Classic Cup (1,800m) hero Rubylot’s bid to win the BMW Hong Kong Derby (2,000m) received a big boost when he was dealt barrier four, but Thursday’s crucial draw wasn’t as kind to fellow leading contender My Wish.
Trainer David Hayes was delighted when Rubylot was handed the ideal gate for Sunday’s HK$26 million feature at Sha Tin, while Mark Newnham remained positive about My Wish’s chances despite his horror draw in 14.
Rubylot surged into nominal favouritism for the city’s most prestigious race when he stormed home from near last to beat My Wish by three-quarters of a length in the traditional Derby lead-up race, the Classic Cup (1,800m), on March 2.
“I’m thrilled with the barrier,” said Hayes, who is striving to add to his first Derby success with filly Elegant Fashion in 2003.
The 2025 Hong Kong Derby barrier draw.
“I would have hated for him to draw three times in a row wide. If he’d drawn wide, he would have had to go back but from barrier four, he can lob midfield and won’t have to do as much.
“I think if Brenton [Avdulla] could have chosen a barrier, that is the one he would have chosen.”
In the midst of a superb season with 34 wins, including 17 since the start of February, Avdulla is dreaming of a famous win in the race every Hong Kong-based rider, trainer and owner wants to win.
“Anyone who comes to Hong Kong wants to win a Derby, so it would be a massive thrill,” the Australian jockey said.
Brenton Avdulla guides Rubylot (right) to victory over My Wish (left) in the Classic Cup.
“Obviously California Spangle has been a pin-up horse for me since I’ve been here but Rubylot is getting there and if he can win a Hong Kong Derby, it would be very special.”
In contrast to Rubylot’s dream barrier, My Wish was perhaps the biggest loser on Thursday when his name was drawn last with only the widest gate available.
The pint-sized four-year-old has been a revelation for Newnham with four wins, highlighted by his Classic Mile triumph in January, and a gutsy second in the Classic Cup this season.
Newnham will rely on My Wish’s ability to overcome wide draws by settling prominently in running for jockey Luke Ferraris.
Rubylot mows them down in the Hong Kong Classic Cup at Sha Tin! My Wish is brave in defeat as @brentonavdulla and David Hayes combine for victory... 🏆#4YOSeries | #LoveRacing | #HKracing pic.twitter.com/5YiJeHY1Ub
— HKJC Racing (@HKJC_Racing) March 2, 2025
“We knew which one we were going to get because we were the last out and there was only one left,” Newnham said.
“The horse has shown this season that he’s adaptable and he’s won from 13 and 14 already this season, so we’ll just have to come up with the right tactics to give ourselves the best chance to win.
“Voyage Bubble won from 14, so that’s a positive.”
Voyage Bubble overcame the same draw courtesy of a stunning ride by Frenchman Alexis Badel to claim an upset win at $46.8 in the Derby two years ago.
Bundle Award surges into Derby contention with a barnstorming win under Ben Thompson.
Tony Cruz will bid for a seventh Derby victory, having won four as a jockey and two as a trainer, when he starts Californiatotality (barrier 11) and Stunning Peach (12).
“My Wish is in 14 and we’ve got 11 and 12. My Wish has got some speed and my horses will be up in front, too,” Cruz said. “That will suit them because they’re one-actioned horses. I like the Derby and you always want to win it. May the best man win.”
Classic Cup third placegetter Johannes Brahms and brilliant last-start 1,800m winner, Bundle Award, drew solidly in barrier eight and nine, respectively.
Another prominent hope, Francis Lui Kin-wai’s Packing Angel, drew well in barrier six. Brazilian star Joao Moreira will ride the gelding, who comes off a last-start fourth in the Classic Cup.
