The excitement is building at Sha Tin Racecourse as the Hong Kong racing calendar kicks off 2025 with a thrilling New Year’s Day fixture. Headlining the action is the HK$4.2 million G3 Bauhinia Sprint Trophy Handicap (1000m), where Magic Control (125lb), under jockey Matthew Chadwick, is poised to make his mark as a rising star in the sprinting ranks.
Trained by Cody Mo, Magic Control has quickly become a name to watch, boasting two wins from three starts since arriving in Hong Kong. Among those victories was a decisive win over Wunderbar, and he further proved his credentials with a narrow second to Beauty Waves (131lb) in the G3 National Day Cup Handicap in October. The chestnut sprinter will face his familiar rival once again, promising an electrifying contest between the two speedsters.
“Cody’s got him going really well,” Chadwick said. “He’s been improving with every run, and his last trial was his best yet. If he carries that form into this race, I’m confident he’ll put in a strong performance.”
Magic Control’s preparation has been nothing short of exceptional. On December 17, he dazzled with a nine-length trial victory over 1000m at Sha Tin, clocking an impressive 56.78s. Pre-import, the 97-rated sprinter claimed the 2023 G3 Red Anchor Stakes (1200m) at Moonee Valley, further showcasing his class.
Meanwhile, Beauty Waves, to be ridden by Hugh Bowman for the first time, has also impressed during his preparation. “He trialed unreal on the dirt the other day,” Bowman remarked. “He’s already proven himself over the straight 1000m and has conditions in his favor.”
Supporting Highlights
The day’s card offers much more than just the Bauhinia Sprint Trophy. Fans can look forward to the HK$4.2 million G3 Chinese Club Challenge Cup Handicap (1400m), where Bowman partners with Tony Cruz-trained Beauty Joy (129lb).
“He’s ultra-consistent and has matured a lot over the past two years,” Bowman said. “The weight relief with his stablemate (California Spangle, 135lb) will also work in his favor.”
In the Class 3 Chuk Yuen Handicap (1600m), the spotlight will be on five Four-Year-Old Classic Series hopefuls, including the Mark Newnham-trained My Wish (129lb), who aims for his third straight win. Also competing is Mickley (133lb), who seeks back-to-back victories following his breakthrough success in Hong Kong.
“Mickley is an exciting horse,” Bowman noted. “He’s shown great potential, and I expect him to take another step forward.”
Looking Ahead
Top trainer David Hayes is already eyeing major Group 1 targets for his stable stars in the coming months. His standout sprinter, Ka Ying Rising, is being aimed at the G1 Centenary Sprint Cup (1200m) on January 19 and possibly the G1 Queen’s Silver Jubilee Cup (1400m) in March.
“We’re happy with where he’s at,” Hayes said. “He’s been thriving since his last run and has shown he’s ready for the next challenge.”
A Must-Watch Raceday
The New Year’s Day action kicks off at 12:30 pm for the “Lucky Start 2025 Raceday,” featuring 11 races. With a Triple Trio jackpot of HK$10 million and a Six Win Bonus jackpot of HK$3.8 million, fans are in for an exhilarating start to the year.
As the spotlight turns to Sha Tin, all eyes will be on Magic Control and his bid to establish himself among Hong Kong’s sprinting elite. Whether it’s the seasoned competitors or the emerging talents, this promises to be a raceday to remember.
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