Trainer David Eustace hopes Victor The Winner can rebound in Sunday week’s (27 April) HK$22 million G1 Chairman’s Sprint Prize (1200m) on FWD Champions Day at Sha Tin.

Unplaced in five local runs since capturing the 2024 HK$13 million G1 Centenary Sprint Cup (1200m) as a 37/1 outsider, Victor The Winner has twice been to Japan – and performed admirably at the elite level – but hasn’t recaptured the heights which saw him win five races from his first eight starts before snaring a surprise Group 1 triumph.

Stepping out for a barrier trial on Monday (14 April) at Sha Tin ahead of his Group 1 assault, Victor The Winner bounded to his habitual leading position to make all under Karis Teetan in a time of 1m 10.09s ahead of Chancheng Glory and Invincible Shield.

Eustace said: “He trialled well. He needed a solid hit-out. He stumbled a touch coming out of the gates but he rolled along nicely in front which, obviously, is his style. He’s got the blinkers on and he’s trained well in blinkers, so he’ll wear them.”

The Toronado gelding will have his first start since 19 January’s Centenary Sprint Cup, where he finished a well-beaten eighth behind Ka Ying Rising, and second start for Eustace.

“He looks great and his action is good but he needs to turn his form around. I’m hopeful that he can, albeit well aware that he’s having to do it in one of the season’s strongest races,” Eustace said.

Victor The Winner faces stiff opposition led by world’s highest-rated sprinter Ka Ying Rising. Japan is represented by Satono Reve, Lugal, Danon McKinley and A Shin Fencer in the Chairman’s Sprint Prize.

“We’re just hopeful of some sort of return to form. He’s a very sound horse and he looks great. He’s been very genuine in his work, so hopefully he can transfer that to the track.  

“He’s done a lot in his career but he needs to run well. He’s done a remarkable job and hopefully he can show something,” Eustace said.

Eustace saddles Amazing Award, Warriors Dream, Accolade Start, Majestic Delight and Without Delay at Happy Valley tonight (Wednesday, 16 April). Warriors Dream contests the second section of the Class 3 Violet Handicap (1200m) with Karis Teetan.

“His first start was good actually. He’s a keen going horse, so we’ve done a lot of work with him to switch off and relax,” Eustace said. “He’s really come on between runs. My gut feel is that he’ll probably need the experience around the Valley first time, but I’ve always felt he’d be a Valley horse.”
Warriors Dream won twice in Great Britain pre-import under the same name. He was formerly trained by Sean Woods, winning at Lingfield and Windsor – both times with Tom Marquand up.

“They’ve got to go there and they’ve got to experience it. Hopefully, he handles it well. I think he’s a horse for the future. I think in time he’ll get 1400 (metres) in Hong Kong, so we have options at probably both tracks,” Eustace said.

Tonight’s (Wednesday, 16 April) nine-race fixture at Happy Valley kicks off at 6.40pm with the Class 5 Aster Handicap (1000m).