Son of Sebring Headlines Sha Tin Vase
Jockey Brett Prebble concedes that the Gr.3 Sha Tin Vase Handicap (2018, 1200m) shapes as D-day for Lucky Bubbles as the group one winner looks to return to the winners’ circle for the first time this season.
The Francis Lui-trained Lucky Bubbles returned from a three-month break to defend his title in the Gr.1 Chairman’s Sprint Prize (2018, 1200m). In the end, he could not retain the crown, finishing fifth to Ivictory.
That last run was the first time that Prebble had ridden Lucky Bubbles in over a year; the Australian rider had partnered the Sebring six-year-old at his first 16 Hong Kong starts before Hugh Bowman took the reins for his Chairman’s Sprint Prize victory.
“He definitely didn’t feel the same horse that he used to, but he’s got older and he’s probably got a few niggles,” Prebble said. “His action felt comfortable, though, he pulled up clean and he’s been very well since that. We gave him a nice blow in his trial recently; when I pushed the button, he extended well the last 150m and that was a positive sign.”
Lui is eyeing off a step up to 1400m with Lucky Bubbles, with the Gr.3 Premier Cup Handicap his anticipated season finale. He has not stepped beyond 1200m since finishing fourth to Sun Jewellery in the 2016 Hong Kong Classic Mile, a race in which he just held off Sha Tin Vase' rival Thewizardofoz.
Regular rider Douglas Whyte will maintain his association with Born In China, with the pair to jump from gate seven in the eight-horse field.
Also contesting the weekend’s sprint feature are Tony Cruz-trained pair Winner’s Way and Wah May Friend , the Frankie Lor-conditioned Dundonnell and trainer Chris So’s Fabulous One.
credit: Ritesh Jamkhedkar Ritesh.jamkhedkar@secretariatsworld.com