Romantic Warrior in contention for Saudi Cup and Dubai World Cup

Hong Kong hero is under consideration for the Saudi Cup and the Dubai World Cup early next year. 

The eight-time Grade One winner’s first major assignment is to win an unprecedented third Longines Hong Kong Gold Cup on December 8. 

But after Romantic Warrior coasted through a barrier trial at Sha Tin on Tuesday morning ahead his return to action, trainer Danny Shum revealed that he is plotting a global dirt campaign with the six-year-old son of Acclamation. 

He said: “It was just a trial to remind him that the race is coming soon. 

“He’ll return in the Jockey Club Cup. I don’t think the field will be too strong. 

“The Hong Kong Cup is another story with overseas horses coming, especially from Japan and also Aidan O’Brien’s horses, so it’s hard to tell at the moment, but he’s also the one to beat."

“He’s already been invited to run in the Saudi Cup. It is a big question mark (racing on dirt for the first time) but it’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. 

“I know it’s tough because he won’t come back for a while, but I will run him in the Saudi Cup and then in the Dubai World Cup. 

“I am talking to the JRA (Japan Racing Association) already to see whether I can send him straight to Japan from Dubai. 

“It’s very exciting and it will be a very long trip – it will take five to six months.”