If Ka Ying Rising flaunted champion-grade talent in his course-record prep at Sha Tin, he had to summon a different quality of champions – the ability to overcome circumstances – in Sunday’s Hong Kong Sprint (G1).

California Spangle looked like the next big thing when flooring Golden Sixty in the 2022 Hong Kong Mile (G1), but needed a cutback in trip to hit the heights again.

Golden Sixty’s attempt at a record-equaling third Hong Kong Mile (G1) was foiled by younger foe California Spangle, in what might portend a changing of the guard.

Hong Kong racing legend Golden Sixty can gild an already-historic resume by turning a three-peat in Sunday’s Hong Kong Mile (G1) at Sha Tin.