My Wish will be paired up with Alexis Badel when he takes on Romantic Warrior and Voyage Bubble in the Group One Stewards’ Cup (1,600m) after his owners decided to make a change from his regular jockey Luke Ferraris.

The South African had ridden My Wish in 13 of his 15 runs so far in his career, including wins in the Classic Mile last season and Group Three Celebration Cup (1,400m) and Group Two Sha Tin Trophy (1,600m) on return.

It will be a bitter blow for Ferraris, who has been enjoying a brilliant campaign that sees him sit third in the jockeys’ premiership on 19 winners, but Newnham was quick to praise the young rider and what he has done for his stable star.

“It was the owner’s choice – Luke has played a big part in the horse’s career and I will never downplay that,” said Newnham.

“He will continue to get good support from the stable in the future. Without Luke’s input, I don’t think the horse would have come as far as he has.”

Ferraris missed out on the ride on My Wish when he won the Group Two Sha Tin Trophy as he was unable to make the weight, with Badel taking the ride on that occasion.

But he was back on board for fourth and sixth place finishes respectively in the Group Two Jockey Club Mile and Group One Hong Kong Mile last month.

It was a below-par performance last start for connections, with Newnham stating in the immediate aftermath that a messy race had not helped his charge.

He is now being prepared for another clash with prolific Group One winner Voyage Bubble and Danny Shum Chap-shing’s superstar Romantic Warrior, with all three touted for the Stewards’ Cup on January 25.

“He’s in good order, he’s in a trial at Happy Valley on Saturday and he’s as fit and well as he has been all preparation,” said Newnham.

“He’ll need another gallop or two post Saturday but it all depends on how he pulls up that day. Depending on that, we can assess what is best for him but he’s as fit as can be at this stage.

“I just don’t think the track suited him in the Hong Kong Mile. He was disadvantaged by being drawn low with the way the track was playing and I’m happy to put the run down to that.”

Newnham continues to enjoy a fantastic campaign, with the Australian leading the charge in the trainers’ premiership on 28 wins. He is one clear of Caspar Fownes and three clear of Shum.