The Hong Kong International Races deliver one of the deepest and most competitive cards in global Thoroughbred racing, and this race-by-race breakdown combines Tom’s picks and Rich’s selections for Races 4 through 8. Featuring elite Group 1 runners from Japan, Europe, Australia, and Hong Kong, this analysis highlights class form, distance specialists, pace dynamics, and late-running profiles across the Hong Kong Vase, Sprint, Mile, and Cup. Below, you’ll find both expert viewpoints presented side-by-side, with all original commentary preserved.
RACE 4 – Longines Hong Kong Vase (Group 1)
Tom’s Picks
2 – Al Riffa
He has too much work to do to have any chance in the Melbourne Cup last time out. He ran seventh after running twenty-second for a good part of the race. He came into that race off two wins at the Curragh. He is getting the type of ground to run on, and with the good draw, he will be tough in this race.
5 – Sosie
Last run was in the Arc, and he ran third; the race was a good effort against a strong field. He ran second in the Foy, missing by half a length. The Sandown race featured a top-notch field, and I could only run sixth. He is a very versatile runner who can run on the front end or come from behind.
3 – Giavellotto
He won this race last year at odds of 12-1. He came from off the pace. Since that race, he ran ok in Dubai, then ran third at Epsom. He beat the top-class mare, Kalpana, on the all-weather and ran fourth in the Arc. Against this field, he has a chance to repeat but I looking for his late run to be enough to get in the money.
Rich’s Picks
2 – AL RIFFA – this guy appears to have crazy late legs
8 – EYDON – moving up in class but seems to be in great form
3 – GIAVELLOTTO – been more than a year since making 3 in a row – fully healthy
5 – SOSIE – does have a Group 1 win – 3rd up is questionable
RACE 5 – Longines Hong Kong Sprint (Group 1)
Tom’s Picks
1 – Ka Ying Rising
He is going to his sixteenth win in a row today and will again sit up with the pace and move at the end. He’s beaten the best sprinters in Australia this year in the Everest. It would be a major upset if he loses.
5 – Win Carnelian
His last race was awe-inspiring. He crossed over from the sixteen-post position, sitting just off the pace, and won against top-class sprinters in Japan. He lost to Believing in Dubai early in the season and ran fifth in two races back as his prep for the win. He has plenty of speed and will need it coming from post eleven.
3 – Lucky Sweynesse
Two races back, he ran a poor effort in Japan in the race that Win Camelian won. In his return race in Hong Kong, he ran fourth a bit wide and was asked to go but didn’t have the finishing kick. He will benefit from that race and will run much better today.
Rich’s Picks
1 – KA YING RISING – can’t get past 18/16-2 lifetime
2 – SANTONO REVE – finished 2.25 lengths behind KA YING
6 – FAST NETWORK – finished 2.75 behind
4 – HELIOS EXPRESS – 1 of 3 to finish 4.5 behind – but consistently more ITM than Lucky Sweynesse and Raging Blizzard
RACE 6 – Jim And Tonic Handicap (Class 3)
Tom’s Picks
6 – Snowfield
He is improving with each start lately. A third last time and a fourth the time before running 2000m and before 1650m. This is his first try at this distance, and being a dead closer, the eleven post is ok for me. A timely ride will result in a good, winning effort.
5 – Prestige Good
He ran second last time out, missing by a neck. He responded well under pressure but was caught. He has shown good tactical speed in his last few races to suggest he’s ready for a big effort again. He has a good starting post to sit behind the pace to finish at the end.
2 – Gentlemen Legacy
He run second twice at this distance but only has one win in Hong Kong from seven starts. He has been running either 1800m or 2000m, with the win at 2000m. He had a tough trip last time, and he will improve today. He gets Zac, who is always in a positive.
Rich’s Picks
3 – POPE CODY – going to be closing and first time past a mile
2 – GENTLEMEN LEGACY – Zac Purton on the ML FAV – makes sense taking a small drop
7 – MISTER DAPPER – could improve in 3rd up and just missed in last
4 – WINNING GOLD – crazy pick for sure at 99-1, but really not losing by a lot
RACE 7 – Longines Hong Kong Mile (Group 1)
Tom’s Picks
14 – Embroidery
She came into her last race after five months off, in a Group One at Kyoto, and won by half a length going 2000m. Her race before the layoff was a very dull effort after a win in the Japanese Guineas at 1600m. She has four runs at 1600m, winning two and finishing second in one. She will be in a forward position.
2 – Voyage Bubble
He ran second to Romantic Warrior last time out after setting the pace. Based on that race, he should be one to beat. He beat Soul Rush the previous year in this race. The race he ran two weeks ago was a mess. I tossed it. He gets Zac.
5 – Galaxy Patch
An impressive effort last time out, coming from off the pace to win. He’s run behind Vogage Bubble in earlier races and then went a bit off form before the last race. He’s going to run late.
Rich’s Picks
14 – EMBROIDERY – making the 2nd start after a layoff for the 4th time – won the previous 3
9 – SUNLIGHT POWER – ITM 6/8 at the distance – was much faster vs the last mile
2 – VOYAGE BUBBLE – successful at Sha Tin and Distance – Zac Purton
7 – HAPPY TOGETHER – just missed in his last and ITM 5 of last 6
RACE 8 – Longines Hong Kong Cup (Group 1)
Tom’s Picks
2 – Bellagio Opera
He comes into this race off a layoff and has won first up in the past. He won the race before at 2000m in 1:56.20, which is faster than any of this field has ever run that distance. Win or out of the money?
1 – Romantic Warrior
Yet again, I will try to beat this horse, and he was very impressive last time out, catching Voyage Bubble at the end. He closed out last year with a win in this race.
7 – Quissana
She ran third last time out to Kalpana at Ascot. She is three for four at this distance and a group one winner in France. Good price.
Rich’s Picks
7 – QUISISANA – maybe I am nuts – but winner 3 of 4 at the distance
1 – ROMANTIC WARRIOR – won 11 of 13 at the distance
3 – ROUSHAM PARK – similar form to Bellagio Opera vs common opponents
