Hong Kong: Voyage Bubble tries again to beat Romantic Warrior
Champion jockey Zac Purton says Voyage Bubble’s disappointing performance last start should be excused as he prepares to take on Romantic Warrior in the Group 1, US$1.66 million Hong Kong Gold Cup at Sha Tin on Sunday.
Ricky Yiu’s 7-year-old finished a distant third to Romantic Warrior in the Stewards’ Cup (G1) at a mile last month, relinquishing the Triple Crown he claimed so spectacularly last season.
Purton noted Voyage Bubble had excuses for that below-par effort.
“I think we can forget the last run,” said the Australian, who secured a sensational Hong Kong Mile (G1) win with Voyage Bubble in December. “He slipped coming out of the gates, he lost his balance and he lost his confidence. He never felt comfortable or in a rhythm throughout that whole race. It upset him a little bit. He wasn’t moving that well, and obviously, he didn’t perform at his best.”
However, Purton is optimistic about his chances of mounting a stronger challenge against Danny Shum’s superstar in the second leg of the Triple Crown on Sunday.
“Since then, he’s trialled really well,” Purton said. “I can feel he’s moving really nicely again, and we know we can handle 2000 (meters, about 1 1/4 miles).
“It’s a small field. It’ll be a tactical race. Barriers will be important. But I’m going there hopeful that we’ve got a chance to overturn Romantic Warrior.”
Globetrotting phenomenon Romantic Warrior is unbeaten on home soil in more than two years and has an incredible record of 13: 12-1-0 at his pet distance of 1 1/4 miles.
Purton’s enthusiasm was echoed by Yiu, however, who was pleased with Voyage Bubble’s trial on Feb. 20, in which he hit the front and kept on nicely to head off Romantic Warrior.
“His last trial was good. He’s still showing his form,” said the 2019-20 Hong Kong champion trainer.
“Voyage Bubble is very straightforward; he’s never put one step wrong. He’s a very consistent horse, and he’ll run well again. But as we know, it’s a big task this time.”
The son of Deep Field has drawn widest in the six-runner field, while Romantic Warrior will jump from gate four. The other competitors in the race are Ensued, Beauty Joy, Winning Wing and My Wish.
The 11-race fixture at Sha Tin starts at 11:30 p.m. EST on Saturday. The Hong Kong Gold Cup jumps at 2:35 a.m. EST. The meeting also features the 1 1/8-mile Hong Kong Classic Cup (1800m), which will be run at 3:45 a.m. EST.
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