Race-by race previews of Sunday's race meeting at Sha Tin Racecourse in Hong Kong
Race 1: Regency Master drops in class here for the first time and finds a suitable race. Trainer Danny Shum is always one of the fast starters and he has a good chance to win nice and early here. Grand Power looked unlucky when being held up at a crucial stage last start. Star Of Glory a proven performer at this level and rates in the chances and should be a good chance for new apprentice, Angus Chung. This Is Charisma remains a maiden galloper but clearly gets a chance to win here with Zac in the saddle. Run Des Run can surprise at odds in a race like this.
Race 2: Strive For Glory ran the second fastest sectional time last start after he was eased back early. He has won a trial impressively for his return but has drawn awkwardly and will need early luck. Theta Hedge go on solid previous efforts where form looked okay. The Jolly will win in this grade very soon and he has drawn well low in 3 to map ideally. Handsome Guys change of trainer recently and can improve based on his recent good trial. Glorified Fire making Class 5 debut and must be respected after trialling well recently.
Race 3: Victor The Winner newcomer who has trialled well for debut and he looks good enough to win first-up. Son Pak Fu trialled well with blinkers recently and looks a big improver at his second career start. Success Fighter resuming from a break and won a recent trial for the return, appears primed for big improvement. Super Red Dragon simply had no luck last start and overlook the run, but he has drawn wide here and needs luck in running. Birdsville recent barrier trial was impressive, suggesting a good run can be expected.
Race 4: Lucky Sweynesse highly promising galloper who is rising in class and meets better quality horses but can measure up and gets his chance with a featherweight on his back and De Sousa in the saddle. Duke Wai a last start winner who trialled well since and he placed third in this race last year. Sky Field resuming from a break and the recent trial was excellent. The big weight is the concern but, obviously, he is the best horse in the field. Lucky Patch change of trainer recently and can improve and he was runner-up in this race last year. Campione a fast beginner who can run well if he finds an easy lead. He can give a sight if rated we.
Race 5: Amazing Rocky had excuses last start and forget the run. He has trialled well for his return and has drawn perfectly for the straight course. Ka Ying Spirit changed trainer and the recent trial win was impressive, expect a big run here. Sparkling Dolphin good effort last start leading all the way to win and he will vie to do the same here. Cheval Valiant a fast beginner who can run well if he finds an easy lead and he looks to have some points in hand this season. Wayfoong Legend from an astute stable well prepared for debut and is worth considering.
Race 6: Quite a few chances in this race with not much separating them. Starry Night trialled well with blinkers recently and will map to be a winning chance under Purton from barrier 4. Beauty Tycoon has shown plenty of ability, but has also been erratic in running at times, and gets his chance to win here from barrier 2. Amazing Victory looks overdue for a win and enters this race in good form and is another who will get gun run having drawn barrier 1. Science Patch change of trainer recently and can improve. Brave Dreams generally gets back in the running but dashes strongly home.
Race 7: Super Fortune should begin fast and will be trying to lead all the way and he doesn’t seem to face much pressure here and should be able to show them a clean set of heels and make all in running. Oriental Smoke looks the biggest danger with consistent for on the board and with seemingly points in hand. Power Koepp was not disgraced last start when beaten by a very smart horse but barrier 11 is awkward. Infinite Power change of trainer recently and can improve, he prefers longer but did look sharp in a recent trial. E Legend always finishes close up and must be rated a chance at this level.
Race 8: Wide Blue Yonder holding form with recent good trial and looks well ahead of his return. From barrier 4, Purton looks to get the run of the race and will be hardest to beat. Leather Vanguard a last start winner who trialled well since and clearly looks the next-best winning chance. Stunning Impact change of trainer recently and can improve and with the 5kg claim on his back, is well weighted to be a key player. Woodfire Bro last start winner who remains in the same grade and can remain competitive. Rainbow Light simply had no luck last start and overlook the run.
Race 9: The Golden Scenery last start winner who remains in the same grade and he looks to have plenty more to come this season. The one to beat. Sauvestre last start winner who rises in class but can measure up with Purton remaining in the saddle. Californiadeepshot drops back from a Group race and this will be easier. He won at this meeting last season and should be a big chance under Chung’s 10lb claim. Master Montaro has dropped a lot in the ratings and can improve and he is well prepared for his return with two trials. Winner Method had excuses last start and forget the run
Race 10: Beauty Champ remains a maiden galloper but is a solid chance to win here after he finished third in his final start last season when having his first run for Whyte. Drawn well low in barrier 3, he appears to get a better run in transit than some of his key rivals. Never Too Soon more than capable of winning again in this race with luck from barrier 13. Captain Win change of trainer recently and can improve. Circuit Stellar last start winner who retains good form and can run well again under Chung’s 10lb claims. Happy Daily can surprise