The barrier draw for Sunday’s (March 23) HK$26 million BMW Hong Kong Derby (2000m) at Sha Tin has delivered contrasting fortunes for contenders, with My Wish landing the extreme outside in gate 14, while Rubylot secured an ideal position in barrier four.

Trainer Mark Newnham remains optimistic despite My Wish’s wide draw, citing the gelding’s adaptability and jockey Luke Ferraris’ tactical skills as key assets. My Wish, who won the Hong Kong Classic Mile (1600m) and was runner-up in the Hong Kong Classic Cup (1800m), now faces the challenge of replicating Voyage Bubble’s 2023 Derby victory from the same barrier.

“We knew which gate we were getting because we were the last one out,” Newnham said. “But this horse has already won from wide draws (barriers 13 and 14), so we just need the right race plan. Voyage Bubble won from 14 last year, so that’s a good sign.”

My Wish claimed the Classic Mile from barrier eight and finished second to Rubylot in the Classic Cup after jumping from gate nine. Meanwhile, David Hayes was delighted with Rubylot’s draw, seeing it as a prime opportunity for the Hong Kong Classic Cup winner to capitalize on his tactical versatility.

“I’m thrilled with barrier four,” Hayes said. “If he’d drawn wide again, he would have had to go back. Now, from gate four, he can settle midfield and won’t have to work as hard.”

Jockey Brenton Avdulla will take the reins aboard Rubylot, who has won three times from barrier two and has additional victories from gates five, eight, and 11. Hayes, a two-time Hong Kong champion trainer, is chasing his first Derby win since Elegant Fashion in 2003.

Veteran trainer Tony Cruz, a six-time Derby winner, remains unfazed by wide draws for his two runners, Californiatotality (barrier 11) and Stunning Peach (12).

“My Wish is in 14, and we’ve got 11 and 12. My horses will be up in front, which suits them because they’re one-paced runners,” Cruz said. “I love the Derby, and we always aim to win it. May the best horse win.”

The Derby field also includes Lo Rider (barrier one), Cap Ferrat (two), Mickley (three), Beauty Alliance (five), Packing Angel (six), Noisy Boy (seven), Johannes Brahms (eight), Bundle Award (nine), Markwin (10), and Steps Ahead (13).

Sunday’s Derby Day at Sha Tin kicks off with the Class 4 Luger Handicap (1400m) at 1pm, with the BMW Hong Kong Derby scheduled as Race 7 at 4:05pm.