Queen's Silver Jubilee Cup | Horse Racing Free Tips

Russian Emperor Breaks Through in Hong Kong Gold Cup

by Alan Carasso

Russian Emperor (Ire) (Galileo {Ire}), the winner of the G3 Hampton Court S. at Royal Ascot in 2020, had run some mighty races since being imported into Hong Kong, but just hadn't had that breakthrough moment. On a rain-soaked Sunday afternoon where the thermometer never made it into the double digits, the 5-year-old finally stood centre stage following a bloodless, 4 1/4-length thrashing of a field that included Horse of the Year Golden Sixty (Aus) (Medaglia d'Oro) in the G1 Citi Hong Kong Gold Cup at Sha Tin Racecourse. The race was marred by a fatal injury to reigning BMW Hong Kong Derby hero Sky Darci (NZ) (Darci Brahma {NZ}), who went amiss three furlongs from home and was sadly euthanased.

Exiting a strong third–with Golden Sixty only second–in the G1 Stewards' Cup over an insufficient 1600-metre trip, Russian Emperor was the $6.50 (11-2) second-elect and raced towards the rear of the Gold Cup field in company with odds-on Golden Sixty as Zebrowski (NZ) (Savabeel {Aus}) and Reliable Team (NZ) (Reliable Man {GB}) led over turf called yielding, a rare designation in Hong Kong. Whereas Vincent Ho kept Golden Sixty out of harm's way–understandable given a somewhat luckless effort from an inside draw in the Stewards' Cup–Blake Shinn rode Russian Emperor for a bit of luck, remaining inside throughout. The two market heavies made runs in unison on the turn, with Golden Sixty clearly taking the worst of it, as Shinn weaved his way through to deliver his challenge four off the inside in upper stretch. To make matters worse for Golden Sixty, the underfoot conditions blunted his typically devastating turn of foot, and by then, Russian Emperor–previously third in last year's Derby and to Loves Only You (Jpn) (Deep Impact {Jpn}) in the G1 Longines Hong Kong Cup in December–was well and truly off and gone. Longshot Savvy Nine (Fr) (Anodin {Ire}) completed a 1-2 for trainer Douglas Whyte.

“I had a few different ideas, few different views,” the conditioner said, reflecting on pre-race game-planning. “In the parade ring, [Blake] said to me 'Do you mind if I ride the rail?' And I said 'You did that last time, you cut the corner and went in. Why would you do anything different? If you've got the horse underneath you, don't come out? It was the winning move. When you're riding with this kind of confidence in these kind of races, that's what you want. The ride made the difference.”

The connections of Golden Sixty chalked up what appeared to be another sub-par performance to Mother Nature.

“The conditions, for sure, played a part and the others just saved up all the ground,” Ho said. “He still ran well, it was still a good effort.”

Pedigree Notes:

Russian Emperor, who was gelded at the end of a six-race preparation last May, becomes a remarkable 93rd top-level scorer for his late sire and joins Longines Hong Kong Vase winners Highland Reel (Ire) and Mogul (Ire) as those to have achieved that success in Hong Kong.

The bay is one of two winners from three to race from his outstanding dam, twice named champion and a four-time Group 1 winner in Australia whose half-sister Commanding Jewel (Aus) (Commands {Aus}) gave their dam Regard back-to-back winners of the G1 Schweppes Thousand Guineas at Caulfield in 2012.

Atlantic Jewel is the dam of Russian Emperor's unraced 4-year-old full-sister Atlantic Emerald (Ire) and 3-year-old full-brother Fleet Commander (Ire). Her current yearling is an Australian-bred son of US Triple Crown winner Justify (Scat Daddy) that is cataloged to sell as lot 62 for the Inglis Australian Easter Yearling Sale Tuesday, Apr. 5. Atlantic Jewel sadly passed away from a hemorrhage five days after foaling that colt.

