Hong Kong Wednesday morning: Picks, analysis, free PPs

Hong Kong racing is back Wednesday morning, running at 7:15 a.m. EDT in North America. Free PPs are available at Horse Racing Nation. For more free handicapping information, visit the Hong Kong Jockey Club website.

SHA TIN SELECTIONS
(Wednesday, May 10)

Race 8: 11 Galaxy Witness, 12 Hava Nageela, 6 Apache Pass, 3 Chancheng Prince

Race 1: Tate’s Cairn Handicap

No. 1 Fingers Crossed makes his first start on the Hong Kong dirt. He’s trialed well on the surface and his recent form has been sound. Expecting sharp improvement here from him, especially for an in-form John Size, who collected a weekend treble. No. 4 Smart Folks should find the front and play catch me if you can. He deserves another win and it wouldn’t surprise to see it come here. No. 3 M M Nebula should roll forward too. He’ll get his opportunity. No. 5 Aca Power is next in line. He’s consistent and will figure.

Race 2: Piper’s Hill Handicap (2nd Section)

No. 7 Cool Blue looks very well suited to the dirt after his recent outing. His latest trial as well on the surface was impressive, enough so to suggest that he can win this week. Only hindrance is that he’ll have to overcome a wide draw. No. 4 Lucky Banner was a tidy winner two runs back. He was without luck at crucial stages last start. He can bounce back, especially from an ideal draw. No. 8 Call Me Teddy mixes his form but the dirt course is clearly his go. No. 10 Colourful Prince is expected to take up the running. Next best.

Race 3: To Fung Shan Handicap

No. 12 Sure Win Win is in the right vein of form. He’s a winner on the dirt previously and his last outing was nothing short of eye-catching. The light weight suits, and he’ll be finishing fast. No. 9 Win Win Charity finally gets a suitable draw on the dirt. He has much more to offer and should be decent odds. Take an each way ticket. No. 4 Circuit Elite can find the front in a bid to offset the tricky draw. He has claims. No. 2 Colourful Baron has found his feet. Zac Purton’s booking will ensure he gets every possible chance.

Race 4: Sha Tin Pass Handicap

No. 13 Great Brilliant is an outsider’s chance here. He’s tumbled to a competitive mark and his trials on the dirt have been sound. Taking a chance on him trying to pinch this one from the front, which he could easily attempt to do from the ideal draw. No. 1 Amazing Teens has the class edge and knows how to win on the dirt. No. 9 Gallant Hero is chasing back-to-back wins. Strong booking again with Zac Purton sticking aboard. No. 3 Righteous Doctrine can make his presence felt. He has an ideal draw for Silvestre de Sousa.

Race 5: Piper’s Hill Handicap (1st Section)

No. 4 Imperial Magee has dirt form back in Brazil and his recent few runs have been sound. He’s found the right vein of form to suggest a win is close, especially this week from an ideal barrier. No. 10 I Give will lead this group from the inside draw. He’ll take a bit of catching as long as he’s continued to hold his condition. No. 6 Mr Valiant was well supported but struggled last time out. It wouldn’t surprise to see him turn his form around. No. 8 The Multiplier gets a handy 10 pounds off his back. Keep safe.

Race 6: Eagle’s Nest Handicap

No. 5 Gummy Gummy is looking to snap three consecutive runner-up efforts. He’s so, so close to a first win, which could easily come this week. Zac Purton sticks aboard, and this is his race to lose. No. 7 Czarson has been steadily returning to form. Karis Teetan hops up from an ideal draw this week. No. 1 Winning Icey’s only run on the dirt previously saw him finish second. He was a tidy last-start winner who remains in fine condition. No. 9 Everyone’s Victory slots in light and is chasing back-to-back wins. Keep safe.

Race 7: Hung Mui Kuk Handicap

No. 5 Viva Hunter has done well on dirt in the past. He was an impressive winner last start and the inside gate has him favored here. He’s the one to beat if he has continued to hold his condition. No. 14 Yes We Can is racing with plenty of merit. He slots in light and has proved several times that he is a class act on the surface. No. 3 Erimo pinched second place in a strong race last time out. This level of form should see him go close. No. 1 Fiery Diamond has a hefty impost but remains in sound form. Keep safe.

Race 8: Sha Tin Heights Handicap

No. 11 Galaxy Witness caught the eye in his sole outing on the dirt earlier this season. This is a tricky finale but his latest trial on the surface was nothing short of impressive. One to beat. No. 12 Hava Nageela is chasing a hat-trick of dirt wins. He slots in light and will get every opportunity from the ideal draw. No. 6 Apache Pass loves the dirt. He clearly does his best racing on this course and his pairing with Zac Purton is a plus. No. 3 Chancheng Prince is in the right vein of form, but the gate makes this difficult. Keep safe. 

Declan Schuster grew up loving the sport and doing the form after Pierro won the 2012 Golden Slipper. His love for racing in Asia and the puzzle of finding winners took him to Hong Kong, where he is employed by the Hong Kong Jockey Club. His favorite racecourse is Happy Valley.