Romantic Warrior and California Spangle kicked off their campaigns in style as a throng of current and rising Hong Kong stars stepped out at Tuesday’s Sha Tin trials.

The city’s reigning horse of the year Romantic Warrior cruised to the line under little pressure from Hugh Bowman to finish a close second to former Macau galloper, Wonderstar, in the opening heat down the 1,000m straight.

Last season’s champion sprinter, California Spangle, also impressed leading all the way under Brenton Avdulla to comfortably beat Frankie Lor Fu-chuen’s unbeaten galloper, Bottomuptogether, and classy sprinter Call Me Glorious.

Bowman, Romantic Warrior’s regular trial rider, was suitably impressed by the Danny Shum Chap-shing star’s hit-out.

“He was really good. He’s come back well,” Bowman said.

“Danny was keen for him to do some exercise. I wasn’t too hard on him, but I let him compete and he enjoys doing that, as we all know. He had a good blow, but that’s the first public outing of his season and I think he showed he’s ready to kick off where he left off last year.”

Romantic Warrior is slated to return in November’s Group Two Jockey Club Cup (2,000m) before chasing a third straight Group One Hong Kong Cup (2,000m) in December.

Shum revealed last Sunday that the eight-time Group One winner could be set for a bold overseas dirt campaign in the new year, including the world’s richest race, the US$20 million Saudi Cup (2,000m), and US$12 million Dubai World Cup (2,000m).

“I don’t know what the plan is for him this season, but it’s always a pleasure to work with a top-line horse and I think Romantic Warrior might be a bit better than a top-line horse,” said Bowman, who kept the saddle warm for the superstar’s regular race rider, James McDonald.

“He’s the type of horse that comes along once in a lifetime. Although I’m not his race day jockey, it’s lovely to work with him on a few occasions. He’s got a great will to win and he’s been well managed.”

Wonderstar, a four-time Macau winner when known as Top Gun Maverick, showed positive signs in his first public outing for new trainer Pierre Ng Pang-chi.

Tony Cruz was also pleased with California Spangle’s return ahead of his scheduled first-up assignment, the Group Two Premier Bowl (1,200m) on October 20.

“I’m happy with his trial. He’ll trial again before he races on October 20,” Cruz said.

“He seems to be in much better condition than last season. He put on too much weight last season.”

A brilliant winner of last season’s Group One Queen’s Silver Jubilee Cup (1,400m) and Group One Al Quoz Sprint (1,200m) in Dubai, California Spangle will also tackle the Group Two Jockey Club Sprint (1,200m) in November before the Group One Hong Kong Sprint (1,200m) on international day.

Group One Chairman’s Sprint Prize (1,200m) victor Invincible Sage also won a 1,000m trial on Tuesday under Bowman. Trainer David Hall has earmarked the Group Three National Day Cup (1,000m) on October 1 for his return.

Meanwhile, quality sprinters Mugen and Victor The Winner flew to Japan on Tuesday morning ahead of their Group One assault on the Sprinters Stakes (1,200m) on Sunday week.