Sunday, Sha Tin, Hong Kong
CITI HONG KONG GOLD CUP-G1, HK$12,000,000, Sha Tin, 2-20, 3yo/up, 2000mT, 2:04.11, yl.
1–RUSSIAN EMPEROR (IRE), 126, g, 5, by Galileo (Ire)
1st Dam: Atlantic Jewel (Aus) (Ch. 3yo Filly, Ch. Older Mare & MG1SW-Aus, $1,559,748), by Fastnet Rock (Aus)
2nd Dam: Regard (Aus), by Zabeel (NZ)
3rd Dam: Nanshan (Ire), by Nashwan
1ST GROUP 1 WIN. O-Mike Cheung Shun Shing; B-Coolmore, Lauri Macri & Partners; T-Douglas Whyte; J-Blake Shinn; HK$6,840,000. Lifetime Record: GSW-Eng, GSP-Ire, 17-3-3-3, HK$19,964,860. Werk Nick Rating: A. Click for the eNicks report & 5-cross pedigree.
2–Savvy Nine (Fr), 126, g, 6, Anodin (Ire)–Insan Mala (Ire), by Bahhare. (€42,000 RNA Ylg '17 ARQAUG; €420,000 HRA '18 ARQARC). O-Julian Hui Chun Hang; B-Jan Krauze; T-Douglas Whyte; J-Matthew Chadwick; HK$2,640,000.
3–Golden Sixty (Aus), 126, g, 6, Medaglia d'Oro–Gaudeamus, by Distorted Humor. (A$120,000 Ylg '17 MMGCYS; NZ$300,000 2yo '17 NZBRTR). O-Stanley Chan Ka Leung; B-Asco International Pty Ltd (Qld); T-Francis Lui K W; J-Vincent Ho C Y; HK$1,200,000.
Margins: 4 1/4, 1 1/4, 3/4. Odds: 11-2, 56-1, 2-5.
Also Ran: Tourbillon Diamond (Aus), More Than This (GB), Zebrowski (NZ), Butterfield (Brz), Reliable Team (NZ), Panfield (Chi). DNF: Sky Darci (NZ). Scratched: Columbus County (NZ). Click for the HKJC.com chart, PPs and sectional timing. Click for the free Equineline.com catalog-style pedigree.

Wellington Makes Amends in QSJC…

After having to take evasive action around the nasty spill in the G1 Longines Hong Kong Sprint two back and after enduring a checkered passage when fourth to Sky Field (Aus) (Deep Field {Aus}) in the G1 Centenary Sprint Prize Jan. 23, Wellington (Aus) (All Too Hard {Aus}) was back to his best Sunday, with a comfortable victory in the G1 Queen's Silver Jubilee Cup.

Settled just behind midfield as the heavily tried Californiadeepshot (Aus) (Deep Field {Aus}) dueled inside of Healthy Happy (Aus) (Zoustar {Aus}), Wellington was waited with behind horses, sprinted more quickly than Ka Ying Star (GB) (Cityscape {GB}) to his outside to take aim on the front rank at the 200 metres and kicked home nicely for a second Group 1 success. Ka Ying Star ran on gamely for second ahead of Stewards' Cup upsetter Waikuku (Ire) (Harbour Watch {Ire}), who was strung up in traffic at a crucial stage and did well to be third.

“I'm obviously pleased for the horse, just had an irritating start to the season for him,” winning trainer Richard Gibson commented. “We were lucky to have a horse after the Longines Hong Kong Sprint and all the misfortune that happened to those horses. This year, things haven't quite gone right for him and we fancied our chances today and the horse delivered.”

Gibson confirmed that Wellington will not target anything on foreign soil and will defend his G1 Chairman's Sprint Prize Apr. 24.

Mihiri is the dam of the unraced 2-year-old filly Rotorua (Aus) (Star Witness {Aus}), missed to Deep Field in 2020 and produced a full-sister to Wellington last term.

