Sha Tin Preview

Race One – VIVA HUNTER

There are more obvious candidates but Viva Hunter enjoyed a nice pipe-opener at Happy Valley and has the services of Hugh Bowman. His mark is no gift but he’s tough, genuine and ought to give a good account.

Race Two – NICE BIRDIE

A son of Kodiac, Nice Birdie can hopefully make it thirteenth time lucky. Both runs this season have been underwhelming but he was well found in the market and a switch to dirt can prove key.

Race Three – BILLIONAIRE SECRET

A disappointing favourite last month on dirt under Zac Purton. The champ now rides Dazzling Fellow but the selection is reunited with Vincent Ho, a jockey on a mission before his extended ‘holiday’ comes into effect.

Race Four – CASA LEGEND

The son of Tavistock is 0-16 but Purton jumps on for the first time.

Race Five – WONDERFUL UNICORN

The selection is unexposed and improved on two local runs when fifth to Call Me Dandy on his final start last season. The David Hall 5YO was a warm order on debut but finished stone last with no apparent excuse. Zac Purton was onboard then so it’s an encouraging sign that he takes the reins once more.

Race Six – STAND UP

The son of Ilovethiscity can get on the board at the twelfth time of asking. Track and trip are his ideal conditions and he’s picked up the silver medal on four occasions. A winning trial under Zac Purton confirms his wellbeing ahead of the campaign and the champ maintains the partnership for his seasonal bow.

Race Seven – REWARD SMILE / CAMPIONE (EW)

Majestic Star, equally at home on dirt and turf, concedes weight all round. The booking of Zac Purton is a plus but the Danny Shum 6YO remains 5Ib higher than his latest win. Youthful Deal finished last on his return but will appreciate switching to his preferred surface. Frankie Lor has Dubai aspirations with the G1 Golden Shaheen a possibility should things pan out favourably from here on. The Deep Field gelding is respected but the vote goes to Reward Smile. All runs have come on turf but he seemed to relish this surface in a recent trial. He was narrowly denied by Lightning Bolt last month under Hugh Bowman but Karis Teetan takes the reins this weekend.

Campione is more chancy but the assessor has dropped him 5Ib and despite the widest barrier can’t be discounted on a surface he enjoys.

Race Eight – FIND MY LOVE (BB) / MR ASCENDENCY (EW)

A highly competitive Class 2 with Dancing Code and Supreme Lucky arriving with similar profiles – winning on their seasonal return, justifying favouritism, up in class and distance. Both have obvious claims but I’ll take Find My Love to go one better after chasing home The Golden Scenery on the opening meeting of the season.

At more generous odds I’ll include Mr Ascendency for Ricky Yiu. His form rather tailed off last term but returns off a workable mark under the excellent Harry Bentley.

Race Nine – SNAFFLES (NB) / E LEGEND (EW)

A dual winner in Ireland for Joseph O’Brien and getting closer to a breakthrough in Hong Kong for David Hayes. Third on his seasonal return, the son of Churchill was an unlucky runner-up two weeks later behind Happy Together, in a race where 4 of the first 5 reoppose. Gate 10 makes life trickier but Karis Teetan keeps the faith and his turn looks near.

At more generous odds I rate the chance of E Legend for Manfred Man. While his wins have come at Happy Valley, connections have targeted Sha Tin recently, and he’s made the frame on both C&D visits. I liked his seasonal return under Brenton Avdulla and I’m expecting even better under Jerry Chau.

Race Ten – GREENWICH / SUPER FORTUNE (EW)

The top vote goes to the Pierre Ng 4YO. He made all on his final start last season but cost favourite backers dear on his return when second to Ready To Win at prohibitive odds. The son of War Decree could only manage fifth 7 days later but I like his chance three weeks on. Alexis Badel maintains the partnership and he has the rail draw.

Super Fortune looks interesting from an each way perspective. The Zoustar gelding bounced back to form on his penultimate start with a ¾l verdict over Solid Shalaa. He returned to action last month with an excellent second to Lucky Encounter, a 4YO going places for David Hayes. Up a mere 1Ib, the runner-up has strong claims of going one better under Matthew Poon.