Hong Kong Preview: Legend can overcome Prince

#7 True Legend can turn the tables on #3 Chancheng Prince in the Shek Uk Shan Handicap on the Sha Tin all-weather track Oct. 27.

Chancheng Prince produced a fantastic performance in his first race on the all-weather Oct. 10, racing clear to win by 2-3/4 lengths after covering extra ground three-wide on a sloppy surface.

True Legend was another quarter-length back in third place when starting as favorite. However, the pair were at level weights on that day, and this time True Legend gets a five-pound advantage – which will be increased to seven pounds with the apprentice allowance of Matthew Poon.

Chancheng Prince also had the advantage of a run under his belt in the new season, whereas True Legend should be fitter for this race after making his first start in 2021-22. There may also be doubts about how Chancheng Prince will handle a less sloppy all-weather track.

#8 Skyey Supreme has run a number of decent races on the all-weather and looks to be a good option for exotics, as does #9 Gameplayer Times, who could benefit from an inside draw.

The biggest question mark surrounds #10 Gold Comet. He looked superb when winning a Class 4 race by nine lengths last season, but hasn’t been in the money since. The ace draw may help him.

However, the best options in exotics could well be to take all runners to fill a trifecta slot alongside True Legend and Chancheng Prince.

BEST PLAYS

Wednesday Oct. 27 (ET), Sha Tin, Race 7

• $4 win/$8 show: #7 True Legend.
• 50c trifecta: 3,7 with 3,7 with all;
• 50c trifecta: 3,7 with all with 3,7

BONUS PLAY – NEW ZEALAND

Wednesday Oct 27 (ET): Te Aroha, R7

#5 Mega Bourbon, $5 win/$10 show: Won twice last spring, beating subsequent black type winners, before missing most of summer and autumn. Won a trial two weeks ago and is ready for a big effort.