Sha Tin: Grass Island H. for Wed. May 11

Two of Hong Kong’s most exciting three-year-old sprinters take each other on in an epic clash of styles in the Grass Island Handicap (1000m, or about five furlongs) at Sha Tin on Wednesday.

Winner Method has won all three of his starts in Hong Kong, leading or sitting just off the pace every time. Carroll Street has won two of his three starts, rallying from well off the pace in each.

Winner Method is likely to start favorite, having created a big impression to date and shooting up 26 pounds in the ratings over those three starts.

The Australian-bred son of Deep Field wasn’t troubled to win his first two races, and though he looked in trouble with 400m to run at his most recent start, he finished the race off strongly.

He will carry topweight of 132 pounds in Wednesday’s Class 3 sprint over Hong Kong’s straight five-furlong course and will have the services of leading jockey Zac Purton.

Carroll Street was much less heralded when he arrived from Australia and went off at 47-1 on debut. He looked like a 100-1 chance halfway through his debut, but showed a stunning turn of foot in the final 300m to win easily.

After finishing third at his next start, Carroll Street again showed an outstanding final 400m to win again on April 17.

Winner Method has probably been the more impressive of the two. But Carroll Street not only is handicapped to carry 10 pounds less than Winner Method, he will also benefit from a five-pound claim from Jerry Chau (15-pound spread between the pair).

Given that Chau is sixth on the Hong Kong premiership (Purton is second) and has been in top form of late, Carroll Street should not be wanting for jockeyship. And with the 15-pound difference, he looks a very solid investment.

Perfect Glory, making his first start since November, and Metro Warrior look the most likely to fill the trifecta.

BEST PLAY

Hong Kong, Race 3 at Sha Tin

• $3 to win: #4 Carroll Street
• $9 to show: #4 Carroll Street
• $1 trifecta: #1 Winner Method, #4 Carroll Street with #1 Winner Method, #4 Carroll Street with #2 Perfect Glory, #3 Metro Warrior, #9 Resolute.

BONUS PLAY

New Zealand, Race 5 at Wanganui, Thursday May 13 (local time)

Miss Dixie was stakes-placed in September before training off in what was her first preparation. Provided she is ready for her first race in six months she will be a strong chance, especially under set weight conditions.

• $3 win: #1 Miss Dixie
• $6 show: #1 Miss Dixie