Sunday, Sha Tin, Hong Kong
QUEEN'S SILVER JUBILEE CUP-G1, HK$12,000,000, Sha Tin, 2-20, 3yo/up, 1400mT, 1:23.53, gd/yl.
1–WELLINGTON (AUS), 126, g, 5, by All Too Hard (Aus)
1st Dam: Mihiri (Aus) (GSP-Aus, $123,433), by More Than Ready
2nd Dam: Danoise (GB), by Danehill
3rd Dam: Solo de Lune (Ire), by Law Society
(A$70,000 Ylg '18 MMGCYS). O-Mr & Mrs Michael Cheng Wing On & Jeffrey Cheng Man Cheong; B-; T-Richard Gibson; J-Alexis Badel; HK$6,840,000. Lifetime Record: 14-8-1-0, HK$25,948,690. Werk Nick Rating: A+++ *Triple Plus*. Click for the eNicks report & 5-cross pedigree.
2–Ka Ying Star (GB), 126, g, 7, Cityscape (GB)–Casual Glance (GB), by Sinndar (Ire). O-Leung Shek Kong; B-Kingsclere Stud; T-Tony Cruz A S; J-Matthew Chadwick; HK$2,640,000.
3–Waikuku (Ire), 126, g, 7, Harbour Watch (Ire)–London Plane (Ire), by Danehill Dancer (Ire). (€33,000 Ylg '16 TISEP). O-Jocelyn Siu Yang Hin Ting; B-Shane Molan; T-John Size, J-Zac Purton; HK$1,200,000.
Margins: 3/4, HF, 1 1/4. Odds: 33-5, 13-1, 3-2.
Also Ran: Sky Field (Aus), Californiadeepshot (Aus), Mighty Giant (NZ), Lucky Express (Aus), Healthy Happy (Aus). Click for the HKJC.com chart, PPs and sectional timing. VIDEO. Click for the free Equineline.com catalog-style pedigree.

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Golden Sixty Looking To Bounce Back in Gold Cup Defence

Having suffered a shock defeat when last seen in the G1 Stewards' Cup–his first in over 30 months–Golden Sixty (Aus) (Medaglia d'Oro) will have atonement on his mind when he goes in search of back-to-back victories in the G1 Citi Hong Kong Gold Cup (2000mT) Sunday afternoon at Sha Tin Racecourse.

There was plenty to play for in the Stewards', as Golden Sixty had taken his winning streak to 16 with a second consecutive success in the G1 Longines Hong Kong Mile in December and had the chance to draw even with the legendary Silent Witness (Aus)'s consecutive streak. It wasn't to be, however, as the 6-year-old got too far out of his ground in a paceless race and he was unable to bridge the gap late with Waikuku (Ire) (Harbour Watch {Ire}). In a sense, that renders Sunday's race a less-stressful affair, and connections anticipate Golden Sixty to be back to his best.

“He felt good, he was really relaxed and he feels nice and strong,” said jockey Vincent Ho after Golden Sixty capped off 1200 metres of work with a final quarter-mile in :22.5 Feb. 15.

In addition to last year's Gold Cup, Golden Sixty defeated the now-retired fellow BMW Hong Kong Derby hero Furore (NZ) (Pierro {Aus}) and looks to stay perfect in three tries at the 10-furlong distance.

Those looking to make life difficult on the reigning Horse of the Year include 2021 Hong Kong Derby winner Sky Darci (NZ) (Darci Brahma {NZ}), who returns to the 2000 metres for the first time since, and Russian Emperor (Ire) (Galileo {Ire}), third in last year's Derby and an excellent third over an insufficient trip in the Stewards' Cup last time.

Waikuku lines up in the 1400-metre G1 Queen's Silver Jubilee Cup as he goes in defence of his crown. His seven rivals include G1 Longines Hong Kong Sprint victor Sky Field (Aus) (Deep Field {Aus}); Chairman's Sprint Prize winner Wellington (Aus) (All Too Hard {Aus}), who has viable excuses for his last two runs; and the sneaky Healthy Happy (Aus) (Zoustar {Aus}), whose two victories from four tries at the metric seven furlongs includes a neck decision over Lucky Express (Aus) (Toronado {Ire}) with 132 pounds on his back in the G3 Chinese Club Challenge Cup H. on New Year's Day.

