I’m not riding on Champions Day in Hong Kong but the three Group 1s look like great races and it will be fascinating to see two of the world’s best horses, Ka Ying Rising and Romantic Warrior, in action.

Sha Tin | Race 5: G1 Chairman’s Sprint Prize

Barring him falling over, nothing will beat Ka Ying Rising. He’s been impressive on every one of his starts and broke another track record last time. He looks a better horse every time I see him.

David Hayes has done a great job, and Zac [Purton] rides him beautifully. It’s very hard to find a way that he’s going to get beaten. He’s a proper champion.

I think he’s the best sprinter I’ve seen. Maybe Black Caviar, that would be an interesting race, but I think he’s probably the best I’ve seen.

Satono Reve and Helios Express look like the obvious ones to be fighting it out in behind.

Sha Tin | Race 7: G1 Champions Mile

Jantar Mantar has the best form, is nicely drawn and if he is at his best is clearly the one to beat. He was disappointing on his previous Hong Kong start though he did have excuses.

Voyage Bubble is back to his favoured conditions and can never be ruled out. He is drawn wide but can make his own luck.

Docklands ran very well here in December, has had a good prep for this and is sure to run his race but will need the race to set up and some luck from the inside draw.

Lucky Sweynesse has been suited by the step up in trip, he has a nice draw and should get his chance.

Strauss was a good winner in the UAE. He doesn’t always do things right in his races and tends to over race. He needs to relax and find some space. He has the talent but is another that will be at the mercy of the pace.

Invincible Ibis was good in the Hong Kong Derby but this will give us a better indication of his abilities.

Last year’s winner Red Lion is reliable but this will be tougher for him.

It’s a competitive race, and one where I’d probably forgive Jantar Mantar his previous Hong Kong start. If he transfers his best Japanese form, he sets the standard.

Sha Tin | Race 9: G1 QEII Cup

Romantic Warrior is going to have a test as Masquerade Ball brings very good Japanese form.

The way Romantic Warrior has been winning on his last few starts since he’s come back this year, it looks like he’s almost improved. If he runs to that level of form, he’s going to be hard to beat on his home turf.

If he runs to the level of form that he showed the previous year, the Japanese horse would probably beat him.

Danny [Shum] seems to have him in great shape and James [McDonald] obviously knows him, and knows everything about the other horses too.

We’ve seen Sosie before and we know he’s capable at this level.

Royal Champion was very impressive in Saudi and Bahrain. Those races weren’t as strong as this one, but he’s an improved horse that I think is solid. He adds another fly to the ointment and means it’s not going to be as straightforward for Romantic Warrior as it has been in the past.

The track and trip obviously suit Romantic Warrior, but if it turns into a test of stamina, then Masquerade Ball could have the edge.

I would still want to be with Romantic Warrior, but it’s going to be a race.