Hong Kong: Selections for Sha Tin March 23
Racing at Sha Tin begins at 11:59 p.m. ET. Selections and analysis by Declan Schuster of the Hong Kong Jockey Club.
Race 1: Furore Handicap (1st Section)
#7 Divano is first-up in Hong Kong. He's trialed well and looks set to make an impact on debut, that is, as long as he can off the wide gate. Take a chance on him. #5 Geneva has finished second twice across two starts in Hong Kong. He's clearly got ability and has shown that he's a winner in waiting. #3 Must Go is suited in this grade, and he can make his presence felt. The inside draw suits with six-time champion jockey Zac Purton up. #2 Fun N Glory is next in line.
Race 2: Fay Fay Handicap (1st Section)
#4 Good Good makes his debut. He comes from the right stable and gets the services of Ryan Moore this weekend. Slight concern from the wide draw, however, his latest trial was sound. #1 Sky Heart is chasing back-to-back wins. He was impressive last start and gets another chance in the grade this weekend. #2 Second To None has some talent and he's heading in the right direction as a one-time winner from four starts in Hong Kong. #8 Chater Gold mixes his form but the ability is definitely there. Next best.
Race 3: Ping Hai Star Handicap (2nd Section)
#8 Silver Spurs makes his debut. He appears to have some ability and his latest trial effort at Conghua was solid after a slow beginning. He could be value in this contest. #2 Always Fluke has an ideal draw and the talent to win this weekend. William Buick hops up and he can easily bounce this guy back to his best form. #4 Fast As Rocket is better than his record suggests. He was training well until that lackluster debut effort. #10 Less Is More is lightly raced but continues to show improvement. Keep safe.
Race 4: Luger Handicap
#2 Mister Dapper caught the eye last start. He closed off nicely that day and has the capabilities to improve again. He's a winner already over this course and distance, too. #4 Beer Palace has continued to develop with each and every start he's made. He's progressing the right way and has the ideal draw this weekend. #10 Joyful Prosperity is yet to win but clearly has the capacity to do so. Zac Purton hops up and he gets one of his better chances here. #5 Volcanic Spark is next in line.
Race 5: Werther Handicap
#8 My Flying Angel was crowded on debut and he can improve following that effort. He showed a bit of ability that day and should get an opportunity again here. #2 Ka Ying Rising continues to take forward steps as a two-time winner from four starts. He has the form behind him to win here, although, he'll be a short-priced favorite to do so, suggesting the value lies elsewhere. #5 Prawns Eleven surprised with victory last start. He has the right draw to make another impact. #1 Goko Win has the class-edge.
Race 6: Sky Darci Handicap (2nd Section)
#1 Loyal Bo Bo is chasing back-to-back wins. He was an enormous victor last start and he remains in the same grade following that effort. Hugh Bowman rides this weekend and he is the clear top pick. #10 Sky Trust is lightly raced but capable. He's been showing significant improvement each and every start. #12 Spicy Gold is another who has been racing well without winning. He must overcome the draw, however. #11 Smiling Collector is next in line.
Race 7: Hong Kong Derby
#7 Massive Sovereign burst onto the scene with a dazzling debut victory. He's classy and will prove hard to beat if he can follow that effort up with another here. #2 Helios Express has been the benchmark across the three-race Four-Year-Old Classic Series. Slight concern from the gate, especially as he tends to overdo it mid-race. #4 Chill Chibi is the value runner. He has some serious untapped ability and can improve stepping up in trip. #5 Ensued likes the track and trip. He can make his presence felt in a big, big way.
A winning Hong Kong debut for MASSIVE SOVEREIGN at Sha Tin for CH Yip & the Chan Kam Hung 💪
— Goffs (@Goffs1866) March 3, 2024
4YO No Nay Never g. (@coolmorestud) sold by @camaspark to MV Magnier at #GoffsOrby. #GoffsGradspic.twitter.com/nbfBRcX3li
Race 8: Rapper Dragon Handicap
#2 Howdeepisyourlove is a classy sprinter and he won well last start. He only needs to repeat that effort here to suggest he'll be hard to beat, especially if he gets a hot tempo, which will suit. #8 Invincible Sage falls into a similar category. He ran well last start and can build on that effort this weekend. #6 Nervous Witness is going for back-to-back wins. He's returned in stellar form, however, he'll have competition as he vies for the lead. #9 Flying Ace can make his presence felt. He's honest and usually competitive.
Race 9: Designs On Rome Handicap
#4 Sweet Encounter steps back in grade. He's raced well in Class 2 and should appreciate the dip in class this weekend. Zac Purton goes aboard and he's the one they all must beat. #2 C P Brave has found form once again as a two-time winner from his past four starts. James McDonald knows the horse and he's a threat in this grade. #5 Packing Hurricane and Harry Bentley have a super record together. He was a strong winner by two lengths last start. #6 Columbus County is next in line.
Race 10: Ambitious Dragon Handicap
#14 Aeroinvincible is seeking consecutive wins. He's hit the ground running across two starts in Hong Kong and his best can overcome this group. He has several rating points still in hand. #2 Green N White has two wins already this season. He goes about his racing the right way and gets another super chance to win again here. #3 Fun Together has a tidy record and boasts a trio of wins this term. #8 Patch of Theta broke through in fine style last start. He can continue to advance.
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