million G1 LONGINES Hong Kong Mile (1600m).
The uncomplicated Deep Field gelding – owned by the Sunshine And Moonlight Syndicate – now boasts nine wins from 23 starts and earnings of HK$77.87 million. Among his triumphs is a 45/1 success in the 2023 BMW Hong Kong Derby (2000m).
“When he’s got a real pep in his step, he’s on song and he’s a privilege to ride,” said McDonald, who also won today’s HK$1.17 million Class 4 Beat The Clock Handicap (1200m) aboard Blazing Wind and HK$1.86 million Class 3 Mr Vitality Handicap (1400m) atop Four-Year-Old Classic Series aspirant Bundle Award.