Hong Kong form expert Luke Middlebrook provides his thoughts on every race at the Hong Kong meeting at Sha Tin on Sunday, 30 March.
Steps up to what should be a suitable 2000m after two promising runs over 1800m at Happy Valley, and the switch to Sha Tin looks another positive. His last-start second to Beauty Alliance reads as a standout form reference, and he shapes as one of the key players, especially with a kind draw in barrier 2.
Selections: 5-3-11-6
Bounced back to winning form in impressive style last start, relishing the drop back in trip after a fair effort over the mile, which looked to stretch him. With just seven runners engaged here, the tempo will be pivotal, but his turn of foot stands him out as the one to beat.
Selections: 1-3-2-7
Turned in a promising debut effort when working across from barrier 11 to sit outside the leader, Akashvani, who went on to win impressively. Despite showing signs of greenness, he stuck on well for second and should come on nicely from the run. With natural improvement, he gets his chance to go one place better second-up.
Selections: 3-7-10-12
Hasn’t had much go his way in his first two starts. On debut, he was badly held up in the straight when finishing 1.5 lengths off Sky Joy in sixth, and second-up he drew wide in barrier 11, raced three-wide near the pace, and stuck on gamely to be beaten under a length by Crossborderpegasus. With a better run in transit, he looks ready to break through.
Selections: 4-12-8-6
Finds a much easier contest than in recent starts where Voyage Bubble has proven a tough nut to crack. His latest effort in the Gold Cup is best overlooked, as he raced too keenly and didn’t settle. Back to the mile with a 35-day freshen and a sharp trial between runs, this is his chance to bounce back to winning ways.
Selections: 3-4-12-5
Has drawn the wrong part of the track in barrier 1 for the straight course but puts his unbeaten record on the line after two eye-catching local wins. In his favour is a strong tempo on paper, which should allow him to finish over the top as he’s been doing. He’s trialled well since and remains the one to beat.
Selections: 1-5-11-10
Handled the rise to 1400m with ease last time to claim his third successive Group 1 victory. He drops back in trip here and carries a 5lb penalty under the Group 2 conditions, but it’s hard to see that stopping the superstar. He reunites with Zac Purton, who was aboard for a recent trial in which he looked as sharp as ever.
Selections: 1-3-4-2
Was a luckless runner-up to Sky Jewellery last start after being hemmed up in traffic for much of the home straight. His debut effort also caught the eye, dropping back from barrier 12 before surging late into fifth. He does have a tricky gate to navigate in barrier 10, but he looks ready to win.
Selections: 3-7-2-5
Chases a hat-trick of wins as he rises to Class 3 after two ultra-impressive victories to kick off his career for the John Size stable. He’s still showing signs of greenness but possesses plenty of natural ability and remains the one to beat despite the stronger company.
Selections: 5-1-6-10
Is ready to break his Class 3 duck. After stringing together back-to-back wins in Class 4, he placed second to Derby third-placegetter Packing Angel on his first Class 3 attempt before a meritorious third in another strong form race. He has trialled well between runs and looks suited returning to 1400m.
Selections: 8-7-2-4