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RACE ONE – Big Wave Handicap 1200M C5

Taking two against the field, beginning with BRAVE AND BOLD for John Size. The son of Exceed And Excel has raced over 1600M in both starts this season, but capable of making an impact over the sprint trip. Brenton Avdulla takes the reins.

My other dart lands on SOARING TOWER, a Charm Spirit gelding making his fifth start for Danny Shum. Despite a dismal strike-rate, his latest fourth to I Give was a good effort and a repeat performance puts him in the picture.

RACE TWO – Chung Hom Kok Handicap D1 C4

Trainer, Me Tsui has hit form with three winners in the last week, and I fancy NISHIKADO (Each Way) under Derek Leung. A product of The HKJC Apprentice Jockeys’ School, Leung rode Encountered to victory in Sunday’s, Sa Sa Ladies’ Purse at Sha Tin. The selection, unbeaten in two starts at Gawler and Morphettville, is 0-6 locally but shaped with some promise this season. Sixth to Diamond Soars last month, he was hampered in the piece and looks interesting up in trip from a good barrier. There are clearly others in this race with less to prove but I fancy the son of Invader to outrun his odds.

RACE THREE – Deep Water Bay Handicap 1650M C5

MEDIC ELITE, kept typically busy by Pierre Ng, can score over C&D for the third time. A winner second up this season, he remains in good form and bagged the plum barrier under Karis Teetan.

RACE FOUR – Middle Bay Handicap 1000M C4

KING INVINCIBLE (Best Bet) is 0-7 but the son of Darci Brahma has enjoyed no luck whatsoever in two starts this season. His seasonal return was a horror show as Zac Purton could never find a seam after dropping in from gate 10, and it was a similar scenario last time when all dressed up and nowhere to go. The champion jockey jumps off (I’m not sure if this was by choice) to partner top-weight, Sergeant Pepper, but the very capable Matthew Chadwick takes over for Frankie Lor. From a low barrier he can deservedly get on the board with a change of fortune. Of the dangers, we have to include the aforementioned Sergeant Pepper, with Purton taking the reins for the first time since they teamed up for a C&D success last season. He remains 7Ib higher for that win but has to be respected. Another worth considering is Colourful Prince for the in-form Douglas Whyte barn. Both victories have come on dirt but he made a good fist of it on turf when fourth to Sergeant Pepper under Lyle Hewitson. From barrier 2 he’s ideally berthed to press on under Keagan De Melo.

RACE FIVE – Community Chest Cup 1650M C4

STRONGEST BOY still looks for his breakthrough after 11 starts but this looks a good opportunity for the Spirit Of Boom gelding. He arrives following two solid runs at Sha Tin and it’s encouraging that his sole visit here yielded a second place, with four of today’s rivals in his wake. Zac Purton, onboard for his latest fifth to Chancheng Glory, keeps the faith and hopefully reimburse favourite backers off his career low mark. This is a tricky contest however, and the selection is just one of several with a chance. Beauty Mission finally won on start 26 last month and could make a bold bid off 5Ib higher. The runner-up, Amazing Boy, meets the winner 4Ib better off, and boasts two victories over track and trip. Another worth considering is M M Nebula, stepping back into Class 4 company, where he’s 0-10 but a better horse this season for the switch to Pierre Ng. With Angus Chung excellent value for his claim, he makes each way appeal.

RACE SIX – Chung Hom Kok Handicap D2 C4

A tricky race where chances can be given to several. The John Size trained, A Americ Te Specso will relish the return to 1200M. Round The Globe is ideally drawn to adopt front-running tactics while Topegi has the services of Angus Chung. To trump them all, I’ll take LYRICAL MOTION (Next Best) to capitalise on a very favourable mark on only his second start for Caspar Fownes. Formerly with Chris So, the 4YO is 0-17 on these shores, but fired a warning shot when an excellent second to Copartner Ambition on his seasonal debut.

RACE SEVEN – Repulse Bay Handicap 1800M C3

Sweet Encounter has a wide draw but is the class angle under Zac Purton for John Size. In opposition, I’ll chance CHARITY BINGO to come good on his sixth local start. Luke Ferraris takes the reins.

RACE EIGHT – Shek O Handicap 1200M C3

BEAUTY GLORY knows how to win and is back down to a favourable mark under Angus Chung.

RACE NINE – Stanley Handicap 1200M C2

It might be too big an ask for MAJESTIC STAR to win off this mark, but he shaped well behind Seasons Wit last month, and will be suited by the return to 1200M.