James McDonald backs Romantic Warrior to overcome ‘monumental task’ in Hong Kong Cup

James McDonald knows it will take a herculean effort from Romantic Warrior if he’s going to defend his crown at Sha Tin on Sunday.

James McDonald gives Romantic Warrior a pat after the pair won the Cox Plate in October. Picture: George Sal/Racing Photos via Getty Images

James McDonald is under no illusions about the task facing Cox Plate hero Romantic Warrior if he’s going to defend his Group 1 Hong Kong Cup title on Sunday.

Danny Shum’s superstar created history with a stunning Cox Plate victory in October, the culmination of a long-range plan, a two-run Australian campaign that began with a fourth in the Turnbull Stakes.

That win cemented Romantic Warrior’s status as one of the best horses on the planet, a fourth Group 1 and first away from the comforts of Sha Tin.

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But it was seriously hard work and is not the perfect preparation for a Hong Kong Cup.

“It’s a monumental task that he’s facing,” McDonald said.

“He’s obviously travelled, gone through all the procedures in Australia and come back to Hong Kong. It’s tough work.

“Last year, the Hong Kong Cup was his main target, he had a lovely build-up and he stayed in the same box, same routine.

“But he’s such a cool customer, he can adapt to it. If there’s a horse that can do it, he’s the one.”

Romantic Warrior! 💙

The defending @LONGINES Hong Kong Cup winner works through his paces with @mcacajamez at Sha Tin... 🏆@LONGINES | #HKIR | #HKracingpic.twitter.com/tDqK7wDmji

— HKJC Racing (@HKJC_Racing) December 6, 2023

Romantic Warrior was incredible winning the Hong Kong Cup last year, leaving his rivals in his wake to salute in dominant fashion but with top-line internationals like Luxembourg (Ireland), Horizon Dore (France), Prognosis and Rosham Park (both Japan) making the trip, it shapes as a much tougher task this time around.

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“Even though this field is stronger than last year, he did win by four and a half lengths so he’s got some room to work with,” McDonald said.

“If he can win by four and a half this year, we’re cooking with gas.”

Given their long-term partnership, McDonald has an innate understanding of Romantic Warrior and he’s happy with where he’s at after the Australian trip.

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“I’ve ridden at his absolute peak and at his worst – and his worst is pretty good,” he said.

“You can feel it with him, because he works well, he races well, you can read him pretty well.

“He obviously had a couple of weeks in quarantine, that trial (a week ago) was his first main blowout, it was a good trial, he needed it.

“He had a good blow but as soon as he cleared up he was good. Sunday’s gallop was perfect, just what I wanted to feel.”

James McDonald and Romantic Warrior are aiming to go back-to-back in the Hong Kong Cup. Picture: Grant Peters/Trackside Photography

Of his other Group 1 rides on Sunday, McDonald gives Victor The Winner a chance in the Hong Kong Sprint.

“I’m particularly happy with Victor The Winner, even though he’s probably got to come up one notch,” he said.

“He’s been working well, he’s extremely fit, he’s going to be in the first four and he’s going to give a sight.

“Whether he’s good enough, I’m not sure, but I think this year the Hong Kong Sprint is the most open of the Group 1s.”

Originally published as James McDonald backs Romantic Warrior to overcome ‘monumental task’ in Hong Kong Cup