David Hayes hopes China Win (121lb) can warrant last-minute selection for the HK$26 million 149th BMW Hong Kong Derby (2000m) when he contests Wednesday night’s (11 March) Class 3 Lyttelton Handicap (1800m) under Zac Purton.

Currently rated 67, China Win is aiming to emulate Beauty Alliance, who last season secured the final BMW Hong Kong Derby spot with victory in this race at Happy Valley, earning a 12-point rating rise (65 to 77) and his place in the contest, which is finalised by the selection panel, who will determine the 14-runner field later this week. 

Hayes said: “I think if he was lucky enough to win, then he’d be in the calculations to get the last spot. The horse has a good gate (three), and his trackwork and trials have been excellent.

“He’s had a bit of time between runs because he was scratched due to a heart anomaly, which was rectified straight away, so that put us a bit behind the eight ball, but he’s in good form for this race.”

The BMW Hong Kong Derby takes place at Sha Tin on 22 March, and China Win has emerged as an unlikely candidate. The Super Seth gelding took seven starts to break through, but has shown that stamina is his best asset by winning his most recent two outings over 1800m.

“His win before last was probably more eye-catching with Zac on when he came from last and barrier 14, and even the start before that he was only beaten an inch, so he’s in really good form,” Hayes said. “He’s by a sire that produces horses who get over a bit of ground. We couldn’t be happier with the way he’s progressing.”

Racing against China Win, Le Zonda (129lb) is searching for a first win in Hong Kong and with a rating of 75 can also enter the BMW Hong Kong Derby conversation.

Hayes is looking forward to unleashing Ka Ying Rising in the HK$5.35 million G2 Sprint Cup (1200m) on 6 April at Sha Tin, where the world’s leading sprinter goes for a record-extending 19th consecutive win.

“He did some striding work with Zac on this morning (Tuesday, 10 March). Zac was very happy with him, and he ran home in around 12 and a half seconds. He’ll have a barrier trial around 10 days out from the 6th (of April). He’ll be in the Sprint Cup, then the Chairman’s Sprint Prize (G1, 1200m) and then his season is over,” Hayes said.

James Orman is enjoying an impressive run, posting a double on Sunday (8 March) at Sha Tin. He reunites with last-start winner Somelovefromabove (128lb) for championship-leading trainer Caspar Fownes in the Class 4 Breezy Handicap (1200m).

“It was good to get a ride for Caspar Fownes. Somelovefromabove began well from a good gate; he took the lead, and he never really looked like getting beaten. He seems to have come through the run well. I’m very excited to be on him again,” Orman said.

Karis Teetan believes Sagacious Life can atone for finishing last in the HK$13 million Hong Kong Classic Cup (1800m) when he contests the BMW Hong Kong Derby.

“He’s a nice horse going into the Derby, and the distance should be no problem. He’s run over the distance. He had a bit of hard luck last time; he was crowded and got checked out pretty badly. I think we can excuse it, and I’ve done a bit of work with him in the mornings, and he feels like a really nice horse,” Teetan said.

Teetan rides dual runner-up Vivacious Win (121lb) in the Class 4 Hatton Handicap (1650m) at Happy Valley for trainer David Eustace.

“I think the horse has shown a lot of improvement, and I think there’s more improvement to come. Let’s hope he gets a bit of luck from the draw (12) this time,” Teetan said.

Harry Bentley believes a good gate can assist Prestige Always (124lb) in his quest for a second win in the Class 3 Craigengower Cricket Club Challenge Cup Handicap (1200m).

“He’s been knocking on the door. He’s run some good races,” Bentley said. “He needs a good draw (four), which he has got, and he’s a horse who probably doesn’t have a load of early speed, but the lower draw will help him get a midfield position.”

Wednesday’s (11 March) nine-race fixture at Happy Valley begins with the Class 5 Conduit Handicap (1000m) at 6.40pm.