Hong Kong form expert Luke Middlebrook provides his thoughts on every race at the Hong Kong meeting at Sha Tin on Sunday 15 December.
Returns to Class 5, where he is unbeaten, and benefits from a perfect draw in gate 3. He has trialled nicely between runs, and the booking of Karis Teetan, who was aboard for his previous win in this grade, is likeable.
Selections: 6-7-9-2
Shapes as a strong winning contender to end a winless streak for Caspar Fownes after enduring an unlucky run from an outside draw last start. A better barrier this time offers the chance to turn his fortunes around.
Selections: 2-3-5-14
Returns to Sha Tin after four consistent performances at Happy Valley, having endured tough luck from a wide draw last time when caught wide throughout. Mark Newnham has this five-year-old in excellent form, and in an open race, he looks ready to charge home late, especially after trialling impressively between starts.
Selections: 8-1-5-3
Will wear blinkers for the first time as he seeks a maiden victory on his third career start. Both runs so far have been promising, and he looks set to get every conceivable chance here.
Selections: 6-4-10-3
Checks all the right boxes. Drawn wide first-up over 1400m, he was given a quiet ride at the back before closing strongly late into sixth. He now moves into barrier 1 and steps up to the mile, both of which enhance his chances. John Size’s runners are beginning to hit form, and this one looks ready to win.
Selections: 11-4-9-5
Gets another promising opportunity to secure his maiden win. Stepping up to 1400m for the first time should suit, and barrier 3 provides jockey Ben Thompson with an excellent platform to deliver a strong performance.
Selections: 4-2-1-8
Is on an upward trajectory and looks difficult to oppose after demolishing his rivals by over four lengths last time in fast time. He appears to have more to offer and his ceiling is yet to be reached.
Selections: 4-7-5-8
Deserves another chance after being forced to cover extra ground from a wide draw over the mile last time. Dropping back to 1400m suits, and Mark Newnham has him primed to break through for a win.
Selections: 10-1-2-6
Is in excellent form under David Eustace, with two wins and a second from three starts. He looks well-placed to secure back-to-back victories from barrier 2 after a dominant two-length triumph last time out.
Selections: 1-12-6-4
Impressed on debut over 1400m, making up significant ground late to finish fourth behind Charming Legend. The step up to the mile second-up looks ideal, and this John Size-trained prospect could emerge as a serious Classic Series contender with a commanding performance.
Selections: 3-11-4-1