Sha Tin Picks

Race 1: Chung On Handicap (2nd Section) 

#5 The Multiplier is bred for the dirt and he has shown a strong liking to it in the past. He’s done well on the surface previously and he should be ready to fire second-up following the break. His most recent trial on the dirt caught the eye. #4 Smart Folks is still chasing a first win. He’s also shown a liking to the dirt and draws favourably here. #9 Call Me Lu trialled very, very well on the dirt recently. He should get his chance. #6 Diamond Soars can figure with the right run. The dirt is also his go.   

Race 2: Hoi Pa Handicap 

#9 Boys Party is unlucky not to already be a winner in Hong Kong. He’s done well so far without winning and has shown plenty of prowess on the dirt. He’s worth taking a chance on here as long as he can offset the wide draw. #14 Oh Bravo has mixed his form but has shown a liking to the dirt before, especially in his trials. He steps away off a very, very dangerous rating. #2 Run Des Run looks well placed here third-up following the break. Strong booking of Zac Purton holds him in good stead. #13 Speed Force is a factor in this grade. Keep safe.  

Race 3: Chung On Handicap (1st Section) 

#4 Theta Hedge is racing well and should get his chance to land a first win. He’s trialled well on the dirt previously and should make his presence felt here. #8 Steel Win ran well first-up and is open to further improvement. He’s a two-time winner on the dirt in Class 4 and he won’t know himself in the bottom grade on the dirt. #2 Asian One caught the eye with a solid trial recently on the dirt. He’s in good hands with Zac Purton up. #1 Compulsory caught the eye with a very strong trial recently on the dirt. Expect he rolls forward to try and pinch this.  

Race 4: Kwok Shui Handicap 

Competitive Class 2 feature on the dirt. #2 Mighty Giant ran well first-up and his latest trial on the dirt was solid. This is his first start on the surface under race conditions but he has the class to boss this group, if he’s right. #6 Apache Pass loves the surface and remains a threat with no weight on his back from a positive gate. He’ll be right in this. #1 Kings Shield should find the front as he has done in the past. He loves the dirt and his best form on it holds him in good stead. #9 Maximus returned in fantastic order first-up. Keep safe.   

Race 5: Sha Tsui Handicap (2nd Section) 

#2 Killer Instinct will improve getting back into Class 4. He rates strongly here first-up following a very, very good trial on the turf. He’s previously trialled well on the dirt and he is by Power who – as a sire in Hong Kong – has a very good record with progeny racing on the dirt. #9 Stand Up lines up following a strong run over the course and distance last season. The dirt looks like his go. #3 Fiery Diamond is racing well and should land in the right spot from gate one. #10 Lucky Ruby finds favourable conditions. He’s a two-time winner on dirt.  

Race 6: The Tsuen Wan New Town 60th Anniversary Cup Handicap (1st Section) 

#12 Miracles caught the eye first-up when finishing a close-up second over this course and distance. He trialled well on the dirt before that and has clearly taken a liking to the surface. He’s well weighted and does shape as the one to beat. #4 Youthful Deal has mixed his form but does appear to have his fair share of ability. His latest trial on the dirt was solid. #3 Prosecco has shown glimpses of talent. He should be favoured if they go hard out in front. #2 Trader should lead with Angus Chung’s 10lb claim in use. Keep safe.  

Race 7: Tai Ho Handicap  

#3 Magic Supreme is racing well and should get a sweet run throughout from gate two. The step up in trip looks suitable, especially at his age and also in Class 4. #1 Infinite Power is consistent and draws well. He’s well weighted with Angus Chung’s 10lb claim in use. #5 Turbo Power closed nicely last start at his first start on the dirt. He’s American-bred, so the surface should continue to pose no concerns. #6 Yes We Can was dominant last start when winning in this grade. This looks tougher but he should make his presence known.   

Race 8: Tsuen Fu Handicap  

#8 Jolly Ruler was very, very classy last start when winning at his final outing of last season. He can carry on with that form, especially on the dirt following a stylish trial at Conghua. #2 Super Win Dragon was narrowly beaten by Jolly Ruler last season but has since returned in excellent order this term with a win. These two are the likely standouts. #3 Red Desert is chasing a long overdue fifth Hong Kong win. He’s racing well and should be in the finish. #7 Faulds has trialled well on the dirt and should get his opportunity.   

Race 9: Yeung Uk Handicap  

#1 Chancheng Prince is as solid as they come on the dirt in Hong Kong. He can improve once more following a tidy effort for second last start. He draws well, Ruan Maia knows the horse and he shapes as the one they all must beat. #8 Amazing Teens can take a step forward from a better draw. #6 Handsome Twelve is chasing back-to-back wins. He’s in very good form and Zac Purton’s retention catches the eye. #5 Ultra Express put in a total forgive run first-up. He’s clearly better on the dirt now and this contest sees him with favourable conditions.