Hong Kong: Selections for Sha Tin Jan. 30

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

Race 1: KUNG HEI HANDICAP

#5 Sterling Wongchoy signaled his readiness to win last time with a nose second to Country Dancer. With Zac Purton taking the reins and a decent draw, he looks poised to break through. #6 Speedy Fortune boasts tactical versatility and the advantage of barrier 1. Racing well since transferring to David Eustace, he is edging closer to another win. #2 Almighty Kick drops into Class 5 and can start to be followed. His fast-finishing fifth last time was full of promise, though the wide draw here may see him settle further back before launching a late bid. #7 Flying Romantic dons blinkers for the first time and could improve from a low draw with the gear change.

Race 2: FAT CHOI HANDICAP

#8 Club Ace, now third-up, looks ready to break through after two encouraging runs over 1000m. A recent trial, where he wasn't fully tested, suggests he's in good order, and the rise to 1200m should bring out his best. #4 Joyful Treasure is also third-up and trending in the right direction following his second-up third. Barrier 1 ensures he will get a favorable run. #6 Savvy Twinkle made a promising debut with a closing fourth against an on-pace race shape and should have taken plenty of improvement from that experience. #5 Master Phoenix continues to improve with racing, and his trial between runs indicates he's in fine form for the David Eustace stable.

Race 3: GOOD FORTUNE HANDICAP

#2 Flagship Warrior has drawn wide and will need early luck, but he drops into Class 4 for the first time and steps up in trip. His last-start eighth over an unsuitable 1200m was a promising effort as he closed off strongly. #9 Lucky Fionn, while facing a tricky barrier 13, is overdue for a win after three consecutive runner-up finishes. The step up to a mile looks ideal for him. #13 Sunday's Serenade benefits from a mid-draw, and his first attempt at the mile last start was encouraging, flying home late into second. #14 Sweet Smile has yet to hit the frame in nine attempts but remains an interesting prospect with Zac Purton aboard from barrier 2. The rise to a mile could unlock improvement.

Race 4: THE CENTENARY VASE (HANDICAP) (G3)

#10 Stunning Peach can continue his Derby preparation with a bounce-back win here after a commendable third-place finish to Noisy Boy last time. Given it was his first run in over a month, the effort was more than satisfactory, and he should strip fitter this time. #2 Happy Together was a strong runner-up in the January Cup (G3) over this trip at Happy Valley last time, and a move to a lower draw is pivotal to his chances. #6 Ensued resumes since his commendable fourth in the Hong Kong Vase (G1), and with a win in a similar handicap three starts ago, he looks well-placed to figure prominently. #7 La City Blanche also comes out of the January Cup, where he finished fast into third from a wide draw. Barrier 1 allows him to map closer, and he is a proven performer in races of this nature.

Race 5: PROSPERITY HANDICAP

#3 Leslie returned to Class 4 last start, but after drawing a wide gate, he was ridden for luck at the back and struck traffic in the straight, making his seventh-place finish much better than it reads. Barrier 4 allows him to map closer to the speed, improving his chances. #4 Brilliant Express is ready to break through for a win after racing wide last start yet only being beaten by a head on the line. #13 Atomic Beauty will appreciate a soft time up front, and with Zac Purton taking the ride from a low draw, he looks poised to improve after being hindered by wide gates in his last two starts. #1 Phoenix Light dropped into Class 4 last start and flashed home late into second from a wide draw. Moving into a low barrier this time sets him up to go one better.

Race 6: THE CHINESE NEW YEAR CUP (HANDICAP)

#5 Young Champion was narrowly beaten by half a length to Rubylot last start and looks ready to go one better, especially after trialing impressively between runs with blinkers applied for the first time and which he wears on race day. #3 Green N White continues to exude consistency and should be in the mix again, with barrier 2 ensuring a perfect run under Hugh Bowman. #11 Aurora Lady steps into Class 2 and rises to 1400m for the first time, but as a progressive horse on a lighter weight, he has the potential to make his presence felt. #2 Drombeg Banner is likely to set the pace despite a wide draw. If he avoids too much early pressure, his last-start second to Patch of Theta provides a solid form line for this contest.

