Jockey Matthew Poon believes Triple Crown-triumphant Voyage Bubble can defy his mighty impost (135lb) on Sunday (19 October) and improve on his second-place finish in last season’s G2 Sha Tin Trophy Handicap (1600m).

Poon, a product of The Hong Kong Jockey Club’s Apprentice Jockeys’ School, said Voyage Bubble’s exceptional ability means he has every chance of claiming victory first-up in this weekend’s HK$5.35 million feature race at Sha Tin.

“I’m confident in his ability,” Poon said. “Of course, I’m a bit concerned that he’s carrying 135 (pounds) and lots of rising stars are only carrying 115. I don’t think it will be an easy race, but he’s got the ability, so I hope we can overcome the 135. I’m happy with how he’s going.”

Poon, who won the 2024/25 Tony Cruz Award as the homegrown jockey with the most winners in a season, said he had noticed a gradual improvement in the seven-year-old galloper’s condition ahead of his seasonal bow.

“I trialled him once in Sha Tin (on 30 September); at that time, he wasn’t fit yet,” said Poon, who is still searching for his first winner of the 2025/26 campaign. “After that trial, we brought his fitness up and, after a little while, we galloped him on the grass. We felt happy with how he galloped – he was feeling well and wasn’t heavy. I think he’s improved after the trial.

“Of course, he’s still not at top fitness yet, but I’m happy to see his form is coming so hopefully he can perform well.”

Requiring a run to shake out the off-season ring rust is nothing new for the 2023 BMW Hong Kong Derby (2000m) winner; he hasn’t won first-up in any of his previous four campaigns. He finished a length-and-a-half behind the victor, Galaxy Patch, in last year’s edition of the contest after giving the Pierre Ng-trained gelding a six-pound advantage.

With regular partner James McDonald on a mission at G1 The Everest (1200m) in Sydney, Australia, a golden ticket to partner one of the stars of the jurisdiction fell into Poon’s lap. It was an opportunity he was delighted to embrace.

“Everyone wants to get on the superstar, so if I can jump in the Ferrari, of course, I want to drive it!” he said.

Another Apprentice Jockeys’ School graduate will also team up with a BMW Hong Kong Derby winner on Sunday. Keith Yeung is hoping to secure his first Group 2 success when he rides Francis Lui-trained Cap Ferrat.

It will be another first-time pairing, but Yeung, who has trialled and galloped the five-year-old in recent weeks, believes the son of Snitzel has progressed following his debut season.

“I trialled him last season, but I think the horse has improved this year,” said Yeung, who has one win and three seconds so far this season. “He’s grown into a better horse – he’s more mature. He’s ready to run a Group race.”

In a star-studded field featuring a host of up-and-coming types, no fewer than nine entrants will carry minimum weight handicaps of 115 pounds. But Yeung pinpointed the progressive Mark Newnham-trained My Wish, who carries the minimum weight and was so impressive in taking out the G3 Celebration Cup Handicap (1400m) first up this season.

“Obviously, My Wish looks like the one to beat. But I think with the bottom weight, half of the field have got a fair chance.”

Sunday’s (19 October) 10-race fixture at Sha Tin starts at 12.45pm with the Class 5 Shek Mun Handicap (1400m).