Hong Kong runners dominate HK-Macau Trophy field

Hong Kong-based runners figure to dominate Saturday’s $318,483 Hong Kong-Macau Trophy at Sha Tin Racecourse, an annual handicap race that brings together runners from both racing circuits.

The seven-furlong turf race drew a field of 14, featuring 10 runners from Hong Kong and four from Macau. Horses from Hong Kong have the nine highest weight assignments.

Joyful Trinity, who was ninth in the Group 2 Chairman’s Trophy at a mile on turf at Sha Tin on April 8, will carry topweight of 133 pounds.

The Chairman’s Trophy has turned out to be a productive race. Pakistan Star and Beauty Generation, who were fourth and fifth, won Group 1 races at Sha Tin on April 29.

Joyful Trinity, trained by Caspar Fownes, is winless in seven starts since the Hong Kong season began in September, including a third in a minor handicap at Sha Tin on March 18.

Romantic Touch, the winner of a similar race as the Hong Kong-Macau Trophy in Macau on March 4, will carry 132 pounds Saturday. Trained by Tony Cruz, Romantic Touch was a fast-closing second in a handicap at seven furlongs on turf at Sha Tin on April 29.

What Else But You, who beat Romantic Touch on April 29, is likely to be favored in Saturday’s race and will carry 126 pounds. Leading rider Joao Moreira has the mount on a 5-year-old gelding who has won his last two starts for trainer John Size.

What Else But You is most effective as a closer.

The Hong Kong-Macau Trophy will be a class test for The Golden Age, who was fifth in the Hong Kong Derby for 4-year-olds on March 18. The Golden Age is expected to set the pace on Saturday in his first start at seven furlongs since July.

Krystrump, a 5-year-old New Zealand-bred gelding, may be the best hope of the Macau runners, but will be a longshot. Krystrump was second to Romantic Touch in Macau on March 4.