Sunshine Rising on track for Group 1 Australian Cup after resuming at Sandown Hillside on Saturday

Sunshine Rising (Rise High, yellow cap) winning the 2019 Sha Tin Trophy. Picture: HKJC

Mark Newnham's stable has suffered a significant blow after star sprinter Joyful Fortune has succumbed to injury, but the trainer believes another former Hong Kong star can make an autumn statement in the Carlyon Cup on the Sandown Hillside course on Saturday.

Sunshine Rising, raced as Rise High during his time in Hong Kong and placed in the 2019 Group 1 Hong Kong Cup behind Japanese galloper Win Bright.

He also competed against the likes of star gallopers Golden Sixty, Beauty Generation and Southern Legend.

The nine-year-old gelding made his Australian debut in November after returning from 22 months on the sidelines, catching the eye in two summer handicaps with big weights.

"His two runs late last year were excellent," Newnham said.

"He ran the best splits in both races.

"He's going really well."

Dajraan delivers in the Festival Stakes ???? @clarkyhk@GaiWaterhouse1pic.twitter.com/VhTxm8o1qT

— 7HorseRacing ???? (@7horseracing) November 26, 2022

Sunshine Rising is much better served on Saturday under the set weights and penalties conditions where he carries half-a-kilo above the limit in the Group 3 event over a mile.

Star jockey Blake Shinn will be in the saddle when Sunshine Rising launches from a favourable barrier four and he's among the early fixed odds favourite at around the $5 mark.

"I galloped him going reverse way last Saturday and I was happy with his work," Newnham said.

"He doesn't feel like an old horse, he's in really good order.

"If he comes through Saturday in order He'll probably run in the Peter Young and then maybe even have a shot at the Australian Cup."

The racing future of Joyful Fortune is doubtful after he suffered a knee injury. Picture: Michael Klein

Meanwhile, Newnham said the racing future of last year's runner in The Everest, Joyful Fortune is in jeopardy after the talented sprinter suffered a knee injury, ruling him out of the autumn.

The son of Nicconi created a big impression in the back half of 2022 with two thumping Flemington wins down the famed straight course.

"It's unfortunate but he was a horse that was retired from Hong Kong with knee issues," Newnham said.

"It's got to the point where it doesn't appear to be manageable in the future. He's out for the autumn but he's possibly retired.