Hong Kong form expert Luke Middlebrook provides his thoughts on every race at the Hong Kong meeting at Sha Tin on Wednesday, 12 February.
Has a wide draw to overcome, but prior to his last-start weakening effort—after being used up on the lead—he produced a pair of promising third-place finishes when ridden more conservatively following his drop into Class 5.
Selections: 6-3-2-8
Has been knocking on the door for his first win in 952 days and gets a prime opportunity here, with Andrea Atzeni taking over the reins and moving into barrier 1 from 11. This looks his best chance yet to get trainer Me Tsui back in the winner’s photo after a long run of outs.
Selections: 12-4-9-5
Is an intriguing runner as he dons blinkers for the first time. He jumped straight to the lead and controlled his recent trial, suggesting he has taken improvement from the gear change. Expect similar front-running tactics to be attempted under race conditions.
Selections: 7-9-10-1
Continues to be tested by wide barrier draws but has the ability to bounce back if Hugh Bowman can have him within striking range when it matters. A solid tempo will work in his favour.
Selections: 3-7-2-9
Hasn’t had much luck in recent runs and was also unsuited over the extended mile last start. Back to a preferred course and distance, and with a favourable low draw, his chances of improvement look strong.
Selections: 2-4-3-7
Is well placed to break through for his maiden win on his fourth attempt. After a no-show on debut over an unsuitable trip, he has improved with more ground, posting back-to-back third-place finishes—first over 1400m at Sha Tin, then over 1650m at Happy Valley. The query is handling the all-weather for the first time, but he has drawn perfectly.
Selections: 8-1-7-14
Finds a much easier race after taking on the likes of Raging Blizzard and Gorgeous Win in recent starts—standout form to bring into this contest. He should land on the speed comfortably from barrier 3 and will take plenty of running down in the home straight if he isn’t overcooked early.
Selections: 4-8-9-5
Was unsuited over 1650m last time, but his prior run over this course and distance saw him start favourite from barrier 12 before charging home late into third. That followed another strong placing at this track and trip, and he looks ready to bounce back for a win.
Selections: 10-9-2-5
Bounced back to form for the first time this season with a fast-finishing second to Sunlight Power over the mile at Sha Tin. He is drawn perfectly in gate 2 for apprentice Britney Wong and returns to a course and distance where he has proven credentials.
Selections: 1-11-7-3