SHA TIN PREVIEW

Race 1️⃣ Ashley Handicap – Class 5

A tough race to start the day. The eye is drawn to Precision Goal and Joyful Champion, 2nd and 3rd respectively over track and trip last time. The latter is slightly better off at the weights but from 54 starts, they have just two victories between them. Though likely to run well they are vulnerable to an improver and FAMILY FORTUNE gets the nod. The son of Derryn is unexposed and a 7th of 12 to Robot Knight two starts back was encouraging. The booking of James McDonald speaks for itself and Caspar Fownes has his team in good order. Yoda’s Choice and Sterling Wongchoy are also eased in grade so can’t be discounted. Hugh Bowman keeps faith with the consistent maiden, Verbier, who looks destined for another supporting role.

Race 2️⃣ Cameron Handicap – Class 4

Some interesting newcomers line up but the suggestion is thrice-raced, CHEERFUL WORLD, improving with each run under Luke Ferraris. Trained by Frankie Lor, the selection breaks from gate 1 and has an ideal opportunity to break his maiden.

Race 3️⃣ Carnarvon Handicap – Class 5

This looks fiendishly trappy but the vote goes to SONIC BOOM, a track and trip winner last season under today’s pilot, Matthew Chadwick. He remains 4Ib higher for that but a consistent type, which is more than can be said for much of his rivals. Moreover, he is eased in grade and looks a safer proposition than fellow class-droppers, Fancy Star and Fung. Dangers include Vulcanus, last start winner Speedstar (if he takes to dirt) and Patch Of Watch, likely to lead under Britney Wong.

Race 4️⃣ Hankow Handicap – Class 4

SUNNY DARLING broke his maiden last month with a comfortable success over C&D. He found less than expected next time when 4th to Street Conqueror but will appreciate returning to this surface and Vincent Ho keeps the faith.

MY FLYING ANGEL (EW) is a bit of a swing, given he has yet to race on dirt but appears suited in barrier trials. After a disappointing start to the season, the Zoustar gelding produced a better run last time when 5th to Super Love Dragon and might appreciate dropping back in trip.

Race 5️⃣ Humphreys Handicap – Class 3

Ka Ying Victory may well start favourite but has a five month absence to overcome. Healthy Healthy (my ‘Best Bet’) won at Happy Valley in the week but is up 7Ib and faces a different test. The tentative vote goes to STELLAR EXPRESS, a three-time winner in his native France (under the name, Dariym) but winless in 10 local starts. Connections try first time headgear and he is reunited with Brenton Avdulla, onboard for his reappearance second to local debutant, Magic Control.

Race 6️⃣ Middle Handicap – Class 4

Following an unremarkable first season, EXCEL WONGCHOY (BB) has found his feet and duly won last month for Pierre Ng, who is mob-handed in this contest. The son of Exceed and Excel broke his maiden on Dundalk’s all-weather surface in Ireland so little surprise the dirt track of Sha Tin suits. A 7Ib higher mark gives him more to do but Vincent Ho keeps faith and so do I, having tipped him last time.

Race 7️⃣ The Peninsula Golden Jubilee Challenge Cup (Handicap) Class 2

At the foot of the handicap, SING DRAGON (NB) makes plenty of appeal. The son of Written Tycoon rattled off a hat-trick of C&D victories last season and is only 3Ib above his last winning mark. Down 5Ib since the beginning of this campaign, the Mark Newnham inmate is well drawn and will relish returning to this surface.

Race 8️⃣ Mody Handicap – Class 3

Talents Ambition looks to get back on track after failing to justify favouritism in both starts this season. Interestingly, Hugh Bowman takes the reins for the first time, replacing Harry Bentley. On his seasonal return he stayed on strongly for third over an inadequate trip. Last time he got swamped close home having been given every chance in the straight. Ahead of him was Fighting Machine, an excellent second on his all-weather debut. I’m really torn between the two – I was impressed by Fighting Machine last time and he has to be taken very seriously, reunited with Zac Purton. TALENTS AMBITION has the trickier draw this time, he also didn’t travel as generously as his market rival in their latest trial but he’s younger, a bigger individual and I feel there’s more to come from the Mark Newnham runner so the vote goes his way.

Race 9️⃣ Nathan Handicap – Class 4

Dragon Joy looked destined to win last time but was worried out of it by the more street-savvy, MASTER OF ALL. With a 4Ib swing the former will be fancied to gain revenge but I’ll keep faith with the last start winner, a model of consistency for Chris So and well drawn once more.

For an ‘Each Way’ angle, HE WAS YOU (EW) gets included.The Rich Enuff gelding showed promise in barrier trials but looked green on debut until the penny dropped in the closing stages. He could take a leap forward with the experience behind him.

Race 🔟 Salisbury Handicap – Class 3

Many chances but the suggestion is STEPS AHEAD, a narrow winner on his seasonal reappearance, up 6Ib but with scope for further improvement. Having won on his final start before the break, he bids for the hat-trick and is yet to finish out of the frame in a handful of runs.