The Mandarin’s Sunday Selections for 25th February 2024

The Mandarin’s Sunday Selections from Sha Tin & Naas

Sha Tin

Hong Kong Gold Cup (Group 1) 08.05
Romantic Warrior
Romantic Warrior is a four-time course and distance winner after his latest Group 1 Success here in December. Danny Shum’s stable star has established himself as Hong Kong’s premier 10 furlong horse, and James McDonald won’t be giving up that title easily, though this time Voyage Bubble is sure to be hot on his tail having tasted Group 1 success here last month. With the ever present Beauty Joy also in the mix, it’ a cracker, with Romantic Warrior to hold off Voyage Bubble, just

Naas

Winning Fair Juvenile Hurdle (Grade 3) 1.25
Wodhooh (nap)
It’s hard to get away from the appeal of the two Gordon Elliott runners for this Grade 3 contest, with both Wodhooh and Pacini going to post with live chances. The ready preference is for Wodhooh, who brought up a four-timer at Doncaster last month in a Listed Juvenile Hurdle. With form on soft ground, there’s every reason to expect another winning performance here, with Pacini keeping her honest all the way. Easy to back at a price to match, before the trip to the Cheltenham Festival next month

Nas Na Riogh Novice Handicap Chase (Listed) 2.25
Kings Halo (nb)
A fascinating clash between the likely two principals, Kings Halo and Evies Vladimir. Both line up here fresh from a win, with Kings Halo edging the vote after an 18 length course and distance win here four weeks ago. Danny Mullins will be using the same tactics again, trying to make all from the front, but Gavin Cromwell’s Evies Vladimir won’t be giving him too much rope. A good race in store for this Listed contest, with Kings Halo and Danny Mullins to get upsides of Evies Vladimir

Newlands Chase (Grade 3) 2.55
Ferny Hollow
A much anticipated return to action of Cheltenham Festival Champion Bumper winner Ferny Hollow. That was back in 2020, and after just the sole start over hurdles, where he beat Bob Olinger no less, a setback meant that November run was his only start of a curtailed season. Returning over fences in the winter of 2021, he took the Grade 1 Racing Post Novice Chase at Leopardstown on St Stephen’s Day, before another problem ended that campaign. Whether all the ability remains asks the question, though trainer Willie Mullins seems happy enough to pitch him in against the smart Ash Tree Meadow, who rates the big danger

Pertemps Network Group Handicap Hurdle 15.55
Maxxum
It could pay to side with Gordon Elliott’s Maxxum for this competitive Pertemps Qualifier. Carl Millar’s handy 7lb claim is a useful offset for the top weight Maxxum lines up from, and fresh from a win in a Listed Handicap at Leopardstown every chance that there is more to come. Gordon Elliott has five declared, and smart prospect Cleatus Poolaw is sure to get plenty of backing, but Maxxum can justify his rating and score here

The Mandarin