Hong Kong: Selections for Sha Tin Jan. 25

Racing at Sha Tin begins at 11:30 p.m. ET. Selections and analysis by Luke Middlebrook.

Race 1: PARA SWIMMING 1650M HANDICAP

#4 Sonic Boom is unknown at this trip, but his recent performances over 1200m have been encouraging. A low draw ensures he gets a cozy run and the chance to show his best. #2 Yoda's Choice returns to Class 5, where his record of three seconds from four attempts in this grade suggests he can break through soon. #11 Yeaboi is in strong form for trainer Dennis Yip, having won his second race at this course over 1800m last start after a solid third over this trip the start prior. #8 Speed Sword doesn't inspire confidence on form, but he moves into barrier 1 after a wide draw on his first Class 5 attempt last time. With Hugh Bowman sticking aboard, there's a case to be made for him here.

Race 2: PARA TABLE TENNIS 1400M HANDICAP

#4 Flying Phantom has been eye-catching late in his last two runs over 1400m, where he was forced to drop out from wide draws. With a mid-draw this time, Hugh Bowman should be able to position the John Size trainee closer to the pace, improving his chances. #8 Gluck Racer found 1800m unsuitable last start but will appreciate the drop back to 1400m, a distance where he ran third two starts ago. He is always a threat in this grade, particularly with barrier 1 in his favor. #2 Ever Smart's 1400m record isn't ideal, but two recent third-place finishes since dropping to Class 5 indicate he's primed to win. A good trial between runs adds confidence, though he'll need luck from the widest draw. #13 Regency Happy Star has improved markedly since joining David Eustace's yard, breaking his maiden last start at his 23rd attempt. He may have further progress in him.

Race 3: THE PARIS 2024 PARALYMPIC GAMES HONG KONG, CHINA TEAM CELEBRATION CUP (HANDICAP)

#4 Sunlight Power is a habitual backmarker who requires luck in running, but the small field of eight runners will give him every chance to stay within striking range when the whips are cracking. Zac Purton is back aboard a second time and he looks tough to hold out. #6 Voyage Samurai should enjoy a more comfortable run on the pace this time after having to do too much early work from an outside gate last start, which saw him fade late into ninth. A softer run here should allow him to finish off more strongly. #3 Karma possesses a sharp turn of foot and will be better suited in this smaller field, ensuring he's within reach at the 400m. #1 The Golden Scenery is versatile and will find this easier than recent starts.

Race 4: PARA ATHLETICS 1000M HANDICAP

#2 Enjoy Golf was a narrow runner-up first-up over this course and distance and remains a lightly raced prospect with further improvement likely. Drawing barrier 11 for the straight course is advantageous, placing him on the ideal part of the track. #13 Country Dancer steps back into Class 4 after hitting his stride in Class 5 and appears ready to continue his strong form, despite the step up in class. #6 Magnifique has shown plenty of promise in his trials, winning all three in impressive fashion, the latest with Zac Purton aboard, who retains the ride here. #1 Alluring Laos followed up his debut win with a solid third in the same race as Enjoy Golf last time, and he deserves consideration again.

Race 5: I'MPOSSIBLE 2000M HANDICAP

#6 Affordable claimed his first local victory two starts ago over 2200m at Happy Valley before switching to Sha Tin, where he drew wide and ran on well against the race shape to finish a close-up fourth. He has since trialed positively, and if positioned closer in the run, he has every chance of returning to winning ways. #1 Joyful Prosperity is in career-best form, having climbed the ratings with three consecutive victories, the last two over this course and distance. #5 Serangoon continues to be hindered by poor barrier draws, facing another challenging task from gate 11. However, his last-start closing third behind Joyful Prosperity showed plenty of promise, and he can make his presence felt again. #8 Hailtothevictors is showing steady improvement and should relish the rise in distance. His recent trial indicates further progress, making him one to watch from the David Eustace stable.

