Hong Kong Classic Mile 2026: Runner-by-Runner Preview
- hkhitman2024
- Jan 31
- 3 min read
1600m, Sha Tin, on Sunday 1 February, 2026
The Hong Kong Classic Mile is a Group 1 set weights contest at Sha Tin and is the first leg of the Hong Kong 4YO Classic Series leading in to the Hong Kong Derby.
Past winners include Future stars like Golden Sixty, Able Friend and Voyage Bubble, and last year was won by My Wish trained by Mark Newnham.
HK HITMAN’s Runner-by-Runner Preview
Sagacious Life
Comes off a solid win last start carrying a big weight, albeit against largely moderate opposition. He requires cover to be effective, so is likely to be ridden off the pace. While capable at 1600m, he appears better suited over further as the series progresses.
Little Paradise
His last start win rated strongly. He is a horse that can be slow away and prone to over racing therefore may require luck in running. Even with Purton electing not to ride he holds a slight edge over Sagacious Life at 1600m.
Invincible Ibis
Drawn wide and likely to settle back, meaning he will need things to go his way. His wins this season have been effortless but overall have not rated particularly highly. He will be closing off strongly but may require a career best rating to win.
Beauty Bolt
Difficult to see him winning. He was comfortably held by Invincible Ibis last time and only just runs out 1600m at this level. The stable has also endured a poor season to date.
Crimson Flash
First attempt at 1600m after stepping up sharply from sprint trips. Good enough on raw ratings, but likely to face pressure on the pace and could be vulnerable late. Could hold on for a place.
Infinite Resolve
Has had things fall his way in recent runs. Broke through for his first Hong Kong win two starts ago before finishing strongly last time under a light weight in a fast run 1400m. Set weights are against him here and the strong mile is a query, but he could sneak into the placings.
Patch Of Cosmo
This may come a run too soon, being second up off a long spell. Won well last time but was afforded a perfect ride by Purton. Likely better suited over 1800m in the next leg of the series.
Public Attention
Ticks plenty of boxes on paper and will be in the race, but he looks one paced and lacks a turn of foot. Unless he shows sharp improvement with blinkers on then he is hard to have as a winning chance.
Winfield
Strange market support first up after 400 days off before arriving in Hong Kong. He would need to improve at least five lengths to be competitive and his recent trial was disappointing. Hard to recommend.
Akashvani
Went like a rocket last start on the seven day back up. Steps up in class but drops slightly in weight and maps to settle on the speed.The way he travelled and found the line suggest 1600m will pose no issues. If he reproduces his last start rating, he is a genuine winning chance.
Top Dragon
With a clear run, he could easily have beaten Sagacious Life last time. Somewhat surprising that J Mac is not booked to ride him here. If he relaxes early and with even luck, he should be charging late. Definite winning chance.
Circuit Grand Slam
Likely to settle well off the pace. Has not produced ratings in Hong Kong that suggest he can win a race of this quality, and 1600m does not look ideal. Not a winning chance.
Shanwah
Hard to see any conceivable winning scenario here.
Windlord
Not a bad run first up and likely to press forward. Unlikely to be winning but he comes from a strong stable and it would not surprise if he ran a bold race at big odds.
HK HITMAN – Market to 100%
Horse | Price |
Sagacious Life | $8.00 |
Little Paradise | $5.00 |
Invincible Ibis | $5.00 |
Beauty Bolt | $15.00 |
Crimson Flash | $41.00 |
Infinite Resolve | $23.00 |
Patch Of Cosmo | $23.00 |
Public Attention | $15.00 |
Winfield | $151.00 |
Akashvani | $10.00 |
Top Dragon | $10.00 |
Circuit Grand Slam | $151.00 |
Shanwah | $501.00 |
Windlord | $61.00 |
VERDICT:
While a competitive renewal, the Hong Kong Classic Mile shapes as a race dominated by five key chances. Little Paradise, Invincible Ibis, Akashvani, Top Dragon and Sagacious Life rate as the clear winning contenders.
Sign up for the HK HITMAN subscription plan today and start your 7-Day FREE Trial now.