Sha Tin Picks

Race 1: Flamingo Handicap 

#10 Chiron did his best work late last start and the rise in distance this weekend appears suitable. David Hayes’ stable is in red-hot form and he should get every opportunity to nail a first win here. #4 Righteous Doctrine has tumbled down the handicap. He steps out off a dangerous mark with Silvestre de Sousa engaged. #7 Yes We Can does very little wrong. He’s always in contention and Zac Purton’s booking bears close watching. #1 Victory Park gets a handy 10lb claim. He could switch tactics and try to pinch this from the front.  

Race 2: Heron Handicap 

The American-bred #6 Turbo Power catches the eye here as he makes his first start on the dirt in Hong Kong. He’s bred to relish this surface and his recent form holds him in very, very good stead. #5 Thunderstrike loves the course and distance, doing very well first-up to grab third. #8 Fiery Diamond has mixed his form so far but has shown plenty of capabilities as he chases a first win. The dirt suits and his pairing with Zac Purton deserves respect. #11 Moeraki slots in light and gets his chance from an ideal draw.  

Race 3: Egret Handicap 

#4 Silver Fig won first-up last season and shapes do so similar again here. He’s since raced well and gets a few favours this weekend from an ideal gate, under Silvestre de Sousa and engaged on the dirt. #2 Campione should roll to the front and give good account of himself. He’s a classy operator who has shown tremendous speed at times. #5 Grateful Heart is nothing short of a solid and consistent operator. #7 We The South rates strongly. The inside gate should afford him his opportunity out in front.  

Race 4: Kestrel Handicap  

#13 Boys Party did well first-up for his new stable. He’s always shown ability and he’s the one to beat if he can offset the tricky draw. This contest is suitable. #3 Brave Power charged home first-up and any improvement following that run holds him in very, very good stead. Angus Chung’s 10lb claim makes things interesting. Watch for him charging late. #5 Apex Top can improve with that first-up run under his belt. #14 Towards Success slots in light and gets every chance. Expect to see him rattling home late under Vagner Borges.  

Race 5: Peacock Handicap 

#5 Beauty Eternal catches the eye having his first start for trainer John Size. Zac Purton’s booking bears close watching, and his latest trial was impressive. Expect he can make an impression first-up if he offsets the awkward gate. #8 Prime Mortar is worth supporting each way. He improved out of sight last start and his latest trial was sound. He has some nice form which bears plenty of respect. #2 War Weapon is still a winner in waiting. He can figure. #13 King Of The Court can improve again. He’ll be fit and should find himself in contention late.  

Race 6: Chinese General Chamber of Commerce Cup Handicap 

#1 Chancheng Prince is bred for the dirt where he excels. He knows what it’s all about and draws well in gate one for Ruan Maia. He’ll be able to turn his form around after a lacklustre first-up effort, much like he did last season when winning. #9 Handsome Twelve does his best racing on the dirt. He gets a handy draw which should allow him to push up and find a suitable spot early on. #11 Blotting Paper should roll forward under the light weight and give good account of himself. #6 Amazing Teens should be competitive. Next best.  

Race 7: Sea Eagle Handicap 

Even though he’s been distant in his trials, #8 So You Trust has still looked to be working well and under his own steam. His trackwork has been sound and he should get the right run as he debuts for the right trainer. He’s worth taking a chance on. #4 Leslie has class and deserves a stack of respect here. #10 All Is Good is so, so close to a first win. He’s done everything right so far and he should be able to improve following a solid first-up effort. #7 Super Red Dragon caught the eye from the tail of the field first-up. Expect improvement.  

Race 8: Chinese Recreation Club Challenge Cup Handicap  

#7 Red Desert has tumbled down the handicap. He raced well in Class 1 and 2 last season and he commands a stack of respect now third-up and returning to the dirt after catching the eye at Happy Valley last start. #3 Maximus returns from a very, very lengthy layoff. He’s always had a touch of class but injuries have and troubles have prevented him from showing it. #1 Sunny Boy loves the course and distance. Expect he rolls forward and affords himself every opportunity. #9 Man Star does his best racing on the dirt. Keep safe.  

Race 9: Spoonbill Handicap  

#9 Circuit Nine did well last season winning both of his outings, albeit against Griffin company. This is a much stronger task, however, he does appear capable of taking the next step for Tony Cruz and Matthew Chadwick. #5 Kasa Papa nearly should have won first-up and he should be fighting out another finish here. He’s worth supporting each way. #11 Super Baby has a bit more ability than his record suggests. Expect he can improve at Sha Tin as opposed to Happy Valley. #2 Winner Method does little wrong. Next best.  

Race 10: Swan Handicap  

Tricky contest to close out the card but #11 Beauty Fit catches the eye. He’s been competitive in this grade before and the light weight really helps him here. His latest trial was sound and the inside gate should afford him a forward position which he needs. #14 Galaxy Witness has a stack more to offer as a four-time winner from five starts. He’s class, however, this task isn’t an easy one. #9 Navas Two did well first-up and looks set to improve once again. #4 The Irishman has the ability and has looked well in his trials prior to this. Keep safe.