Race 6: PARA BADMINTON 1400M HANDICAP

#2 Yuen Long Elite was a luckless fourth as race favorite last start after beginning only fairly and encountering a check at the 200m before recovering to finish strongly. With Zac Purton committed again, he gets another chance to deliver. #3 South Star debuts for the Frankie Lor stable and has been catching the eye in barrier trials. While the wide draw is a concern, 1400m looks an ideal starting point, and he could have plenty of upside. #11 Monarch County has shown glimpses of ability in his three runs to date, and the rise to 1400m, along with a favorable draw in gate 2, should improve his chances. #1 Happy Park ran a solid race despite a wide draw last time, covering ground from the 700m to finish a respectable seventh. His second to Markwin at this course and trip four starts ago is solid form, though another wide gate here is the query.

Race 7: BOCCIA 1650M HANDICAP

#10 https://x.com/TwinSpires/status/1882805196218118607 has been consistent on the all-weather, placing in his last three runs, and looks close to a breakthrough victory. He'll race on-pace and make his own luck while some of his more fancied rivals will be playing catch-up. #7 Sight Supreme returns to his winning distance and is well placed to bounce back after a solid third over 1800m last time. However, Brenton Avdulla will need to produce a perfect ride from a difficult wide draw. #2 Lucky Touch tries the all-weather for the first time under race conditions, and his recent strong second over this trip at Happy Valley suggests he'll adapt well. #5 Never Peter Out is proving adept on the all-weather. His last-start two-length win brings his course and distance record to two wins and a third from three attempts.

Race 8: PARA EQUESTRIAN 1200M HANDICAP

#3 Gorgeous Win has been runner-up to Raging Blizzard in his last two starts but finds a weaker race here, providing a prime opportunity to go one better. Zac Purton, who guided him to victory first-up this season, reunites with the horse. #5 Full Credit possesses tactical versatility and can either lead or take a sit depending on how the race unfolds. He went too hard in front last start when fading into sixth, beaten 3.25 lengths to Raging Blizzard, but can improve with a more measured ride. #6 Bundle of Charm returned to form with a solid third to Sword Point over the extended mile on the all-weather. The drop back in trip and return to turf both work in his favor. #2 Superb Capitalist had a lackluster first-up effort but has since performed well in a trial. His early speed and ideal draw in barrier 2 position him well to find a forward spot without much difficulty.

Race 9: WHEELCHAIR FENCING 1000M HANDICAP

#2 Super Fortune has been in excellent form recently, and his impressive two-length victory last start suggests he is well-placed to notch up back-to-back wins in a moderate race. #6 Sparkling Fellow has caught the eye in trials leading up to his debut, and with Zac Purton aboard, he is likely to attract plenty of attention in the betting and make an impact first-up. #11 Grand Nova has been finishing strongly since stepping up to Class 3 and finds a race with a strong pace, which should suit his running style. #3 Carroll Street hasn't tasted victory in 707 days, but his last-start fifth was more promising than it appears on paper after being involved in a bumping duel late in the race.

Race 10: PARA ARCHERY 1200M HANDICAP

#6 The Boom Box is an exciting horse on the rise, remaining unbeaten in two Class 4 starts with an impressive turn of foot. He steps into Class 3 here but finds a winnable race to secure the hat-trick, though Vincent Ho will need to produce a touch of magic from barrier 11. #9 Lifeline Express tends to settle back in his races, which has proven costly for his winning record, but he will again be charging home late and cannot be dismissed. #2 Aeris Nova is improving with each run and can take another step forward after his last-start third to Super Legends. #13 Karate Express should be more competitive second-up after showing little interest early in his first-up run but finishing off well. From barrier 1, he can race handier, which will improve his chances.

Race 11: PARALYMPIC VALUE 1650M HANDICAP

#9 Glorious Success is primed for a win with the right run after placing in all three local starts. He drew wide last time and had to be ridden for luck, but he stormed home late to finish runner-up to Embraces, a form line that's looking strong. His consistent record on the Synthetic track in Australia prior to his import suggests he will handle Sha Tin's all-weather surface with ease. #1 Talents Ambition is a progressive four-year-old with more wins to come, but he simply cannot draw a gate, and barrier 14 will pose a challenge. #10 Must Go has been knocking on the door for another win, and the rise in distance shouldn't be a query, given his luckless eighth in his sole attempt at the extended mile. He will also offer a much more attractive betting price than last start. #4 M Unicorn is ready to fire third-up and switches to a course and distance where he has a respectable record.