Beauty Generation bids for perfect ten on Celebration Cup comeback

Hong Kong's dual Horse of the Year Beauty Generation attempts to extend his remarkable winning streak to ten when he returns at Sha Tin on Tuesday, a meeting expected to go ahead despite continuing political unrest in the country.

Beauty Generation, the world's highest rated turf miler (with an international rating of 125, just 3lb behind Enable) concedes 14lb to dual Kranji Mile winner Southern Legend and 20lb to eight other rivals when he attempts to win the Group 3 Celebration Cup (9.10) under Zac Purton for the third year in a row.

Beauty Generation returns from a five-month break at his heaviest racing weight of 1,161lb – 12lb heavier than when cruising home in the Champions Mile in April – and is up against a handful of younger rivals including smart British and Irish imports Ka Ying Star and Waikuku.

However, trainer John Moore is confident his stable star's brilliance remains intact and feels Beauty Generation’s winning run, which dates back to the 2018 Champions Mile, can go on a while longer.

Beauty Generation: was last seen winning the Group 1 Champions Mile in AprlCredit: Hong Kong Jockey Club

"Like last season, he's a little bit on the big side, but it's a starting point and he's very healthy. When they get older they do carry a bit more condition, so we're not worried about that," said Moore.

The trainer was pleased with Beauty Generation’s final fast work on Saturday and is mindful that eight of his opponents are between 3lb and 21lb out of the handicap.

"Yes, he's giving away 20lb to most of them but we still believe he'll be very competitive – he's the one they have to beat," he added.

Last season's Hong Kong Derby runner-up Waikuku was well regarded when winning a Leopardstown maiden for John Oxx in 2018 and has Joao Moreira aboard as he attempts to extend his record over Sha Tin's seven-furlong course to four from four.

Waikuku's Derby conqueror Furore also lines up for his first run of a new season, while local training legend Tony Cruz feels Beauty Generation could be vulnerable and is hoping Ka Ying Star can shine under Mauritian rider Karis Teetan.

The son of Cityscape won three out of four when known as Urban Aspect for Andrew Balding in 2018, signing off with an impressive win at York's Ebor Festival from a BHA mark of 93, and has repaid more than £600,000 of his purchase price with two Sha Tin successes over a mile for Cruz.

"I don't think Beauty Generation can give that much weight to so many horses and you'd think that one of those carrying 113lb or 114lb might be able to beat him," said Cruz.

"I expect Ka Ying Star to prove that he's a really good miler this season. The 1,400m might be on the short side for him but I'm very happy with his preparation, so we'll see how good he is."

Threat of protests against pro-China owner forces Happy Valley to be cancelled

Tuesday's National Day public holiday card marks the 70th anniversary of the People's Republic of China and takes place amid a three-month period of social and political unrest in Hong Kong, which has seen parts of the city hit by violent clashes between police and anti-government protestors.

The intended meeting at Happy Valley on September 18 was cancelled due to fears for public safety but Tuesday’s meeting is expected to go ahead as planned, albeit without the usual opening ceremony and presence of high-profile government officials from both Hong Kong and Mainland China.

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