BRINGING ASIAN RACING TO THE WORLD
With a rating of 120+ in the Classic Cup and Romantic Warrior on a near-unbeatable 127 in the Gold Cup, the Tech Team previews Sunday's twin features and every race on the support card.
28 February 2026
In the lead-up to the Derby, The Hong Kong Classic Cup, Little Paradise is ideally drawn to sit on the pace behind the likely leader, Numbers, and should peel off his back and win running away by two lengths or more.
The Tech Team ratings for Sunday’s race are as follows. Our scale is in pounds, where three pounds equates to one length:
We note that Akashvani has a career high mark of 115 at 1400 metres but it is highly unlikely to repeat this performance at 1800 metres.
We further note that the plus sign for Little Paradise indicates likely improvement from the 120 figure.
As mentioned in our last article, we feel that Little Paradise is the equal of Golden Sixty, so if the ribbons are cut on Sunday we could see something very special. We are convinced on breeding that Little Paradise will run out a strong 2000 metres given the presence of two Melbourne Cup winners on the dam’s side of his pedigree.
The Citi Hong Kong Gold Cup
Similarly, we expect a dominant winner, and the Tech Team ratings are below:
Note that Voyage Bubble has an all-time best rating of 125, which he has achieved only once; however, 120 is his solid mark. On the other hand, Romantic Warrior does 127 virtually every time he races.
Race 1: The Citi Wealth Handicap
The highest raters here are Audacious Pursuit (85) and Volcanic Spark (87), and they would appear to be the top chances, however, we cannot discount the chances of the last start winner Storm Runner (79) who has placed in the top 4 in every one of his last 10 starts. Our recommended betting strategy is the Quinella 1 & 8 and a saver quinella 9 banker from 1 & 8.
Race 2: The Citi Private Bank Handicap
This on paper appears to be a race lacking in front running pace and difficult to assess. The main chances appear to be 1, 3, 7 and 14.
Race 3: The Citigold Private Client Handicap
Six main chances 1, 2, 6, 8, 10 and 11, with the most interesting runner and our top pick being Circuit Fiery. He is drawn in barrier 1 and to be ridden by the best jockey, Zac Purton, and is likely to park on the speed. In the past he has struggled to run well in Class 4, never winning and running two seconds and two thirds, however his Tech Team rating improved to a career best of 83 from 79 at his latest run so he has a lot in his favour on Sunday. We recommend an each-way bet on #8 Circuit Fiery.
Race 4: The Citigold Handicap
Gold Patch rated well at his first start with a TT rating of 94. Off this figure he would only have to overcome his awkward barrier draw of 13 to salute yet again. There are many horses that can be safely opposed here, in particular #1 Alsonso and #8 Glaciated. In this group of horses to oppose, we would also include #4 Motor, #9 Precision Hope, and numbers 11, 12 and 13.
Race 5: The Citi Ultima Handicap
The main chances are #11 Alabama Song, who appears to be back to his form from his Griffin days, and #6 Conrad Patch, who was beaten for turn of foot on the corner last start. #4 Happy Shooter and #5 Voyage Bosso have winning chances. We would be surprised if the race winner is not found in these four combatants.
Race 8: The Citi Insurance Services Handicap
There are only three winning chances: #4 Rising Force, #6 Aurio and the non-winner #10 Armour War Eagle. If #7 Anode was to return his best rating he would be in the mix; however, he is currently racing below his best. #1 Lucy In The Sky is resuming from a bleed and has had the benefit of recent trials however we believe that she may need ratings relief as she is currently off a high mark.
Race 11: The Citi Credit Card Handicap
The chances here are down in weights with the promising Emblazon #9 against #10 Juneau Pride. The only other winning hopes are #7 Gustissimo and #11 Mid Winter Wind. We strongly oppose the other eight entrants.
