British trainer Ralph Beckett noted that local star Ka Ying Rising appeared to be an "absolute monster," but he was excited about the opportunity to compete against him in the Group 1 Hong Kong Sprint with his standout horse, Starlust. Beckett, who has experience training in Hong Kong for distinguished owners, mentioned his past involvement with Muhannak and Chemical Charge in the Hong Kong Vase in 2008 and 2017.
As the focus shifted to the sprint event on December 8, Beckett expressed his belief that Sha Tin’s right-handed track would be advantageous for Starlust, who had returned from California in good condition. He acknowledged uncertainty about Starlust's competitiveness, but confidently asserted that the horse thrives on courses with bends and flat tracks, similar to those at York and Del Mar.
Starlust had recently achieved a career-best performance when he secured his Group 1 victory at Del Mar, convincing owners Jim and Fitri Hay to enter him in the Hong Kong International Races. While Beckett recognised the formidable competition, particularly Ka Ying Rising’s record-setting performance in the Jockey Club Sprint, he emphasised the importance of racing Starlust where his strengths could shine.
Beckett highlighted Starlust's adaptability to travel and his unproblematic training regimen, underscoring the horse's readiness for the challenge ahead, despite the historical difficulty British-trained horses have faced in this particular event.