Get ready to witness a thrilling showdown at the Lunar New Year meeting, where all eyes are on the rising star Hot Delight, a horse that has already set the racing world abuzz with his stunning debut victory. But here's where it gets exciting: Can this young champion repeat his magic as he steps into the more challenging Class Three company? Francis Lui Kin-wai, the seasoned trainer behind Hot Delight, is brimming with confidence. Lui believes his three-year-old prodigy, sired by Too Darn Hot, has what it takes to shine again in the Yue Yee Handicap (1,200m) at Sha Tin this Thursday. And this is the part most people miss—Hot Delight’s remarkable debut wasn’t just luck; it was a testament to his strong trial form, as he surged from midfield to claim a commanding win by a length and three-quarters over Conrad Patch last month. Controversially, some skeptics argue that the jump in class might be too much, too soon—but Lui isn’t backing down. With 15 winners already under his belt in 2026, Lui’s stable is on fire, and he’s convinced Hot Delight’s focus and potential will carry him forward. ‘He’s still young, and while it’s hard to say if he’s improved since his first run, his trackwork shows he’s more concentrated,’ Lui explained. Vincent Ho Chak-yiu, who rode Hot Delight to victory last time, will be back in the saddle, starting from gate seven. However, the competition is fierce, with imports Helene Supafeeling and Glowing Praises—both local debut winners—posing a serious threat. Is Hot Delight ready for this level of competition? Only time will tell.
Lui’s Sha Tin lineup doesn’t stop there. Gallant Epoch, another in-form runner, takes on the Class Four Prosperity Handicap (1,400m). This Iffraj gelding has been a consistent performer, finishing in the top three in four of his five starts this season, including a dominant course-and-distance victory two races ago. Despite drawing a wide gate 10 and carrying the top weight of 135lb, Lui remains hopeful. ‘He’s in good form, but the weight is a challenge,’ Lui admitted. Maxime Guyon will once again partner Gallant Epoch, aiming to overcome the odds. Will the weight be too much to handle, or can Gallant Epoch prove his mettle?
Meanwhile, Never Settle and Baby Sakura are set to make their mark. Never Settle, fresh off two Happy Valley placings, debuts at Sha Tin, while Baby Sakura makes his racing debut in the second section of the Class Four Fat Choi Handicap (1,200m). Lui cautions that their pre-race behavior will be crucial, especially with the bustling Lunar New Year crowd. ‘Some horses get nervous when they see the crowd, and their draws won’t make it easier,’ Lui noted. Both have drawn barrier 11, but Lui remains optimistic. Baby Sakura, in particular, has shown promise in recent trials, including a strong second-place finish and a win at Conghua under James Orman. Can these newcomers handle the pressure, or will the crowd and gate positions prove too daunting?
Packing Angel, returning from a knee injury, will contest the Class Two Year Of The Horse Cup (1,600m), but Lui is seeking improvement after a 10th-place finish in his comeback race. Thunder Kit and Do Your Part, the latter with claims in the Class Three Kut Cheong Handicap (1,400m), round out Lui’s Sha Tin entries. Looking ahead to Sunday, Lui’s trio—Patch Of Theta, Packing Hermod, and Copartner Prance—face a monumental challenge in the Group One Queen’s Silver Jubilee Cup (1,400m) against the unstoppable Ka Ying Rising, who’s chasing a record-breaking 18th consecutive win. Can anyone dethrone the champion, or will Ka Ying Rising continue his reign?
What’s your take? Do you think Hot Delight can handle the step up in class, or will the competition prove too tough? And can anyone stop Ka Ying Rising’s historic streak? Let us know in the comments—we’d love to hear your thoughts!
