Wednesday, 3rd June 2026
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A formidable cast assembles at Sha Tin on Sunday as Romantic Warrior pursues a Triple Crown milestone in the HK$13 million Citi Hong Kong Gold Cup (2000m), but depth rather than deference shapes the opposition. Among the five standing in his path is My Wish, the Mark Newnham-trained talent who will be partnered by Hugh Bowman in a race that doubles as a litmus test of his progression, reports racingnews.hkjc.com. Last season's standout four-year-old resumed this campaign with authority, stringing together victories in the G3 Celebration Cup Handicap (1400m) and G2 Sha Tin Trophy Handicap (1600m) before tackling elite company over a mile. The step back to 2000m is significant, recalling his flashing second to Cap Ferrat in the 2025 BMW Hong Kong Derby when he stormed home from the rear and fell short by a short-head. Bowman senses untapped upside. "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," he said. The pair sharpened up in a February 20 turf trial at Sha Tin, where My Wish clocked 1m 38.84s when hard held behind Voyage Bubble and Romantic Warrior. "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." The Gold Cup field also features Voyage Bubble, Beauty Joy, Ensued and Winning Wing, ensuring any slip will be punished. Bowman, a past winner of the race with Werther in 2017, knows the assignment demands both class and timing. Attention then shifts to the HK$13 million Hong Kong Classic Cup (1800m), the second leg of the Four-Year-Old Classic Series, where Bowman reunites with Invincible Ibis. The Newnham-trained four-time winner was favourite in the Classic Mile but finished sixth after jumping from barrier 11. "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. Newnham has also entered Infinite Resolve and Lucky Sam Gor, with Aerodynamics first reserve, underscoring a significant weekend for the stable. Bowman's recent Classic Cup success aboard Helios Express in 2024 offers encouragement that, amid strong opposition, opportunity still awaits.