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Derby Winners Throw Down In Hong Kong Gold Cup

Golden Sixty (Aus) (Medaglia d'Oro) and Furore (NZ) (Pierro {Aus}), winners of the BMW Hong Kong Derby in 2020 and 2019, respectively, treated racing fans to an epic final-furlong battle in Sunday's G1 Citi Hong Kong Gold Cup, with the undisputed current king of the hill in the jurisdiction just clawing his way past Furore to take his current winning streak to 13 and his overall record to a spectacular 16 from 17. Golden Sixty is now within four victories of the record currently held by the legendary Silent Witness (Aus) (El Moxie).

The $1.35 (35-100) favourite was taken back to settle in the latter part of the field and switched off nicely for Vincent Ho, as Time Warp (GB) (Archipenko) set a very slow early tempo in advance of Playa del Puente (Ire) (Elzaam {Aus}), who nearly upset last year's Derby at 289-1. Columbus County (NZ) (Redwood {GB}) rolled forward to try to inject some pace mid-race, as Golden Sixty and Furore eyeballed one another back in the field, the dynamics squarely working against them. The opening 1200 metres were posted in a dawdling 1:15.09, better than a full second outside of standard, and Ho got to work on Golden Sixty, peeling him out and around horses at the 600 metres Meanwhile, Joao Moreira was happy to ride Furore for luck and stuck to the fence. As Golden Sixty wound up on the grandstand side, he looked like he was going to run away, easily claiming defending champion Exultant (Ire) (Teofilo {Ire}) with a furlong and a half to go while wanting to shift inward. But Moreira found a split in upper stretch, shot Furore through and battled with everything he had, only to be on the short end of the bobber. Golden Sixty's final half-mile was timed in :44.48, fractionally faster than Furore's :44.57, albeit with a far inferior trip around the second turn.

“I was quite confident that I would stay ahead of them but we fought hard–it wasn't easy, it was a bit unexpected to be that close,” Ho admitted. “I was just worried about the horse to the inside of him because Golden Sixty laid in a bit, he would have won easier if he didn't do that. Once he went past Exultant he wanted to lay in–it made it difficult for me but it's still a victory.”

With foreign targets off the table, the top two are expected to face a rematch in the G1 FWD QE II Cup over the same course and distance Apr. 25. From there, Golden Sixty could go for a sweep of the 'Triple Crown' in the G1 Standard Chartered Champions and Chater Cup (2400m), for which he stands to collect an HK$10-million bonus if successful.

WATCH: Golden Sixty outgames Furore in the Hong Kong Gold Cup

Sunday, Sha Tin, Hong Kong
CITI HONG KONG GOLD CUP-G1, HK$12,000,000 (£1,107,985/€1,281,174/A$1,994,280/US$1,547,816), 3yo/up, 2000mT, 2:00.25, gd.
1–GOLDEN SIXTY (AUS), 126, g, 5, by Medaglia d'Oro
1st Dam: Gaudeamus (GSW-Ire, $179,846), by Distorted Humor
2nd Dam: Leo's Lucky Lady, by Seattle Slew
3rd Dam: Konafa, by Damascus
(A$120,000 Ylg '17 MMGCYS; NZ$300,000 2yo '18 NZBRTR). O-Stanley Chan Ka Leung; B-Asco International Pty Ltd (Qld); T-Francis Lui; J-Vincent Ho; HK$6,840,000. Lifetime Record: Ch. 4yo-HK, 17-16-0-0, HK$66,525,600. *1/2 to Igitur (Aus) (Helmet {Aus}), SP-Aus. Werk Nick Rating: A+++ *Triple Plus*. Click for the eNicks report & 5-cross pedigree.
2–Furore (NZ), 126, g, 6, Pierro (Aus)–Stormy Choice (Aus), by Redoute's Choice (Aus). (NZ$210,000 Ylg '16 NZBJAN). O-Lee Sheung Chau; B-G S A Bloodstock Pty Ltd; T-Tony Cruz; J-Joao Moreira; HK$2,640,000.
3–Exultant (Ire), 126, g, 7, Teofilo (Ire)–Contrary (Ire), by Mark of Esteem (Ire). O-Eddie Wong Ming Chak & Wong Leung Sau Hing; B-Ballygallon Stud; T-Tony Cruz; J-Zac Purton; HK$1,200,000.
Margins: SHD, 1, 1. Odds: 35-100, 6-1, 22-5.
Also Ran: Glorious Dragon (Ire), Time Warp (GB), Columbus County (NZ), Playa del Puente (Ire). Click for the HKJC.com chart, PPs and sectional timing. Click for the free Equineline.com catalog-style pedigree.

