The Foxes Ready to Challenge Romantic Warrior

Andrew Balding aims to end a 20-year drought in Hong Kong’s international races as The Foxes take on local superstar Romantic Warrior in Sunday’s Hong Kong Cup at Sha Tin.

Balding last tasted victory in Hong Kong when Phoenix Reach won the Vase in 2003, and he believes The Foxes has the potential to deliver another success:

“We haven’t had a horse for Hong Kong for several years, but it’s always something we would like to do. If we have the right horse, Hong Kong is on the agenda,” Balding said. “The Foxes reminds me of Phoenix Reach in many ways.”

While acknowledging the challenge posed by Romantic Warrior, who is chasing a historic Hong Kong Cup hat-trick, Balding remains optimistic:

“He’s got a fair bit to find with Romantic Warrior, but I think we’re certainly in the mix with the others. He’s come out of his win at Newcastle very well, and I don’t think we could have him in better form. He’s a horse we’ve always thought a lot of.”

The Foxes, a Royal Lodge winner at two, was among the leading fancies for last year’s Derby after a Dante Stakes victory over White Birch but finished fifth at Epsom. A subsequent runner-up finish in the Belmont Derby showcased his class, but his form dipped before a resurgence with a commanding pillar-to-post win over Dubai Honour at Newcastle last month.

“After returning from New York, we had some issues, but with careful rehabilitation, he’s now back to his best,” Balding explained. “Beating Dubai Honour, even with his penalty, was a strong performance, and Oisin Murphy felt there was more to give. His form, going back to the Royal Lodge and Dante, shows he has competed with Europe’s best.”

Sunday’s Hong Kong Cup offers The Foxes a chance to cement his reputation on the global stage and provide a landmark win for Balding in the Far East.