The Mandarin’s Sunday Selections for 23rd February 2025

The Mandarin’s Sunday Selections from Sha Tin & Naas

Sha Tin

Queen’s Silver Jubilee Cup (Group 1) 07.00
Ka Ying Rising
The undoubted star of the sprint scene in Hong Kong, Ka Ying Rising is going to line up a huge odds on favourite for this Group One. However, David Hayes’ superstar takes on this intermediate 7 furlong trip for the first time, though the way he’s been going away from all before him to close his races this season suggests that’s only a minor concern. That said, this extra furlong can play into the hands of the progressive and fast-finishing Howdeepisyourlove, who does make his move late. With California Spangle not looking the force of old this year, Johnny Size’s Helios Express is the one that could upset the party. Ka Ying Rising to make it a hat-trick of Group Ones, with Helios Express and Howdeepisyourlove to battle out second place. An exotic looks tempting!

Citi Hong Kong Gold Cup (Group 1) 08.05
Voyage Bubble
With Romantic Warrior away chasing the big prize in Saudi Arabia, Voyage Bubble can reap the rewards and score at 10 furlongs again. Taking the Hong Kong Derby in 2023 showed he’s capable of wining over this trip at the highest level, and it’s just the rub of the draw that he co-exists in Romantic Warrior’s generation. That said, he’s been the one to make Romantic Warrior work for his money, and Voyage Bubble’s ability to cruise at high speed to run the finish out of the field can allow him to dominate here from the inside draw. Galaxy Patch is the obvious danger, and probably hasn’t reached his peak yet, but Voyage Bubble to take Group One glory here.

Naas

Lily & Wild At The Post Maiden Hurdle 1.50
Kalix Delabarriere
There’s sure to be plenty of money going down on Kalix Delabarriere for this maiden hurdle. Although he couldn’t lay a finger on Ballybow here the last day, that was a deep field with A Dream To Share also in the line-up, but this drop back in trip should be in the selection’s favour. Tongue strap and hood are put on to keep the lid on the jolly, and Paul Townend must rate his chances of scoring here. Gordon Elliott’s Cullentra yard is in good nick, so Hello Jack appeals as the best of the rest, but Kalix Delabarriere should be winning this.

William Hill Top Price Guarantee Winning Fair Juvenile Hurdle (Grade 3) 2.20
Good To Be Alive (nb)
Sam Ewing is back in the saddle on Good To Be Alive, who created quite an impression when scoring at Fairyhouse the last day. He looks a decent recruit to the Bective Stud string, who have quite a few good ones this season, and can serve it up to ante-post favourite Bacchanalian, who to be fair did win over course and distance two weeks back, and holds an entry for the Triumph Hurdle at Cheltenham next month. Joseph O’Brien’s Shoda acquitted herself well on her hurdling bow, so she completes the shortlist, but Good To Be Alive looks the one.

Michael Purcell Memorial Novice Hurdle (Grade 3) 2.50
Joystick (nap)
The first of the Grade 3’s on Naas’s Sunday card can go to Willie Mullins with Joystick. Although there’s been plenty of support for Andrew Slattery’s Fleur In The Park this week, conditions aren’t ideal over this trip, after he failed to see out two miles seven at Limerick, so on this heavy going Joystick should have his measure. Gordon Elliott’s Jacob’s Ladder can’t be ruled out either, so it’s a cracking line-up for this Grade 3, with Joystick getting the vote.

Pertemps Network Group Handicap Hurdle (Qualifier) 3.50
Bridie’s Beau
The really progressive Bridie’s Beau is the one to keep on side for this Pertemps Network Qualifier, despite taking another hike in the weights for last week’s win at Gowran Park. He might not yet be in the grip of the handicapper, and holds plenty of appeal in the hat-trick bid for Gavin Cromwell’s in-form yard, though is running off a career high mark. Henry de Bromhead’s Senior Chief is the class act of this field, but could defy top weight if the yard is in a better place coming into Spring, while Dermot Weld’s Falcon Eight is an interesting each-way angle if there’s plenty of pace on. Bridie’s Beau to defy the new mark and land the hat-trick.

William Hill Proper Prices (Pro/Am) INH Flat Race 4.20
Spinningayarn
It should be very hard to beat Gordon Elliott’s Spinningayarn if he backs up the Bumper win at Navan here. With a 7lb claimer in the saddle, in what looks a weaker race than the last day, Spinningayarn is obviously the one to beat at a price to match. Declan Queally’s I’ll Sort That is the one to put up a fight, but Spinningayarn looks solid.

William Hill Best Odds Guaranteed Nas Na Riogh Novice Handicap Chase (Listed) 4.50
Shannon Royale
Forgiven his last run at Gowran Park in the Thyestes, Shannon Royale had been progressing well this season and can return to winning ways. Still unexposed over fences, this trip on this heavy ground should be ideal, and it’s a smaller field than the Thyestes which gives him options in running. Gavin Cromwell’s Theonewedreamof is the obvious danger, and gets lumps of weight from the selection, with Conor Stone-Walsh’s 5lb claim adding to the case for, while No Flies On Him hasn’t really set the chasing world alight yet but has to be shortlisted. Shannon Royale to score for Gordon Elliott in the Robcour silks.

DAR Golf Newlands Chase (Grade 3) 5.20
Blood Destiny
This should, in theory, be a pretty straightforward assignment for Willie Mullins’ Blood Destiny. He has some solid novice form in the book from last season, and will be looking to get a ticket for one of the big handicaps at Cheltenham next month with a win here. That said, nothing’s taken for granted in horseracing, so five-time course winner, Espanito Bello might stop it all being plain sailing for the jolly. Blood Destiny to score at pretty skinny odds.

The Mandarin