Veteran jockey Craig Williams is eagerly anticipating his return to Group 1 action in Hong Kong as he partners Magic Control in the HK$13 million Centenary Sprint Cup (1200m) at Sha Tin on Sunday, January 19. Williams, a long-time associate of trainer David Hayes, faces the challenge of upstaging Hayes’ in-form sprinter, Ka Ying Rising, who is the race favorite after clinching the G1 LONGINES Hong Kong Sprint (1200m) last month. With a career spanning decades and featuring Australia’s coveted racing Grand Slam, Williams’ experience will be crucial as he aims to add to his impressive 123 Hong Kong victories.

Ka Ying Rising, unbeaten in his last eight starts, has been hailed as a potential sprinting superstar, with many regarding his recent victories as understatements of his true ability. Williams acknowledges the formidable task ahead, stating, “Ka Ying Rising looks very good, and David knows a quality sprinter when he sees one. People were even saying he didn’t win by enough last time, which tells you how highly they rate him.” Despite the daunting opposition, Williams draws confidence from Magic Control’s Australian form, where the Cody Mo-trained gelding previously excelled over similar distances.

Magic Control, a two-time winner at Sha Tin, enters the Centenary Sprint Cup with a solid record but faces fierce competition, including Victor The Winner, Helios Express, and Beauty Waves. “He hasn’t gone beyond 1000 meters here yet, but his wins over 1200m in Australia give me hope,” Williams said. “Cody Mo is in great form this season, and he’s really getting the best out of this horse. However, it’s going to be a tough race with Ka Ying Rising in the field.” This high-stakes contest marks the opening leg of the Hong Kong Speed Series, which offers a HK$5 million bonus for any horse achieving a clean sweep.

On the same card, Ricky Yiu’s star miler, Voyage Bubble, will bid for his third Group 1 win in the HK$13 million Stewards’ Cup (1600m). Fresh from his triumph in the G1 LONGINES Hong Kong Mile, Voyage Bubble faces a small yet high-caliber field, including California Spangle and Beauty Eternal. “He’s fresh, happy, and full of beans,” Yiu said confidently. Sunday’s 11-race program promises world-class action, starting with the Class 4 Beat The Clock Handicap (1200m) at 12:30 PM.