Bidding to add to an impressive collection of Hong Kong feature wins this season, James McDonald is wary of emerging threats to Lucky Sweynesse as the world’s top-rated sprinter attempts to win a second successive HK$13 million Gr.1 Queen’s Silver Jubilee Cup (1400m) at Sha Tin on Sunday (10 March).
McDonald reunites with Manfred Man’s speedster for the first time since the pair’s 2023 Queen’s Silver Jubilee Cup triumph as the New Zealander shapes to add to Hong Kong Group One races – the 2023 Gr.1 LONGINES Hong Kong Cup (2000m) and 2024 Gr.1 Citi Hong Kong Gold Cup (2000m) on Romantic Warrior and the 2024 Gr.1 Stewards’ Cup (1600m) on Voyage Bubble – he has already secured this season.
The New Zealander is excited to be aboard Lucky Sweynesse, who is unbeaten at the course and distance from three starts.
“He’s (Lucky Sweynesse) a champion sprinter and he’s as good as you can get. Obviously, last season he was great and he’s been a slow build this year, but I wouldn’t swap him for anything that’s for sure,” McDonald said.
“He was very good last year (in the Queen’s Silver Jubilee Cup). He beat a very in-form California Spangle who was flying. He did a good job and ran it out strongly.”
Lucky Sweynesse, who has drawn barrier eight, will again face California Spangle as well as Beauty Eternal, Beauty Joy, Lucky With You, Healthy Happy, Taj Dragon, Son Pak Fu, Red Lion and Galaxy Patch.
McDonald is respectful of all Sunday’s competitors, but has identified Beauty Eternal and Taj Dragon as likely dangers as Lucky Sweynesse attempts to rebound after a last-start sixth to Victor The Winner in the G1 Centenary Sprint Cup (1200m) on 28 January.
“It was the worst run of his career last start, but he’s a serious horse on his day and he’s unbeaten over 1400m,” McDonald said. “It’s a bit of a different kettle of fish because it’s over 1400m rather than six furlongs, but I’m pretty hopeful of our chance this time around.
“Zac’s on Beauty Eternal, so he must have a massive chance. Taj Dragon is also going super at the minute and he may be able to come up another notch.”
McDonald has five other mounts on Sunday – Seizing The Moment and Golden Rise for John Size, Danny Shum’s Packing Prospect, Champion Dragon for Tony Cruz and Giddy Up for Jamie Richards.
Sunday’s (10 March) 10-race card at Sha Tin starts with the Class 5 Hau Wong Handicap (1800m) at 1pm.