João Moreira doesn’t back down: “Ka Ying Rising is the best, but we believe in Satono Reve"

The Brazilian acknowledges the magnitude of the challenge in the Chairman’s Sprint Prize (G1), but remains confident in pulling off the upset at Sha Tin

Satono Reve at Sha Tin, ahead of Sunday’s big race / HKJC

SHA TIN, Hong Kong (Special to Turf Diario).- Challenging Ka Ying Rising (Shamexpress) is, right now, one of the toughest tasks in world racing. And yet, João Moreira is ready to try once again.

The Brazilian jockey will partner Satono Reve (Lord Kanaloa) in Sunday’s Chairman’s Sprint Prize (G1-1200m) at Sha Tin, with the mission of halting the Hong Kong star’s streak of 19 consecutive victories.

“It’s still a very tough race, but if I’m riding, it’s because I believe in my horse,” Moreira said, not shying away from reality. “For me, Ka Ying Rising is the best sprinter in the world, so we know it will be very hard to beat him, but we’ll do everything we can.”

It won’t be their first attempt. Satono Reve was runner-up in this same race last year and also faced him in the Hong Kong Sprint, where the margins were never wide, though consistently in favor of the champion.

Moreira, who knows well what it feels like to take on exceptional horses, was clear: “He’s an extraordinary horse, a freak. I don’t remember seeing a better one at this distance.”

Even so, the rider finds reasons for optimism: “If something happens to him, we suddenly have a very real chance—as long as mine runs to his best.”

That analysis also includes Helios Express (Toronado), another regular rival of the champion. “He’s a very good horse. If I compare Helios Express with Satono Reve, I don’t think there’s much difference. They’ve run very close races, some decided by a head.”

Moreira has partnered the Japanese runner six times, recording two wins and several placings, including victory in the Takamatsunomiya Kinen (G1), their biggest success together.

Still, the Brazilian was cautious about the horse’s current condition: “I haven’t ridden him since September. I’ll be getting back on now, and I’m really looking forward to seeing how he is.”

Amid the analysis, he offered a broader reflection: “This sport is cyclical. Horses come, dominate, and then go. We saw it with Golden Sixty (Medaglia d’Oro). Now it’s Ka Ying Rising’s turn, and he’s at his peak. But one day, that will pass too.”

In the meantime, the challenge remains the same: to attempt what almost no one can—and to believe, even when facing the very best.