Sha Tin Selections

Race 1: Chengdu Handicap

#8 Eight Trigrams impressed at his final outing of last season and if he finds that form again here, he’s the one to beat. #5 Super Eighteen is another who improved late last season. The good gate will afford him every opportunity and he rates as the main danger. #10 Best For You mixes his form but his latest trial indicated solid improvement. He’ll be thereabouts. #9 Golden Mission resumes. He’s next best. 

Race 2: Chengdu Handicap

#6 Super Winner impressed in a recent Happy Valley trial. If he can transfer that performance to the races then he’s expected to go on with it. #9 Quadruple Double is winless across 10 starts. He’ll roll forward and make his own luck under Matthew Poon. #2 The Createth has had the benefit of one run already this season. Expect him to get back from the gate and be running on late. #10 Little Thunder is another who has had the benefit of one run already this season. He’s a steady improver who bears close watching.

Race 3: The National Day Cup (Handicap)

#1 Little Giant scored impressively at G3 level in his final run of last season. He’s since trialled well and this race appears well within his reach. #2 Rattan finished runner-up in the G1 Chairman’s Sprint Prize last season. He only needs to run up to that level here to suggest he’s a leading chance. #3 Wishful Thinker mixes his form however, his best is clearly up to this and with the benefit of one run, he’s a major player. #5 Full Of Beauty notched up five wins from his first five starts. This is another step up but it’s one that he appears ready to take. 

Race 4: Jinan Handicap

#8 California Legend got off the mark in style last start, making all to score under Karis Teetan. He’ll roll forward and the good gate should afford him every opportunity. #3 Witness Hunter improved sharply for third last start. He definitely has some ability and this race looks suitable for him. #5 Royal Racer gets the services of Zac Purton. He’s had the benefit of two runs already this season and he’s open to further improvement. #12 Bundle Of Energy is next best.

Race 5: Nanning Handicap

#8 Destin delivered first up over this course and distance. He rarely runs a bad race and another win would not surprise. #6 City Legend flew home from the rear of the field last start to finish a narrow second. It’s only a matter of time before he finally breaks through. #5 Ezra is winless across six starts. He’s narrowly finished second on two occasions and off his latest trial, he’s a chance. #2 Big Fortune made all to score convincingly last start. He’ll forward and make his own luck once again.

Race 6: Chongqing Handicap

#1 Chefano caught the eye last start when closing strongly for second over 1650m. He gets a welcome rise in distance to 1800m and if he can overcome the awkward draw, he’s the one to beat. #11 I Do is another who finished off strongly last start over an unsuitable distance. He’s placed over this course and distance previously and with even luck he should find himself in the finish. #8 Happy Sebring rarely runs a bad race and his first-up performance holds him in good stead for this. #4 Splendour And Gold was a three-time winner last season. He’s another who will relish the extra distance.

Race 7: The Celebration Cup

Hard to look past #1 Beauty Generation. He’s in search of his tenth consecutive win and although he’s giving 20lb to the bottom-rated horse, his class is expected to see him over the line. #2 Southern Legend returns following an international success in Singapore last season.  He’s returned in good order and this race looks to be a suitable starting point. #5 Ka Ying Star is expected to roll forward and set a genuine tempo. He’s one for the exotics due to his racing pattern. #9 Doctor Geoff is next best.

Race 8: Shanghai Handicap

#2 Mr Croissant was run down by Golden Sixty last start. Nevertheless, he’s a talent in his own right and this form line is by far and away the strongest coming into this race. #9 Monkey Jewellery is looking for his third consecutive win. He’s returned in excellent order and his condition suggests he is a leading player. #13 Little Wise Man has the wide gate to contend with, but his best should see him in the finish. #6 New Asia Sunrise comes into this with two runs under his belt. This is a tough assignment, however he’s in-form and the inside draw should afford him every chance.

Race 9: Tianjin Handicap

#2 Cool Team couldn’t have been more impressive when winning last start. He has a number of ratings points in hand and he’s capable of scoring again. #1 Lobo’s Legend turned his form around last start when closing for second behind Cool Team. He’s open to further improvement and a maiden Hong Kong win isn’t too far away. #3 Invincible Missile scored in style last start. He steps up to 1400m which suits and the booking of Zac Purton once again commands respect. #7 Classic Posh improved sharply at only his second start in Hong Kong. The step up to 1400m suits and he should be finishing fast.

Race 10: Beijing Handicap

#4 Aethero is a serious talent on the rise in search of his fourth unbeaten win. He trialled impressively on the turf leading up to this and if he brings his best, he’ll take a power of beating. #8 Dan Control scored on debut last season. He’s an improving type who is capable of climbing the ratings. #7 Fat Turtle was narrowly beaten last start. He’s up to this class and with one run under his belt; his race-fitness holds him in good stead. #1 California Whip has the experience on his side and must be included.