Hong Kong superstar Romantic Warrior could lock horns with April’s Group One QE II Cup (2,000m) victor Tastiera in the city’s richest race, the HK$40 million Group One Hong Kong Cup (2,000m).

The Jockey Club confirmed on Thursday that Tastiera is one of 50 Japanese entries for December 14’s Longines Hong Kong International Races, with the likes of Satono Reve, Lugal, Win Carnelian, Soul Rush, Jantar Mantar, Embroidery, Croix Du Nord and Stellenbosch also in the mix from the Land of the Rising Sun.

Satono Reve is on track to again take aim at local hero Ka Ying Rising in the Group One Hong Kong Sprint (1,200m), while French gun Lazzat is also a chance to return to Hong Kong.

The past two winners of the Group One Hong Kong Vase (2,400m), Junko and Giavellotto, are among the overseas entries, as is recent Group One Champion Stakes (1,993m) victor Calandagan.

Irish legend Aidan O’Brien has nominated Minnie Hauk, Los Angeles, Queenstown, The Lion In Winter and Bedtime Story, while Australian maestro Chris Waller could tackle the big-money meeting after entering Group One Cox Plate (2,040m) hero Via Sistina as well as Buckaroo, Lindermann, Birdman, Kovalica, Militarize, Land Legend, River Of Stars and Valiant King.

Other big-name locals among the 185 entries are reigning Group One Hong Kong Mile champion Voyage Bubble, rising star My Wish, Lucky Sweynesse and Helios Express.

“We are delighted with the entries and support from our international friends for the 2025 Longines Hong Kong International Races,” said Jockey Club executive director of racing Andrew Harding.

“Hong Kong’s very best horses will once again face off with world racing’s elite, setting the scene for another incredible day of sporting action at Sha Tin on December 14.

“Our global champions Romantic Warrior and Ka Ying Rising will both aim to enhance their standing among the very best of world racing, while rising star My Wish continues to impress on his mission towards the Hong Kong International Races with Group Two and Group Three wins.

“We are confident that this year’s entry will deliver yet another memorable Hong Kong International Races – which sees a record purse of HK$130 million up for grabs across the four Group One contests.”

Other notable names who could grace the Sha Tin turf on December 14 include last year’s Group One Champions & Chater Cup (2,400m) conqueror Rebel’s Romance, as well as Goliath, Notable Speech, Dubai Honour and Al Riffa.