Race 7: FAT CHOI HANDICAP

#4 Ka Ying Radiance was a good thing beaten on debut after being held up for most of the home straight, eventually flying into fourth when the race was effectively over. With experience now on his side and barrier 1 affording every chance, he looks well-placed to atone. His trial win between runs further boosts confidence. #7 Yee Cheong Glory has shown plenty of promise in his trials leading up to his debut and, with Zac Purton aboard from barrier 4, he commands respect. #3 Dragon Four Seas aims for back-to-back wins but will need to overcome a tougher trip from a wider draw. Nevertheless, his form carries him in good stead. #8 Invincible Lucky deserves his maiden win after a string of solid efforts, but another wide draw poses challenges. Expect him to settle back and charge home late.

Race 8: THE HONG KONG CLASSIC MILE

#1 Packing Hermod was excellent last start, finishing fourth from a wide draw under top weight, making up a significant amount of late ground to check in 1.5 lengths behind Rubylot. As the joint-highest-rated four-year-old at level weights, he is well-placed to claim the first leg of the Classic Series. #6 Johannes Brahms endured plenty of misfortune last start when he bounded out of the gates, lost ground, and was held up from the 400m until the 200m. Despite that, he's progressing well and remains firmly in the mix. #2 Rubylot, also the joint-highest-rated four-year-old alongside Packing Hermod, continues his upward trajectory. He enjoyed a world-perfect run last start when defeating many of his Classic Series rivals, but barrier 10 could prove tricky from a tactical perspective. #7 Cap Ferrat was very good on his local debut, running a slashing second to Mickley. He looks capable of taking another step forward here.

Race 9: RED PACKET HANDICAP

#13 Legend St Paul's rises to Class 3 following a maiden victory at the top of Class 4 last time. He is drawn well in barrier 2 to suit his on-pace running style, while some of his key rivals will likely be chasing from the back late. #2 Silvery Breeze has yet another wide barrier to contend with, but Zac Purton takes the reins. As seen in his last two starts, he will likely settle back early before launching his late charge. #3 Embraces has been a revelation since transferring to Cody Mo's stable, winning both starts for the yard. His ceiling looks far from reached, and he remains firmly in contention. #12 Prestige Good outperformed market expectations on his local debut with a close-up eighth. Having trialed well between runs, he is poised to take another positive step forward.

Race 10: YUE YEE HANDICAP

#3 Young Superstar will likely take up the lead from barrier 1 and could prove hard to run down if he isn't faced with too much early pressure. His neck third to Masterofmyuniverse is a solid form reference for this race. #11 Sunny Da Best regained his form with a strong performance last time, securing his second career win after a luckless runner-up effort prior. With a sweet run just off the pace and a genuine race tempo, he will be tough to hold out. #13 Beauty Light is a progressive type for the John Size stable, and while this marks his toughest test yet as he rises in grade, he looks capable of measuring up. #1 Packing Power was likely in need of the run first-up last time and is expected to improve second-up.

Race 11: KUT CHEONG HANDICAP

#3 Packing Angel is chasing a hat-trick of wins, having thrived since stepping up to 1400m where his record remains flawless. Although slightly awkwardly drawn in barrier 10, his tactical versatility and sharp turn of foot make him tough to beat. #7 Endeared rarely benefits from a good draw but moves into barrier 2 here, ensuring a cozy run and putting him in line to maintain his winning momentum. #4 Tamra Blitz can enjoy a much smoother trip from barrier 3 third-up after being forced to navigate from wide draws in both prior runs this season. The booking of Hugh Bowman adds further appeal. #11 Solid Win is among six last-start winners in this competitive field and appears well-poised to hold his own on the class rise.