My Wish and Romantic Warrior might be at opposite ends of the spectrum in their respective careers, however, this week is proving pivotal for both horses as the road to 14 December’s LONGINES Hong Kong International Races begins heating up.

My Wish faces a crucial test in the HK$5.35 million G2 Sha Tin Trophy Handicap (1600m) this Sunday at Sha Tin (19 October) after his coming-of-age success in September’s HK$4.2 million G3 Celebration Cup Handicap (1400m), while Romantic Warrior – Hong Kong, China’s global champion – trialled on turf this morning (Tuesday, 14 October) before returning next month ahead of his historic shot at securing a fourth consecutive HK$40 million G1 LONGINES Hong Kong Cup (2000m).

Romantic Warrior is a proven legend – a world-record earner (HK$214.70 million) and 10-time Group 1 winner. Danny Shum’s galloper has won elite races in Hong Kong (China), Australia, Japan and the United Arab Emirates, although the seven-year-old returns under different circumstances this season following fetlock surgery last May.

A prolific 18-time winner from 25 starts, Romantic Warrior has now trialled twice ahead of his planned reappearance in 23 November’s HK$5.35 million G2 BOCHK Jockey Club Cup (2000m) – a race he has already won in 2022 and 2024 for Shum.

“It was a good trial. He needs the trial anyway. He’s good. We’ll see how he pulls up, but he travelled very strongly and he’s happy. He runs on November 23rd and James McDonald has already confirmed the ride,” Shum said.

Stepping sharply from the barriers, Romantic Warrior finished an untested second to Stunning Peach by a neck in 1m 35.67s over 1600m at Sha Tin today. Second two starts back in a rip-roaring edition of the G1 Saudi Cup (1800m, dirt) behind Japan’s Forever Young in February at Riyadh, Romantic Warrior is being pointed at a return to Saudi Arabia by Shum.

“If those first two races are okay then (we’ll go to) Saudi Arabia. I really want him to win in Saudi – that would be amazing. Hugh (Bowman) gave me a report that he trialled very good and he doesn’t think he needs any more trials. We can give him a turf gallop at Sha Tin,” Shum said.

The 2026 Saudi Cup – worth an unmatched US$20 million (approx. HK$155.5 million) – is scheduled to run on 14 February next year.

Five-year-old My Wish – a star of his four-year-old class with success in the HK$13 million Hong Kong Classic Mile (1600m) – is back in action this Sunday as he faces another stepping stone on his way to a HK$36 million G1 LONGINES Hong Kong Mile (1600m) challenge at December’s flagship race meeting for trainer Mark Newnham. 

Alexis Badel, 35, takes over riding duties this weekend from regular jockey Luke Ferraris with My Wish assigned 115lb – an impost Ferraris is unable to reach – due to the inclusion of the 134-rating Triple Crown hero Voyage Bubble at the top of the handicap.

“He seems to be in good form and he has a good weight in the race. I’m going into this race with legitimate confidence and if he keeps his form he should run very well,” Badel said.

One of the city’s most exciting horses in training, My Wish exploded to Group 3 glory first-up for the championship-leading Newnham. Frenchman Badel remains wary of the opposition, including last year’s winner of the race, Galaxy Patch, among a raft of other seasoned and proven performers.

“Galaxy Patch is there. Red Lion is a Group 1 winner, let’s not forget about that and he doesn’t have a big weight. Happy Together with a light weight, he’s a very tough opponent. My Wish has the ability to win the race, so if I can put him in a good spot and save some energy, then he’ll run his race,” Badel said.

Badel has fired in seven winners across the season’s first 10 fixtures, including highlight success with Fast Network in the HK$4.2 million G3 National Day Cup Handicap (1000m) on 1 October at Sha Tin.

“I’ve had great support and the horses are in good form. I’m focused and giving the best possible chances to my rides. Japan helped my fitness and it put my mind in a better place. It was some fresh air, a change of atmosphere and a new experience,” Badel said.

Shum fields Moments In Time in Sunday’s Sha Tin Trophy. The trainer said: “He’s a better horse at Happy Valley. Sha Tin is difficult for him, but with his rating, there are no options and we have to run him. If there was a race for horses rated 110-85 at Happy Valley, I’m pretty confident he would run better.”