Waikuku Back To Best In QSJC…

For the first time in four years, a horse not named Beauty Generation (NZ) (Road to Rock {Aus}) has taken out the G1 Queen's Silver Jubilee Cup.

Waikuku (Ire) (Harbour Watch {Ire}), an unlucky runner-up to Furore in the 2019 Derby and winner of last year's G1 Stewards' Cup (1600m), was given a perfect ride by Joao Moreira, swooped in front with about a furlong to race and came away to an easy score over a game Southern Legend (Aus) (Not A Single Doubt {Aus}). The victory was the 1300th in Hong Kong for trainer John Size, whose total is exceeded by only the retired John Moore (1735) and Tony Cruz (1329).

“It probably means I've been here a long time and I'm doing my job well,” the understated Size said, reflecting on his move from Sydney to Hong Kong two decades ago. “Every achievement along the way in your career is meaningful. I couldn't have imagined that in my wildest dreams. Obviously, it's been a good move–very good for my career–and I hope is that I can do a good job for customers.”

WATCH: Waikuku back to winning ways in Queen's Silver Jubilee Cup

Sunday, Sha Tin, Hong Kong
QUEEN'S SILVER JUBILEE CUP-G1, HK$12,000,000 (£1,107,985/€1,281,174/A$1,994,280/US$1,547,816), 3yo/up, 1400mT, 1:20.78, gd.
1–WAIKUKU (IRE), 126, g, 6, by Harbour Watch (Ire)
1st Dam: London Plane (Ire), by Danehill Dancer (Ire)
2nd Dam: Aunt Julia (GB), by In The Wings (GB)
3rd Dam: Original (GB), by Caerleon
(€33,000 Ylg '16 TISEP). O-Jocelyn Siu Yang Hin Ting; B-Riversfield Stud; T-John Size; J-Joao Moreira; HK$6,840,000. Lifetime Record: 20-8-4-2, HK$35,843,680. Werk Nick Rating: A+++ *Triple Plus*. Click for the eNicks report & 5-cross pedigree.
2–Southern Legend (Aus), 126, g, 8, Not A Single Doubt (Aus)–Donna's Appeal (Aus), by Carnegie (Ire). (A$280,000 Ylg '14 INGEAS). O-Boniface Ho Ka Kui; B-Corumbene Stud (NSW); T-Caspar Fownes; J-Karis Teetan; HK$2,640,000.
3–Mighty Giant (NZ), 126, g, 5, Power (GB)–Wanderov (NZ), by Ustinov (Aus). O-Mr & Mrs Li Ming On; B-; T-Ricky Yiu; J-Neil Callan; HK$1,200,000.
Margins: 1 1/4, HF, NO. Odds: 11-10, 29-10, 12-1.
Also Ran: More Than This (GB), Ka Ying Star (GB), Not Usual Talent (NZ), Wishful Thinker (Aus), Buddies (Aus), Champion's Way (Aus). Click for the HKJC.com chart, PPs and sectional timing. Click for the free Equineline.com catalog-style pedigree.

Classic Cup Thievery…

When last seen finishing seventh to Excellent Proposal (Aus) (Exceed and Excel {Aus}) in the Hong Kong Classic Mile four weeks ago, Happy Healthy (Aus) (Zoustar {Aus}) endured a wide passage from the riverside draw and never truly reached contention. With Alexis Badel inheriting the ride when Vincent Ho opted for hampered Classic Mile third Tourbillon Diamond (Aus) (Olympic Glory {Ire}), Happy Healthy was allowed a soft lead and never relinquished it en route to a 21-1 boilover.

