Stewart's Goliath Casts a Giant Shadow Over Rivals

The absence of Romantic Warrior (IRE), a record three-time winner of the Queen Elizabeth II Cup (G1), has undoubtedly given a few connections the extra incentive they needed to make the trip. New Zealand's racing fans have been able to cheer on James McDonald during his long association with the horse currently ranked the best on turf anywhere in the world, while winners of this race bred in that country include Werther, Ambitious Dragon, and Vengeance Of Rain. They will have one of their own to support April 27, and perennial Hong Kong champion Zac Purton is an eye-catching booking for El Vencedor (NZ), who has won four straight group 1s in New Zealand for Stephen Marsh. "When you are going to Hong Kong, Zac is the king, so I am very happy to have him," said Marsh, who added of his converted sprinter: "He just keeps on doing it, and now he just seems to be the ultimate racehorse. "He just keeps getting better and better and has surprised us how dominant he has been, and we always knew he was a very good horse." Still, Goliath (GER) casts a shadow across the QEII Cup commensurate with his name, his 126 rating giving him an 8lb cushion over the Japanese pair Prognosis (JPN) and Tastiera (JPN). Trainer Francis Graffard has elected to drop Goliath to 2,000 meters (10 furlongs) for the first time since last spring in an effort to find a decent pace to run at. That set-up of his sumptuous defeat of subsequent Arc winner Bluestocking (GB) in last season's King George was clearly a factor in his performance—Aidan O'Brien sent out a pair of pacesetters to aid the cause of Auguste Rodin (IRE)—while the unusual lack of early rhythm in the Japan Cup last November counted against Goliath. United States-based owner John Stewart bought a 75% share in Goliath following his Ascot success and hinted in a recent interview with the Racing Post's Maddy Playle that Christophe Soumillon and Graffard might consider positioning him a little closer to the pace at Sha Tin. "Christophe is a world-class rider, and he and Francis will sit down and talk about how they want the race to go during the week," said Stewart. "We think he could have been ridden more positively in the Japan Cup. "At this stage in his career, he's the ideal horse to travel the world, and we've had this race in mind for him for a long time." Stewart added: "As I'm building my stable, competing internationally is at the top of my agenda. The Hong Kong fans are so passionate, and it's good for them to get the chance to see him. I tell my trainers I'm not interested in prize money, I just want to run in the best races." Trainer Mitsumasa Nakauchida pitches the two best older horses in his care in against Goliath; Liberty Island (JPN) is arguably the biggest threat granted a rating of 117 and a 4lb sex allowance, though she must bounce back from fading late on to be only eighth behind Soul Rush (JPN) in the Dubai Turf. Prognosis has yet to win a group 1, but the seven-year-old entire son of Deep Impact has hit the bar in this race twice, finding only Romantic Warrior too good in 2023 and 2024. There is class everywhere you look across the three group 1s Sunday, and whoever comes out on top will have produced a performance of global significance.