Once the Hong Kong Sprint is decided and Ka Ying Rising performs as expected, David Hayes will quickly switch focus to the tougher task awaiting him in the Hong Kong Cup.
Romantic Warrior appears to have the Group 1 over 2000 metres firmly under control, but Hayes is content to let Straight Arron take his chance even if it means settling for minor honours.
“We’re just going to follow Romantic Warrior and hope he has a bad day,” Hayes said.
“Romantic Warrior is a superstar but it is a small field with seven runners and sometimes those races become upsets.”
Straight Arron finished fourth in the Group 2 Jockey Club Cup (2000m), finishing more than five lengths behind the champion.
Hayes remains realistic about the challenge ahead.
“We are hoping to give him a smooth run from barrier one and I am hoping he can run a place. A season ago he was the unlucky runner behind Romantic Warrior. Romantic Warrior had the tough run and he had the cosy run.”
Craig Williams will fly into Hong Kong on Sunday morning to take the ride.
Hayes will also saddle Tomodachi Kokoroe in the Sprint, where he believes a placing is achievable despite Ka Ying Rising’s dominance.