Drawn gate eight this time, the former Peter and Paul Snowden trainee when raced as Leviathan hopped out best of all and controlled the pace through an opening 1000-metre split of 1:00.40. Still allowed to amble along on the circle, he put away pace-pressing Lucky Patch (NZ) (El Roca {Aus}) in upper stretch and had enough in the locker to hold off the fast-finishing outsider Russian Emperor (Ire) (Galileo {Ire}), winner for Aidan O'Brien of last year's G3 Hampton Court S. at Royal Ascot, who raced with first-time blinkers Sunday. Shadow Hero (Aus) (Pierro {Aus}) ran an improved race in third. Excellent Proposal was done no favours by the lack of pace and came from well back to be a sneaky-good fourth, his final 400m of :45.57 the second-fastest in the race.

“I was just happy to let my horse go because he's obviously a very big horse and I knew he was going to stay on well,” said Badel. “He was also very relaxed in front. It allowed him to take a very big breath before the effort and then he kept on well.”

Pedigree Notes:

Healthy Happy is the 18th black-type winner for Widden Stud's Zoustar, whose other stakes winner outside of Australia is the talented Singapore galloper Top Knight (Aus). He is the only winner to date from his multiple Australian Group 3-placed dam, a daughter of SW/GSP Dashing Granada and a half-sister to MSW & GSP Celebrity Girl (Aus) (Starcraft {NZ}), herself the dam of 2020 G2 Schweppes Thousand Guineas Prelude winner and G1 Schweppes Thousand Guineas third Instant Celebrity (Aus) (Not A Single Doubt {Aus}).

The dam of the 2-year-old colt Publicist (Aus) (Written Tycoon {Aus}), Lady Lakshmi produced a full-sister to the latter after being led out unsold on a bid of A$300,000 at the 2019 Magic Millions Gold Coast National Broodmare Sale. She dropped a Merchant Navy (Aus) colt in 2020 and is back in foal to Russian Revolution (Aus) on a late November cover.

WATCH: Healthy Happy leads them a merry chase in the Hong Kong Classic Cup

Sunday, Sha Tin, Hong Kong
HONG KONG CLASSIC CUP-LR, HK$12,000,000 (£1,107,985/€1,281,174/A$1,994,280/US$1,547,816), NH/SH4yo, 1800mT, 1:47.21, gd.
1–HEALTHY HAPPY (AUS), 126, g, 4, by Zoustar (Aus)
1st Dam: Lady Lakshmi (Aus) (MGSP-Aus, $288,541), by Lonhro (Aus)
2nd Dam: Dashing Granada (Aus), by Keltrice (Aus)
3rd Dam: Jovan (NZ), by Nassipour
1ST STAKES WIN. (A$375,000 Ylg '18 MMGCYS). O-Sin Tung Hing, Sin Yuk Lok & Sin Yuk San; B-Lachlan River Bloodstock (Vic); T-Frankie Lor; J-Alexis Badel; HK$6,840,000. Lifetime Record: 10-5-2-1, HK$10,749,270. *Formerly Leviathan (Aus).
2–Russian Emperor (Ire), 126, c, 4, Galileo (Ire)–Atlantic Jewel (Aus), by Fastnet Rock (Aus). O-Mike Cheung Shun Ching; B-Coolmore, Lauri Macri & Partners; T-Douglas Whyte; J-Keith Yeung; HK$2,640,000.
3–Shadow Hero (Aus), 126, g, 4, Pierro (Aus)–Sookie (Aus), by Casino Prince (Aus). (A$260,000 Ylg '18 INGFEB). O-Edmond Lee Man Bun; B-Lightning Thoroughbreds, Mrs D Kolivos (NSW); T-David Hayes; J-Zac Purton; HK$1,200,000.
Margins: NK, NO, HF. Odds: 21-1, 79-1, 39-5.
Also Ran: Excellent Proposal (Aus), Tourbillon Diamond (Aus), Packing Waltham (Fr), Sky Darci (NZ), Lucky Express (Aus), Sea of Life (Aus), Arthur's Kingdom (Ire), Delightful Laos (Ire), Lucky Patch (NZ), Conqueror (Aus), Smiling Time (SAf). Scratched: Maximus (Ger). Click for the HKJC.com chart, PPs and sectional timing.

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