Francis Lui is contemplating an ambitious bid for the prestigious HK$13 million G1 Stewards’ Cup (1600m) with Patch Of Theta after the gelding’s commanding victory in the HK$4.2 million G3 Chinese Club Challenge Cup Handicap (1400m) at Sha Tin on January 1.

A high-profile purchase at the 2023 Hong Kong International Sale for HK$8.6 million, Patch Of Theta has now amassed career earnings of HK$11.1 million. Under the skilled guidance of Karis Teetan, the four-year-old surged from sixth position to claim his sixth career win in 1m 20.91s, defeating Drombeg Banner and Green N White with ease.

Lui, already a two-time Stewards’ Cup winner with Golden Sixty, was buoyed by Teetan’s glowing feedback on Patch Of Theta's potential. “He keeps improving, and Teetan said the horse has a third gear, not just a second,” Lui noted. “We’ll consider stepping him up to 1600m for the Stewards’ Cup on January 19.”

Teetan echoed the sentiment, highlighting Patch Of Theta’s untapped potential: “Once he fully learns how to race, he’ll improve even more. He changed gears effortlessly today despite the weight.”

Meanwhile, John Size secured a fifth G3 Bauhinia Sprint Trophy Handicap (1000m) win as Howdeepisyourlove edged Magic Control by a short head. Beauty Waves completed the placings in 56.16s. Guided by Zac Purton, the 2022/23 Hong Kong Champion Griffin tracked the pace before unleashing a decisive burst along the outside rail.

Size praised Howdeepisyourlove’s resilience: “It was a tremendous effort to overhaul a tough leader like Magic Control. He deserved this win.” With six victories and 10 minor placings from 25 starts, the Deep Field gelding could be aimed at the G1 Al Quoz Sprint (1200m) at Meydan in April, depending on his recovery.

Purton, who recorded a treble on the day, highlighted Howdeepisyourlove’s consistency: “He’s just below the top sprinters but capitalized today. The outside fence suited him perfectly.”

Purton also scored wins aboard Legend St Paul’s and Storming Dragon, edging closer to Douglas Whyte’s record of 1,813 Hong Kong victories.

Vincent Ho marked his return from injury with a double, partnering Chris So-trained runners The Boom Box and Devas Twelve to Class 4 victories. “It’s been tough, but I’m thrilled to be back. The Boom Box is progressing well,” Ho said.

Other highlights included Britney Wong and Benno Yung’s win with Fun Elite, Ricky Yiu’s double with Chilli Baba and Solid Win, and Caspar Fownes and Ellis Wong’s triumph with Dancing Code. Jimmy Ting’s Huge Wave, ridden by Harry Bentley, rounded off the day with a strong win in the Class 3 Chuk Yuen Handicap (1600m).

Hong Kong racing resumes at Sha Tin on Sunday, January 5.