David Hayes has issued a strong warning about Caryn Rising’s current form as the horse aims to extend his winning streak to 15 consecutive victories in the HK$5.35 million G2 BOCHK Private Banking Jockey Club Sprint (1200m) at Sha Tin on Sunday, November 23. Hayes notes that Caryn Rising has shown significant improvement since his landmark win at the A$20 million Grade 1 Everest (1200m turf) in Sydney on October 18. The five-time Group 1 winner will compete alongside other champions like Romantic Warrior and Voyage Bubble at the Bank of China (Hong Kong) race day.
Caryn Rising will start from Barrier 10 this weekend—the same gate he used in the 2024 BOCHK Private Banking Jockey Club Sprint—and Hayes is confident the horse is prepared for another strong performance. “He’s improved since the Everest and has been training very well, especially his fast work this week,” Hayes said. He believes the trip to Australia was beneficial, adding that travel often improves a horse’s performance.
This weekend, Caryn Rising (carrying 128lbs) will be giving 5lbs to nine competitors, including Lucky Swayness and Helios Express. A win would see him surpass Silent Witness (17 wins) and Golden Sixty (16 wins) for the longest winning streak by a Hong Kong or Chinese horse. Hayes hopes jockey Zac Purton can position Caryn Rising just behind the speed leader, similar to last season, while remaining cautious of the John Size-trained Helios Express despite a poor showing in a recent trial.
Wonderbar, who beat Caryn Rising twice as a three-year-old before injury, is also one to watch, ridden by James Orman from the seventh gate. Meanwhile, Hayes will also be competing with his horse against contenders like Straight Aaron, Romantic Warrior, and Voyage Bubble in the G2 BOCHK Jockey Club Cup (2000m). This race will help decide whether to target the HK$40 million G1 Longines Hong Kong Cup or the HK$26 million Longines Hong Kong Vase.
David Eustace will lead Lightyear’s Charm in the G2 BOCHK Private Wealth Jockey Club Mile (1600m) against top horses such as Red Lion, Beauty Eternal, and the promising My Wish. Eustace believes that while winning will be tough, there is potential for growth and success over the mile distance.
The Bank of China (Hong Kong) Race Day kicks off on Sunday, November 23, with the Class 4 BOCHK Cross Border Service Handicap (1200m) at 12:45 pm.
Fan Take: This event is a thrilling showcase of some of the finest equine talent in Asia, with Caryn Rising poised to make history with an unprecedented winning streak. For horse racing fans, these high-stakes races highlight the intensity and craftsmanship behind the sport, promising unforgettable moments and possibly new legends in racing history.
