Sha Tin Picks

Race 1: Mount Parker Handicap

#1 Who’s Horse caught the eye at the trials recently under Karis Teetan, moving freely down the centre of the track to cross the line sixth. He can roll forward to lead his field, especially in a race that appears to lack pace on paper, which could see him run away with the season-opening contest. Admittedly, #5 Joy Master can be his own worst enemy times as he likes to settle at the rear, but still, he’s another who has caught the eye at the trials and does appear forward enough in his training to be competitive first-up. Strong booking with Joao Moreira up. #7 Green Generation has improved since dropping to Class 5. He can progress further here with the right run. #3 Fortune Patrol probably needs further than this but still, he can run on from the tail of the field and put himself in contention.

Race 2: Kowloon Peak Handicap

#3 Telecom Missile didn’t show a great deal last term but now, he drops to Class 5 for the first time with Zac Purton taking the reins. The Purton/Yip combination deserves respect and with the blinkers going on the first time, he is the one to beat. #1 Adonis won the second race on opening day last season as Douglas Whyte’s first winner and he’s looking to strike again here. He was a nose off winning in Class 5 at his last start of last season and if, he’s managed to hold that condition here, then he’s going to be in the finish. #9 E Generation races consistently enough and did display plenty of ability over this course and distance last term. A breakthrough win is not too far away. #2 Fantastic Fabio could find the front here just as he did in a recent trial on the dirt. He might be the value runner of the race to cling on for prize money, especially with Jerry Chau’s 10 pound claim.

Race 3: Yi Tung Shan Handicap (2nd Section)

#4 All Joyful was fancied at a price on debut, however, was set an almighty task from the rear of the field. Still though, he did manage to close off courageously and if he’s come on from that run between the break, he could well be the one to beat, especially with Zac Purton hopping up. #7 Daily Charm was solid on debut in Griffin grade when closing off for fifth. He has plenty of upside and if he can overcome the awkward draw, then he is capable of being competitive in this race. #2 Winston’s Lad is looking for his third consecutive win. He maps to get the right run from gate two which should afford him every opportunity. #5 Colonel has spent time at Conghua. He’ll put himself in the race from the good draw which should see him around the mark again. 

Race 4: Yi Tung Shan Handicap (1st Section)

Tony Millard has had an exceptional record with stable transfers in recent years and #7 Interstellar could easily join that list on Sunday. The five-year-old is winless in 13 starts but has shown ability at times and a recent trial on the dirt, saw him finish off strongly in the closing stages. #2 Bright Kid put his best foot forward late last season, winning three starts ago prior to his two most recent runner-up efforts. Zac Purton takes the reins once again and if he can overcome the wide gate, then he’s in with another strong chance. #4 More Than Enough was impressive when winning last start. He appeared forward enough in a recent trial to suggest that he was going to be competitive this early on in the season. #11 Happy Tango has shown glimpses of ability across his career. Although he is winless, he has shown that it is only a matter of time before he does breakthrough, especially with the added experience under his belt.

Race 5: Ma On Shan Handicap

#6 Sumstreetsumwhere closed off last season with a strong win for Blake Shinn and the pair reunite again here. The six-year-old bay improved sharply for new trainer David Hall and with race-experience on his side, he looks capable of adding another win to his name here. #4 Angel Of My Eyes secured a gritty breakthrough success last start. He found the front to lead in a recent barrier trial before he was collared late and off that, appears on the right track to be competitive against this bunch. #2 Leap Of Faith has drawn awkwardly in gate 14 but does come off an impressive and tough victory last time out. #3 Villa Fionn steps out for last season’s champion trainer, Ricky Yiu. Jerry Chau takes off 10 pounds which helps and he could be one to run a bold race first-up.

Race 6: Lin Fa Shan Handicap

#2 Prince Of Gems readies for his first run for trainer Tony Millard after switching stables  at the end of last term. He was solid in a recent hit-out on the dirt and from the inside gate, he should be able to get all of the favours throughout early up on the pace. #3 Dublin Star is a model of consistency. He rarely runs a bad race and if he’s returned in good order then he rates as a leading player. Zac Purton takes the ride on debutante #10 Sure Win Win. He looked sound in a recent trial and the booking of Hong Kong’s reigning champion jockey suggests that he is ready to fire first-up. #4 Helaku Knight improved sharply at the back-end of last season. The awkward draw makes things difficult but with even luck he can make his presence felt.

Race 7: Lantau Peak Handicap

#7 Heart Conquered was only fair in his debut season but off the back of a recent grass trial, he appears to have improved sharply. Alexis Badel takes the reins first-up and he might be worth a play as the value runner of the field. #5 War Of Courage is a two-time winner down the straight at Sha Tin. He’s a model of consistency and on his day, he has a blistering turn of foot. #6 Metro Warrior steps out for new trainer, David Hayes. He displayed steady improvement across his first four starts in Hong Kong and the booking of Zac Purton for this first-up assignment warrants respect. #2 Allied Agility bears close watching with the seven pound claim from Alfred Chan.

Race 8: The HKSAR Chief Executive’s Cup (Handicap)

#10 Computer Patch is still on the up and he appears capable of testing this bunch at his first try in Class 1. He gets in light with only 117 pounds allotted and with the right run, he can run a bold race in his spot. #1 Wishful Thinker steps out for his new trainer, Dennis Yip, after switching stables in the off-season. He moved well in a recent trial and with Zac Purton aboard, he should get his chance. #3 Champion’s Way returns to the sprint distance after Four-Year-Old Classic Series campaign last season which culminated with 11th in the BMW Hong Kong Derby over 2000m. #9 Shining Ace is next best.

Race 9: Sunset Peak Handicap

#5 Regency Bo Bo hasn’t been the best out of the gates of late, including a recent trial where he decided to bound as the gates opened. Still, he has plenty of ability and is a five-time winner previously. The inside draw suits and the booking of Zac Purton also warrants respect, especially this early on in the season. #14 Perfect Pair cruised past his rivals last start to score by over three lengths. He slots in light with only 115 pounds allotted and he does appear to still have a number of ratings points in hand. #4 Excellent Proposal grabbed second on debut. He showed a sharp turn of foot in a recent barrier trial on the dirt and if he can translate that form to race day, then he’s going to find himself in the finish. #1 Star Performance can be his own worst enemy at times, regularly setting himself a task from the rear of the field. Still, he has ability and shouldn’t be discounted with the right run.

Race 10: Tai Mo Shan Handicap

#7 Ballistic King is a model of consistency but at the same time, he is a costly conveyance for his supporters having placed in four consecutive races last term, three of which came by less than a neck. He can take this contest out if he manages to overcome the awkward draw. #5 Super Wealthy won three on the bounce last season after tasting defeat only once, on debut. He’s an impressive talent who appears to have returned in excellent order and although this is a tough field, he does rate as a leading chance, especially with his main ally Alexis Badel hopping in the plate. #6 Happy Fun made all early last term with Zac Purton up and although they’ve drawn a touch awkward here, chances are the duo roll forward in an attempt to skip away with this contest. #8 Beauty Applause is a four-time winner from 12 attempts. He’s a flashy chestnut appears to have a number of ratings points to climb.