Alexis Badel is hoping to continue his flawless record on My Wish when he looks to cause an upset against Romantic Warrior and Voyage Bubble in Sunday’s Group One Stewards’ Cup (1,600m) at Sha Tin.

The Mark Newnham-trained five-year-old put up some huge efforts last year, including wins in the Hong Kong Classic Mile and a close-up fourth in the Group One Champions Mile when only a length and a half behind Voyage Bubble.

It has been mixed fortunes this season, however, with the Flying Artie galloper not able to supplement Group Three and Group Two wins that kicked off his campaign now he is taking on older rivals off level weights.

After his latest three-length sixth to Voyage Bubble in the Group One Hong Kong Mile, My Wish’s owners decided to make the switch from regular partner Luke Ferraris to Badel, who picked up the winning spare in the Group Two Sha Tin Trophy (1,600m) when Ferraris was unable to make the weight.

The French jockey is relishing the chance to get back on board and although it will be a huge task to deal with two Hong Kong champions, he believes his mount has a chance of causing an upset.

“He’s a horse who we know is very talented – he’s been in great form and has a lot of ability,” said Badel. “I rode him once and it was a victory, so he left me with a very good feeling and I’m excited to ride him again.

“His form and preparation seems good, he looks in good shape and in good order. He’s got a pretty good gate on the day and it will be interesting to see how he will go.

“I would say he’s a bigger and better horse than he used to be. This is the highest level of racing in Hong Kong and it’s very competitive, but everything is going smooth for the horse so it’ll have its chance.”

Another jockey who will be looking to cause an upset in the race is the in-form Maxime Guyon, who teams up with Galaxy Patch for trainer Pierre Ng Pang-chi.

Guyon has enjoyed a stellar stint in Hong Kong thus far, riding 11 winners and landing Group One success on French raider Sosie in last month’s Hong Kong Vase (2,400m).

Galaxy Patch won his second Group Two prize when burrowing up the rail to win the Jockey Club Mile in November, knocking off My Wish – who finished fourth – in the process.

He is still looking for his maiden top-level success, but the talent has always been lurking and Guyon hopes his sometimes quirky partner will bring his best on Sunday.

“It’s a good ride to pick up – the horse is in good form and Pierre has been positive about how he is going,” said Guyon.

“Of course, the race is not easy, but I have a good draw [in barrier four] and the horse is in great form, so we cross our fingers and hope.”