Ricky Yiu plots BMW Hong Kong Derby path with Simply Maverick

By Leo Schlink

Having savoured the ultimate BMW Hong Kong Derby (2000m) experience with stable star Voyage Bubble last season, Ricky Yiu is bidding for successive Classic victories with emerging talent Simply Maverick.

With three wins from his past four starts – all over Happy Valley’s 1650m course – Simply Maverick returns to Sha Tin on Sunday (18 February) when he will attempt to enhance his rating and Derby prospects in the Class 3 TVB Miss Hong Kong Pageant Handicap (1800m).

“He (Simply Maverick) is an exciting horse - really exciting. He’s done well at Happy Valley and I think a big horse like him might be an even better horse at Sha Tin with the big, long straight. He’s improving all the time,” Yiu said.

“We’re aiming for the Derby already - we’re going to run him in the Derby.”

To be ridden by Andrea Atzeni, Simply Maverick will start from barrier 11 against 10 rivals including fellow Hong Kong Derby nominees Moments In Time, Simple Hedge, Devildom and Enigma.

Rated 74, the Sebring gelding has made strong headway this season after starting the campaign on a mark of 51 for Yiu, who celebrated his maiden Derby triumph in 2023 when Alexis Badel piloted Voyage Bubble to a memorable victory after starting from barrier 14.

Voyage Bubble will contest the G1 Citi Hong Kong Gold Cup (2000m) at Sha Tin on 25 February as Yiu chases more elite success with the gelding before a potential tilt at the G1 Dubai Turf (1800m) at Meydan Racecourse on 30 March.

With 30 wins and 49 minor placings this season from 293 runners, Yiu hopes Good Luck Friend can strike in the Class 2 TVB Cup Handicap (1400m) under in-form Angus Chung after the gelding’s 10th on Monday (12 February) at Sha Tin behind Howdeepisyourlove.

“He pulled up really well. He’s a very nice horse and I wouldn’t be surprised if he can do well again at the end of the season,” Yiu said.

Benno Yung will bid to foil Yiu’s plans with Gummy Gummy, who jumps from barrier eight for Jerry Chau in the HK$2.84 million contest.

“I hope he can win, of course, but it’s a competitive race,” Yung said. “He’s in good form, a decent draw will help him a bit. There’s no dirt race there for him and he can handle the turf and the dirt. I think 1400m will be OK.”

With a pair of wins and five seconds from his past seven starts, Gummy Gummy has reached a career-high mark of 86.

Fresh from a Thursday night (15 February) double, Lyle Hewitson will continue his successful partnership with Francis Lui’s Yellowfin in the Class 3 TVB Midlife, Sing & Shine Handicap (1650m, dirt).

With three wins on the Australian-bred, Hewitson believes the gelding will be well suited again after a last-start third behind So We Joy over this course and distance on 24 January.

“I think he’s in the same vein of form that he’s been in recently and that’s all we can ask for – he’s ready to go again,” the South African said.

Sunday’s 10-race Sha Tin card starts with the Class 5 TVB Charity Fund Handicap (1800m) at 1pm.