Golden Sixty Faces Beauty Generation in Sha Tin Trophy

The simmering rivalry between Beauty Generation and Golden Sixty turns up a notch Oct. 18 as they face off for the second time in the Oriental Watch Sha Tin Trophy (G2) with bigger things on the horizon.

Golden Sixty, the reigning BMW Hong Kong Derby winner, took Round I against his older rival, the two-time Hong Kong Horse of the Year, in the Sept. 27 Celebration Cup (G3). Golden Sixty, a Medaglia d'Oro  gelding, won the race with Beauty Generation in a dead heat for second with Champions Way.

In that race, a season opener for both, Golden Sixty had a 17-pound weight break versus Beauty Generation—an advantage that's pared to 10 pounds for Round II.

"There's no doubt it's going to be a much more even contest," said Beauty Generation's rider, Zac Purton. "(Golden Sixty) still has the advantage at the weights but I think it'll be interesting this time."

Purton noted that, at age 8, "It's going to take that little bit of extra time for him to switch back on. But he's getting there and I think we'll see a different horse this weekend and I think he'll continue to improve after this run."

A victory would be Beauty Generation's 19th in Hong Kong—a record. He currently shares the top spot on the list with Super Win and Silent Witness.

Golden Sixty's trainer, Francis Lui, said his horse has moved forward from his victory last month.

"He's good. He's come on from the last start when it was his first-up run from the break and this time, his condition has improved," Lui said. "I have my fingers crossed. It's hard to say that I'm confident. I'm just trying my best. I don't want to put too much pressure on myself."

There are 10 others lined up for the Sha Tin Trophy with plenty of chances for rivals to insert themselves into the equation. Champions Way, a 9-1 long shot in the Celebration Cup, returns for another swing.

Southern Legend defeated Beauty Generation by a short head in the FWD Champions Mile (G1) in April and finished fourth in the Celebration Cup.

Furore, the winner of the 2019 Hong Kong Derby, makes his 2020-21 debut, winless in 11 starts since his career highlight.

While the rivalry has sharpened fan interest in a season beset with COVID-19 pandemic restrictions, Golden Sixty and Beauty Generation could part ways on Hong Kong's biggest race day in December. Beauty Generation is a miler through and through and is pointed toward the Longines Hong Kong Mile (G1), which he has won twice. Golden Sixty has won going as long as 2,000 meters (about 1 1/4 miles) and could aim for the Longines Hong Kong Cup (G1) at that distance.

The Hong Kong Jockey Club, working with government health officials, has gradually loosened attendance restrictions at Sha Tin Racecourse, permitting limited numbers of fans with advance dining room table reservations to return to the plush grandstand.