Bahraini aces Calif and Goemon will bid to get a piece of the FWD Champions Day riches on Sunday (27 April) when both return to their optimum distances.

Calif will drop back to the HK$28 million G1 FWD QEII Cup trip of 2000m which saw him win the G1 Bayerisches Zuchtrennen last July after he finished last of nine runners in the G1 Dubai Sheema Classic (2400m) at Meydan this month.

The seasoned traveller ran an excellent second to Shin Emperor in the G2 Neom Turf Cup (2100m) in Saudi Arabia in February and has valuable Sha Tin experience having finished sixth to Romantic Warrior in December’s G1 LONGINES Hong Kong Cup (2000m).

His rider Adrie de Vries believes a return to his best form and a change of tactics can see the six-year-old be competitive against the likes of Goliath and Liberty Island.

“His last run in Dubai was a little bit disappointing but it was the first time over a mile and a half and I think that was too far for him,” the jockey said.  “He had a moment where he quickened and we thought we were going to catch prize money but then he didn’t stay, so I think he had an excuse.

“He ran a good race in December. I want to sit a little bit closer this time if I can, the problem is Calif is sometimes slow from the gate. Let’s hope for a good gate.

“He ran a very good race in Saudi, so hopefully he can repeat that run and be in the frame.”

Also representing Bahrain is Listed Al Methaq Mile (1600m) winner Goemon, who contests the HK$24 million G1 FWD Champions Mile (1600m).

The attractive grey is also hoping to build on promise shown in the Middle East after finishing third in the G2 1351 Turf Sprint (1351m) in Saudi Arabia and a four length ninth to Soul Rush in the G1 Dubai Turf (1800m) at Meydan.

Formerly trained in British racing’s flat headquarters of Newmarket by Roger Varian and then Kevin Philippart de Foy, the six-year-old moved to Bahrain in 2023 but has struck new heights this year.

His trainer Haider Shaheen said: “The Dubai Turf was 1800m and we decided to come to Hong Kong because he’s a miler and this trip will suit him much better. He was good in the Dubai Turf, but there were some jockey problems and he made some mistakes.

“Goemon is a champion and he’s won lots of races. We’ve had him for two years and I think he’s at his peak now. He’s a nice horse and he’s easy to train.”

FWD Champions Day will take place at Sha Tin on 27 April.