Sha Tin Picks

Race 1: Panashop Handicap

Tricky contest to open the card. #10 Superb Capitalist appeals following a pair of impressive trials under Angus Chung. The use of his 10lb apprentice claim is key here and the inside gate will ensure his chance to find the front and lead. #8 Strongest Boy has looked sound ahead of his debut. He’s shown a little bit of early toe and a clean run late should see him make his presence felt. #2 Happy Won has the runs on the board. Keep safe. #13 Young Sparkle has been consistent so far. Good draw.

Race 2: Panasonic Futon Dryer Handicap

#10 Fortune Patrol was awfully unlucky last start and he can atone for that effort this weekend. He’s been handed a nice weight here and he’s the one to beat in this grade and over this trip. #8 Sky Gem is a tidy stayer in this grade. He’s racing well and will get every chance from an inside draw. #6 Superb Daddy is closing in on another win. He was without luck last start and definitely showed that he had much, much more to offer. #1 Star Of Glory should hit the front and remain there for a while.

Race 3: Panasonic Ziaino Air Treatment Handicap

Difficult contest on paper with several of the leading hopes all yet to debut in Hong Kong. Siding with #7 General Ace here following a tidy trial at Conghua. The wide draw is against him but chances are he can take advantage of sitting off an expected speed battle. #8 Golden Bull has looked well in trackwork and trials. Strong push with Zac Purton retaining the ride after doing a stack of work with this guy. #6 Fast Buck comes from the right stable. Keep safe. #5 Dragon’s Luck should roll forward and take his shot.

Race 4: Panasonic Japan Made System Kitchen Handicap

#12 Luck Star is showing that he is better on dirt. Benno Yung’s record on the surface this season is remarkable with five wins from 14 starters and he looks well placed to build on that statistic here. He’s the one to beat and a likely hot tempo should suit. #1 Skyey Supreme is a threat in Class 4. He does his best racing in this grade and is expected to get every chance out in front. #10 Green Laser is getting there ever so slowly. Keep safe. #6 Righteous Doctrine gets his chance again. He’ll win again soon.

Race 5: Panasonic Lighting Handicap

#2 Speedy Mouse returns following a stint away at Conghua with injury. He’s produced a pair tidy trial efforts on the turf and perhaps racing down the straight will ensure his soundness in the future. #5 Flying Dragon is doing well this term, however, he just can’t quite seem to get his nose in front when it counts. His day will come and it may well be Saturday. #12 Wonderful Unicorn makes his Hong Kong debut. He’s done more than enough to warrant consideration. #8 Pleasant Endeavor is next best.

Race 6: Panasonic IH Warm Jar Handicap

Taking a chance on #11 Master Of Luck here. There was a few hard luck stories out of his latest run but none more so than him. He is progressing well for a lightly raced prospect and any more improvement suggests he can continue to take right steps. #4 Marado comes out of the same contest. He did well and also didn’t have a lot of luck. Expect he can atone for that effort. #3 Flying Mojito draws well. He has a touch of talent and can continue his progression. Each way chance. #6 Speed Fay Fay is next best.

Race 7: The Panasonic Cup Handicap

#5 Blaze Warrior stands out here for John Size and Alexis Badel. He returns first-up after several tidy trail performances under Badel. He’s proven fresh in the past and the draw should ensure his opportunity. #4 Fantastic Treasure returns to suitable company in Class 1. Expect he can capitalise on drawing well with a sweet run just behind the speed. #2 Cheerful Days has won third-up in the past. He has the class and will improve stepping back in grade. #3 The Golden Scenery can test this group. 

Race 8: Panasonic Mini Ice Food Freezer Handicap

#3 Bear Slam knows what the dirt is all about and he is favoured to win first-up. The wide draw isn’t too much of a concern, however, he can at times mix his form quite drastically. His best can win this and he’s worth siding with. #6 True Legend did well to stick on for third last start. Expect he finds the front again and from there takes a bit of running down. #2 Super Dynamite catches the eye following a sound first-up effort. #1 Maximus did well first-up but has since had a bout of colic. Don’t discount. 

Race 9: Panasonic IH Cooker Handicap

#13 Enchanting Ibis is a really nice horse and he can continue his progression here. He’s racing in superb form, narrowly missing last start in this grade and over the course and distance. Expect he’ll be better for the run and he can win this one. #2 Bundle Of Charm has two wins from five starts. Strong booking of Zac Purton warrants consideration and gate four will ensure he gets every possible chance. #9 Phoenix Light can improve second-up. He’s a talent and is worth an each way bet. #4 Lucky Eight is next best.

Race 10: Panasonic Nanoe X Thermo Ventilator Handicap

#4 Voyage Bubble was enormous when winning last start near the end of last season. He looks to have carried that form through the break with him and his best holds him in very good stead here. He has the gate speed to offset the wide gate and win. #5 Excellent Daddy can improve switching back to the turf. He’s racing better than his past two outings would indicate. #12 Sweet Encounter has two wins from two starts. While talented, he is up in grade now which could catch him. #2 Beauty Charge has claims.