Hong Kong form expert Luke Middlebrook provides his thoughts on every race at the Hong Kong meeting at Sha Tin on Sunday 22 March.
1 Robot Star has trialled well since his second behind Blazing Wukong, a solid first try at the mile given he raced on pace in a run that did not favour his pattern. A good run in transit looks on offer today from barrier 7 and he can bounce back to winning form.
Selections: 1-8-3-6
1 Baby Sakura could not have started his career any better, scoring comfortably by more than a length despite jumping from barrier 11. A good trial since shows he has come on for that run, and barrier 2 gives him a far easier task this time even under top weight.
Selections: 1-7-9-2
9 Circuit Champion steps up in grade chasing back-to-back wins and has kept ticking over well, winning a trial between runs against decent opposition. His early speed should see him settle on the pace and give himself every chance to win again.
Selections: 9-6-4-10
2 Goldentronicmighty has not been disgraced in stronger races in Class 3 recently but slotting back into Class 4 gives his chances a boost. A good lead-in trial suggests he is ready to run well back at this level.
Selections: 2-3-5-4
12 Absolute Honour is a stable switcher to note, now with Frankie Lor and winning a recent trial well. Purton takes the ride, barrier 3 gives him every chance to land well in running, and his form before the transfer already hinted a win was not far away.
Selections: 12-7-3-2
4 Hot Delight is a proper talent on the rise after making it two from two last time, and this time next year he could be seriously in Classic Series conversations. The ratings climb comes quickly for these progressive types, but staying in Class 3 keeps him well placed for now before Class 2 tests arrive against older, more seasoned opposition.
Selections: 4-3-2-10
3 Stormy Grove stamped himself as the one to beat with a Classic Cup win that was all strength, sweeping into the race and sustaining his run to the line. His pattern remains the same: settle back, let the race unfold, then produce the late surge.
Selections: 3-5-2-1
11 Enthralled gets a much kinder draw after three straight runs from wide gates, and the change should allow him to settle closer. Two trials in quick succession have been encouraging, and in a wide-open race he appeals as a lesser fancied chance.
Selections: 11-6-4-10
5 Amazing Partners has gone two from two since stepping up to 1400m and the weight relief on the class rise keeps him right on track for the hat-trick. Barrier 3 sets him up to land the gun run.
Selections: 5-2-12-9
10 Infinite Resolve drops back in trip after taking on the Classic Cup over 1800m. His ninth had merit from the back of the field, producing a quick dash before peaking on his run. The return to 1400m looks the key to bringing his turn of foot into play.
Selections: 10-13-11-12