My Wish looms as Romantic Warrior chases Hong Kong Triple Crown glory

Five rivals stand in the way of Romantic Warrior’s Triple Crown bid when Sunday’s HK$13 million G1 Citi Hong Kong Gold Cup jumps at Sha Tin, including Mark Newnham’s quality talent My Wish, who links with Hugh Bowman.

A star of his four-year-old class last season, My Wish returned in a big way this campaign by reeling off two wins in his first two appearances – G3 Celebration Cup Handicap (1400m) and G2 Sha Tin Trophy Handicap (1600m), before two midfield finishes in Group 1 contests over the mile.

This weekend’s challenge – which also sees Voyage Bubble, Beauty Joy, Ensued and Winning Wing entered to run – marks My Wish’s first run over the trip since the 2025 HK$26 million BMW Hong Kong Derby (2000m) when he missed by a short-head to Cap Ferrat after rocketing home from the back of the field.

“He’s certainly on the way up – his age and form suggest that. I think he’s probably still got some physical maturing to do, but in saying that, he’s come a long way in the last 12 months and his best is probably still ahead of him,” Bowman said.

Bowman, who won the Citi Hong Kong Gold Cup in 2017 with champion Werther, rode My Wish in a turf trial at Sha Tin on 20 February, clocking a hard-held 1m 38.84s, behind Voyage Bubble and Romantic Warrior, first and second in that practice hit-out.

“I’ve only sat on him once in a trial, but I was really pleased with him. He’s performed well at the distance before, and there’s no hiding the fact there is some very strong opposition to tackle, but I think he’ll certainly make his presence felt,” Bowman said.

Sunday’s fixture also sees the running of the HK$13 million Hong Kong Classic Cup (1800m) – leg two of the three-race Four-Year-Old Classic Series – where Bowman reunites with Newnham’s four-time winner Invincible Ibis.

“Not much went his way from an awkward barrier (11) in the Classic Mile. I think there’s still certain queries about him from a stamina point of view, but he’s certainly got the class – he’s proven that, and with a more economical run in the Classic Cup, I’d like to think that he can finish a bit closer,” Bowman said.

Invincible Ibis, who started as favourite, was sixth in the HK$13 million Hong Kong Classic Mile (1600m) behind Little Paradise. Newnham, who is preparing for a big weekend at Sha Tin, has also entered Infinite Resolve and Lucky Sam Gor to run in the Hong Kong Classic Cup, while Aerodynamics is currently first reserve.

Bowman previously won the Hong Kong Classic Cup with Helios Express (2024).