Based on TechTeam’s figures, Romantic Warrior is the highest rated horse in the last ten years in Hong Kong, but if the lightly raced four-year-old takes another step again the results could be truly spectacular. 

TechTeam’s model based on times, weights and measures, and taking into account class and track conditions, produces a ‘kilogram’ figure that helps us find the best winning chance in each race, but can also help us compare horses from previous seasons.  

Romantic Warrior’s four-and-a-half-length win produced an ‘84’ on our ratings – a huge figure – putting him ahead of the peak ratings of recent standouts Beauty Generation (83.5), Able Friend (82), Lord Kanaloa (82) and Variety Club (82). 

It was a big step forward for Danny Shum’s galloper after he had produced a 78.5 in April’s Group 1 Queen Elizabeth Cup and then matched that mark first-up in the Group 2 Jockey Club Cup over 2000m. 

After posting an 84, Romantic Warrior is capable of winning an international G1, but another progressive step – something that isn’t impossible given the northern hemisphere ISG (a horse purchased overseas by HKJC for sale through the Hong Kong International Sale) has had just ten starts – would put Hong Kong’s exciting talent into rarified air indeed. 

Romantic Warrior’s connections indicated post race that he would tackle Hong Kong’s Triple Crown, which starts with the Stewards’ Cup on January 29, and puts him on a collision course with the two star milers California Spangle and Golden Sixty at their pet distance. 

On Sunday’s performances the two milers might have their work cut out. 

Golden Sixty off his game … and an interesting theory why

Regarding the Hong Kong Mile, Golden Sixty rated 80, two kilograms down from the 82 he has hit start after start with the consistency of a metronome. 

A fascinating theory put forward as to why Hong Kong’s two-time horse of the year had a slightly ‘off’ day was that he became highly strung in front of the biggest crowd he has ever seen. 

Political protests in 2019 and Covid restrictions in the three years since mean that Golden Sixty has raced in front of small crowds, and in many cases empty seats. 

Paddock watchers noted Golden Sixty, who can get wound up, had his ears back and was perhaps resenting the extra noise and ‘buzz’ on course courtesy of the 45,000 race-starved fans. 

Golden Sixty still ran well but just below his best and California Spangle, helped by a cool-headed ride by the tactical mastermind Zac Purton, brought about the upset. 

Golden Sixty is beaten! California Spangle & @zpurton aren't for catching in the 2022 G1 Hong Kong Mile for trainer Tony Cruz! 🔥@LONGINES #HKIR | #HKracing pic.twitter.com/KE3GPdXg3I

— HKJC Racing (@HKJC_Racing) December 11, 2022

Adding to the merit of California Spangle’s effort was that the inside track was ever so slightly off compared to the centre of the track, which is not unusual on the “A” course. 

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Let’s get ready to rumble: Hong Kong’s latest, greatest rivalry set for Round 3