Hong Kong form expert Luke Middlebrook provides his thoughts on every race at the Hong Kong meeting at Sha Tin on Sunday, 16 February.
Has been progressing well since joining David Eustace, and after breaking through for his first win five starts ago, he has remained consistent. He steps out 11 days after a fast-finishing second over the extended mile at Happy Valley for the second consecutive time.
Selections: 4-2-5-8
Appears to be a handy three-year-old who will carry high expectations to win first-up for John Size, having been a standout at the trials in his four Hong Kong hit-outs since arriving from Australia, where he trialled under the name Five Foot Fence and showed ability there as well.
Selections: 4-1-2-3
Backed up his maiden victory with a solid second-place finish to Yee Cheong Glory after starting wide from barrier 10 last start. This looks an easier assignment, and he is the one to beat.
Selections: 7-1-8-2
Has been knocking on the door for a win this season, and the step up to 1400m for the first time might be just what he needs to get his nose in front. He was last seen closing strongly for fourth, beaten 1.75 lengths by Sky Jewellery at Happy Valley—a solid form reference—while the switch to Sha Tin is a positive.
Selections: 4-1-10-12
A three-time winner and four-time placegetter from eight attempts over this course and distance, deserves plenty of attention and will be giving his opposition something to chase down.
Selections: 2-1-10-6
Finished a close-up fourth last time, beaten just 1.5 lengths after racing wide without cover throughout—a game effort that followed a fast-finishing sixth from a wide draw in his prior run. The rise to 1800m looks ideal, and he can bounce back to winning ways.
Selections: 2-13-14-12
Is on the quick seven-day turnaround after closing in for fifth over this course and distance last week, up against an on-pace-dominated race shape. He also had excuses, being hampered in the concluding stages. Moving into barrier 1 is a plus, and Caspar Fownes’ stable is finding form again.
Selections: 5-4-8-12
Made a huge impression on debut over 1200m, producing a near last-to-first victory while clocking a blistering final 400m sectional of 21.72 seconds—the fastest of the entire meeting. Mark Newnham will be hoping his South African import can maintain his winning streak and stay on course for the next two legs of the Classic Series.
Selections: 7-4-2-8
Produced a promising second-place finish over this course and distance on debut for Mark Newnham. He was on the wrong part of the track that day but stuck on well and should improve with that experience and a better draw here.
Selections: 7-4-2-6
Had no luck on debut after drawing barrier 14, racing wide without cover throughout before weakening in the home straight. He has had 28 days to recover from that tough run, has trialled well between starts, and should get his chance to show up second-up with a better passage.
Selections: 4-12-1-2
Broke through for his first Hong Kong win last start over Sky Trust, a form line that has proven solid. After three local runs over 1400m, he now steps up to the mile, a trip he was unbeaten at overseas.
Selections: 3-5-12-4