Hugh Bowman fancies inside draw for Sunlight Power in Kowloon Tong Club Trophy
Hugh Bowman is confident Ricky Yiu Poon-fai's quality galloper Sunlight Power will relish another inside draw when he chases a third win this season in Saturday's Class Two Kowloon Tong Club Trophy (1,600m) at Sha Tin.
The Australian jockey hops aboard Sunlight Power for the second time after his fast-finishing third to Hong Kong Derby (2,000m) hope Johannes Brahms last start.
Two starts ago, the Capitalist gelding capitalised on a soft run from barrier one to cruise to victory in another Class Two mile under Zac Purton.
With Yiu's Group Three winner Nimble Nimbus dropping in class to head the weights on Saturday, Sunlight Power also has the advantage of dropping four pounds on his last run to carry 126.
Sunlight Power dominates the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games Hong Kong, China Team Celebration Cup under @zpurton at Sha Tin! 🏆 #LoveRacing | #HKracing pic.twitter.com/08TFdoFhVO — HKJC Racing (@HKJC_Racing) January 26, 2025
'He does have a little bit of a tendency to lay in slightly under pressure, but he's a very genuine horse and his form is very consistent,' Bowman said of the five-time winner.
'With a perfect draw this weekend, we should get a lovely run and [he can] make his presence felt.'
Sunlight Power boasts the strongest recent form in an even Class Two field that also features The Golden Scenery, Ramadan, Karma, Voyage Samurai, Woodfire Bro, Tourbillon Prince and Yiu's stayer Awesome Fluke.
He is one of several strong chances for Bowman on Saturday's card, with Sky Trust another key hope for the 44-year-old in the Class Three Cosmos Handicap (1,400m).
The Caspar Fownes-trained Sky Trust drops back in trip after running 12th behind Rubylot in the Classic Cup (1,800m).
'I thought his run, although well-beaten, was actually unbelievable last start,' Bowman said.
'He jumped well and didn't settle, so I let him gallop down the back straight but, even though three-wide, he got into a really sweet rhythm on the bend and it was no surprise to see him pick up into the straight. I was surprised at how long he sustained his gallop, having behaved the way he did in the early and middle stages.
'So, back in trip is a huge advantage to him and the horse is in great form. He's a big horse so he'll certainly be able to carry [135 pounds].'
A two-time winner and four-time runner-up this season, Sky Trust will clash with exciting three-year-old Sky Jewellery, who has won two of his three starts with Bowman on board.
'I did have the choice and Sky Jewellery is a just a little bit light for me with 123 pounds – [a] very exciting young horse,' Bowman said.
'I think Sky Jewellery still has a bit of developing to do. Last start, he got a bit lost when he turned into the home straight and he dropped the bridle, but his class shone the last 100m. Up in class, he'll have to improve but he's certainly got the improvement in him.'
Brenton Avdulla will ride Sky Jewellery for the first time.
Sky Jewellery was a HUGE winner last start! 🚀
He returns this Saturday at Sha Tin... 👀 #HKracing pic.twitter.com/urGsstdnIH — HKJC Racing (@HKJC_Racing) March 13, 2025
Earlier on the card, Bowman will have top claims on John Size's brilliant debut winner Crossborderpegasus in the Class Four Azalea Handicap (1,200m).
The Rich Enuff three-year-old backed up his strong trial form to score at the course and distance when eased down late by Bowman last month.
Volcanic Spark also has a solid chance for Bowman and Yiu in the Class Four Association Of Hong Kong Racing Journalists Challenge Cup (1,800m) after a close second to Billionaire Secret last start.
Fairy Horse, Strongest Boy, Thunder Prince, Monarch County and Helene Warrior are Bowman's other rides.
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