Hong Kong form expert Luke Middlebrook provides his thoughts on every race at the Hong Kong meeting at Sha Tin on Sunday 1 December.
Drops into Class 5 and provides a strong winning opportunity for Frenchman Alexis Pouchin in his first short-term contract ride. The 24-year-old combines with leading trainer Pierre Ng from an ideal barrier 2.
Selections: 1-9-5-4
Is nearing a breakthrough victory, following a strong third in a competitive race last start and a solid trial since. Barrier 1 guarantees a favourable run.
Selections: 3-2-9-11
Had excuses last start from barrier 10 and up in trip but wasn’t far off, finishing fifth. Dropping back in distance suits, and from barrier 2, he looks ready to go close to a win, as shown in his prior solid runs.
Selections: 5-4-8-3
Has drawn poorly in barrier 12 but remains primed to win. He returns on a seven-day turnaround after narrowly finishing second for the second consecutive time. With plenty of speed expected, Hugh Bowman should find the race unfolding perfectly for a late pounce.
Selections: 3-1-8-4
Returns to racing after disappointing as a beaten favourite in July, when he had valid excuses due to blood in the trachea. His trials since have been encouraging, and he finds himself in a winnable race first-up. He is the one to beat.
Selections: 4-1-5-2
Is an appealing betting prospect after being well supported in recent runs and delivering respectable performances without breaking through. The all-weather surface could bring out his best, making him a solid each-way chance in an open contest.
Selections: 14-8-10-6
Debuts on the all-weather under race conditions but has consistently trialled well on the surface, suggesting he will thrive on it. There’s also a good amount of speed engaged to suit his pattern.
Selections: 5-7-4-12
Was overbet last start, finishing two lengths back in fifth, but he can rebound here at more appealing odds. #6 Fighting Machine has been performing well despite wide draws and can position closer from barrier 4, improving his chances for a maiden win in this class on his third attempt.
Selections: 5-6-4-8
Is an intriguing prospect on his second start. Well-supported on debut, he had everything go wrong when finishing three lengths back in 10th. This is a highly competitive field, but he appears to have ability and should appreciate the extra furlong second-up.
Selections: 8-6-5-4
Is an improving four-year-old, and the form from his last-start win holds up well with Sky Trust winning smartly last week after finishing runner-up to him. Despite a wide draw, his early speed can overcome this in a race lacking pace, such as he did last time.
Selections: 3-4-8-2