Hong Kong overnight: Picks, analysis, free PPs for Sha Tin

Race 1: 13 General Winner, 4 Master Of All, 6 Beat Hollow, 1 Always Awesome

Race 1: Yau Ma Tei Handicap

No. 13 General Winner produced one of his best runs last time out. He can take another step forward this week and the featherweight impost bodes well for this contest. No. 4 Master Of All is seeking back-to-back wins. He has found his groove and gets another chance in this grade, which is suitable. No. 6 Beat Hollow can roll forward under the apprentice and from there take plenty of catching. He has an ideal draw. No. 1 Always Awesome gets down to the bottom grade. He can improve significantly.

Race 2: Tsim Sha Tsui Handicap

No. 1 Alacrity has the class-edge. He’s raced well on the dirt before and is most-deserving of another win this weekend. Zac Purton takes the mount and the inside gate should afford him a sweet run throughout. No. 5 M Unicorn was an impressive last-start winner on the dirt course. It doesn’t appear as though he’s found his ceiling yet. No. 3 Berlin Tango is racing well and he caught the eye late last start when charging home from the tail of the field. No. 6 So We Joy is versatile. He does his best racing over this course and distance.

Race 3: Mong Kok Handicap

No. 1 Baby Crystal loves the course and distance. He’s after a fourth win from his last five starts and the outside draw suits him down the straight. One they all must beat. No. 5 Flying High has been a touch disappointing this season. Still, he gets a super chance here over his preferred track and trip. No. 3 Pleasant Endeavor is another who is suited to the straight course’s five furlongs. He’ll press forward and give this group something to worry about. No. 10 Ka Ying Victory gets in light and is in with a chance of reversing his recent form. 

Race 4: Hung Hom Handicap

No. 5 Fast Victory is fast improving for an in-form David Hayes. He goes about his racing well and his latest effort was sound. Any further improvement can easily see him win this weekend. No. 6 Triumphant Warrior has consistency on his side and the services of Zac Purton once more. He’s shown already that he’s a winner in waiting. No. 11 Sun Of Makfi slots in light. He’s better suited to Class 5 now, although he has won in this grade before. No. 8 Starship Eighty is next in line.

Race 5: The Kowloon Cricket Club Centenary Cup Handicap (1st Section)

No. 3 King Miles is after consecutive wins. He’s a seriously nice horse on the rise and the inside draw is favorable. Hugh Bowman retains the ride and his ascent is far from over. No. 9 Strathbarry is lightly raced. He’s better than his record suggests and can easily make an impact this weekend, especially with Zac Purton up. The wide gate is the only concern. No. 6 Awesome Treasure has a favorable draw. He’s aiming to snap three straight runner-up efforts. No. 5 Super Highway is next best.

Race 6: Jordan Handicap (2nd Section)

No. 12 Strathpeffer is still without a win. He’s raced well this season, however, still hasn’t broken through. Matthew Chadwick knows the horse and he gets his opportunity once more under the featherweight impost. No. 3 Lo Pan Spirit was an impressive winner on debut. He gets another shot in the same grade which suits. No. 6 Sky Prophet caught the eye last start. He’ll get back and do his best work late. No. 11 Hayday is racing well and he’s another favored with a light weight. Keep safe. 

Race 7: The Hong Kong China Rugby Cup Handicap

No. 9 Bourbonaire has performed well all season, aside from the odd form blip. He’s proven in the grade and over this distance. The featherweight brings him strongly into contention. No. 2 Flaming Rabbit makes his own luck. He’ll find an early lead and give this group something to reel in. No. 3 Mr Ascendency is in career-best form. He’s holding his condition well and rates as a big danger again this weekend. No. 7 Chancheng Glory returns to a suitable distance. He can bounce back to his best. 

Race 8: Ho Man Tin Handicap (1st Section)

No. 3 Winning Gold coasted to a super impressive victory last start. He only needs to replicate that effort to have a chance again, especially as he remains in the same grade. No. 11 Super Taichi is lightly raced but has shown some ability. Chances are he switches up tactics to lead under the seven-pound claiming apprentice. No. 14 Young Horizon won well two runs back. He can prove competitive, however, both of his wins have come in the grade below. No. 5 Golden Rise mixes his form but is capable. Don’t discount.

Race 9: Ho Man Tin Handicap (2nd Section)

No. 8 Sky Trust is lightly raced and taking all of the right steps forward. He has a suitable gate this weekend and is open to improving further with more racing. One to beat. No. 4 Top Scorer has placed in all four of his starts. He’s clearly got ability and it’s only a matter of time before he breaks through. Zac Purton hops up again which is ideal. No. 5 Enjoy Golf finished sixth on debut. Hugh Bowman’s aboard this weekend, which is a positive. No. 9 Sturdy Ruby has an inside gate and can make his presence felt.

Race 10: Austin Handicap

No. 1 Eighty Light Years is seeking consecutive wins. He’s now a two-time victor this campaign and the inside gate should afford him a soft lead throughout. One to beat. No. 2 Stellar Express is lightly raced but continues to perform well. He’s after a first win and his pairing with Hugh Bowman from gate two is a plus. No. 7 Gracious Express has the wide gate to contend with, although he is racing well. He’s a swiftly improving type. No. 8 Leslie can surprise. His most recent turf gallop was superb.

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.