Brilliant Sun Returns to Mile at Sha Tin Trophy; Aurora Son Eyes Valley Four-Timer
SingTao · 1 SOURCESabout 3 hours ago3 MIN
Summary
John Size's Brilliant Sun is set to make a dramatic return to mile racing at the Group 2 Sha Tin Trophy on October 19, competing for a prize pool of HK$5.35 million. This marks the seven-year-old gelding's first appearance over 1600 metres in more than two years, following an impressive campaign in the 2023/2024 four-year-old classic series where he won both the Hong Kong Classic Mile and Hong Kong Classic Cup. Since turning five, Brilliant Sun has been campaigned exclusively over shorter distances, competing in Group 1 sprints at 1200m and 1400m, where he finished behind the dominant sprinter Ka Ying Rise on six occasions. His most recent outing was an eighth-place finish in the Group 3 Celebration Cup on September 27. Italian jockey Andrea Atzeni, who rode the horse in that comeback run, believes Brilliant Sun has improved significantly since and is confident he can handle the extended trip. The Sha Tin Trophy entry list also features stablemate Jewel Sky, who recently returned to winning form in Class 2 company.
Key Points
- The Group 2 Sha Tin Trophy (1600m) offers HK$5.35 million in prize money and will take place at Sha Tin on Monday, October 19 .
- Brilliant Sun, owned by Wing Ming Tik, has accumulated over HK$50.58 million in career earnings as a son of Luxury Limo .
- The gelding won the 2023/2024 Hong Kong Classic Mile (1600m) and Hong Kong Classic Cup (1800m) before switching to sprint races at ages five and six .
- In his September 27 comeback in the Group 3 Celebration Cup (1400m), Brilliant Sun finished eighth behind White Egret Diamond .
- Atzeni noted the horse appeared relaxed during his recent trial over 1200m on dirt, finishing fourth, with the time of 1 minute 10.5 seconds recorded .
- The Sha Tin Trophy entry list includes Group 1 winners Bubble Rewarded and Wish, plus 2026 Hong Kong Derby champion White Egret Diamond .
- At Danny Ng's stable, Aurora Son will attempt a fourth consecutive Happy Valley win in the HK$3.12 million HKEX Technology 100 Cup (1800m) on October 14 .
Why It Matters
This race marks a significant strategic shift for Brilliant Sun's connections, as the horse transitions back to middle distances after two seasons exclusively in sprints. His performance will test whether a seven-year-old gelding can successfully stretch back out to a mile, potentially reopening options for his future campaign. For Happy Valley racing fans, Aurora Son's pursuit of a four-timer adds extra excitement to Wednesday's nine-race card, with jockey William So noting the five-year-old continues to mature and learn with each appearance.
This race marks a significant strategic shift for Brilliant Sun's connections, as the horse transitions back to middle distances after two seasons exclusively in sprints. His performance will test whether a seven-year-old gelding can successfully stretch back out to a mile, potentially reopening options for his future campaign. For Happy Valley racing fans, Aurora Son's pursuit of a four-timer adds extra excitement to Wednesday's nine-race card, with jockey William So noting the five-year-old continues to mature and learn with each appearance.