Stormy Grove storms into 2026 BMW Hong Kong Derby contention with Classic Cup win as Little Paradise falters

Stormy Grove swept to a shock victory in the Hong Kong Classic Cup at Sha Tin yesterday and blew the BMW Hong Kong Derby wide open.

The Classic Cup – the second leg of Hong Kong’s Four-year-old Classic Series – has a habit of springing surprises, and yesterday’s result was another for the books: a 21-1 chance swooping late to beat fellow double-figure hopes Invincible Ibis and Patch Of Cosmo. Stormy Grove settled near the back but produced a sharp turn of foot to score decisively at his first attempt over 1,800 meters – and in doing so all but answered the big question ahead of the 2,000m Derby on March 22.

“If the pace is suitable, he can handle 2,000m – just like it was last time over 1,600m and today,” said winning trainer Frankie Lor Fu-chuen. “I think the fast pace today suited him. The winning time of 1:46.62 was good.”

The more favored of Lor’s two runners, Numbers, started second in the betting and the trainer was satisfied with his effort in fourth after doing work early to take a handy spot from a wide gate.

“He had to use some energy to get across and he raced on the pace in a fast-run race, so I’m happy with him,” Lor said.

Race favorite Little Paradise had been touted as a star after a dominant Classic Mile win, but his Derby credentials took a hit when he was slow away under Vincent Ho Chak-yiu and then overraced before finishing eighth, beaten three-and a-half lengths.

Trainer Jimmy Ting Koon-ho said Little Paradise “was leaning back in the starting gates” and that Ho had called to the starter to hold them.

“But it was too late,” Ting said. “He was more nervous before the start today than usual,” Ting added, confirming he would press on to the Derby.

“I was happy with his last 200 meters. The 2,000m isn’t perfect for him, but I think he can get it.” Little Paradise wasn’t the only Derby prospect to come unstuck. Sagacious Life – Zac Purton’s pick from a deep list of contenders – finished last, the post-race vet report stating his “roarer” breathing issues had hampered him, while third favorite Beauty Bolt wound up seventh.

Invincible Ibis was ridden closer than usual by Hugh Bowman and trainer Mark Newnham was upbeat about what it meant for the Derby.

“What was pleasing was the way he found the line at the end of 1,800m,” Newnham said. "He was ridden closer because he drew a low gate and the barrier draw will dictate how we approach the Derby. If he draws low again we can adopt similar tactics but if he draws out he will need to be ridden back."

Patch Of Cosmo continued his upward climb after returning from a serious injury, sticking on for third, while Dazzling Fit earned his Derby shot with a tough fifth after racing near the speed.

 

For winning jockey Harry Bentley it was the biggest victory of his Hong Kong career – and it now hands the Brit a live ride in the city’s most important race.

“This feels extremely special,” Bentley said. “I’ve liked this horse throughout his preparation and I’ve struck up a good partnership with him. “I was impressed with him when he won last time and I came into this race with expectation and hope, but to do it the way he did was pretty gratifying.”