Feb 23 Hong Kong (Sha Tin) form analysis
Race 1 (1,400m)
Race 1 (1,400m)
7 Shamus Storm finished a strong second on debut over this course and distance. He stayed on well in a recent trial and looks ready to go.
2 Etalon Or has been winless in six runs but has never been beaten by more than a neck this season. He is knocking on the door.
6 Dreaming Winner had no luck when caught wide without cover first-up, but he improved with a second-placed finish last time. The step-up to 1,400m looks suitable.
4 Flying Wrote is an interesting runner. With little speed engaged on paper, he may find himself securing an uncontested lead.
Race 2 (1,000m)
Race 2 (1,000m)
2 Bottomuptogether claimed his latest win over this trip at Happy Valley. He has trialled very well and will prove hard to get past.
1 Magic Control returns to the Sha Tin straight course after a couple of solid runs over 1,200m, including a last-start third in a Class 1 contest.
7 Stellar Express does not win out of turn but should enjoy a soft run just off the pace. He also gets a weight swing in his favour against Bottomuptogether after running second behind him last start.
3 Full Credit has done all his racing over 1,200m so far, but his tactical versatility should work to his advantage in a field where a genuine tempo is expected.
Race 3 (1,400m)
Race 3 (1,400m)
8 South Star charged home late for fifth on debut over this trip last month. He has shown good gate speed in the trials, so he may run closer second-up.
2 Sky Jewellery had to overcome barrier 11 and found himself trapped in traffic for most of the home straight. He got clear only when the race was all but over, finishing under two lengths away in fourth. The switch to Sha Tin and the rise to 1,400m look key to his chances of atoning.
7 Lucky Sam Gor settled back before making ground into fifth on debut – a huge effort given the on-pace-dominated race shape.
3 Harold Win returns to Class 4, with his Class 3 form being solid despite unkind barrier draws. His ability over 1,400m remains untested, but he will be up on the pace, giving himself every chance.
Race 4 (1,200m)
Race 4 (1,200m)
2 Alluring Laos looks ready for 1,200m after three solid runs over 1,000m. He was last seen finishing just over two lengths behind Magnifique — a form line that has since been franked with Magnifique winning again last week. Expect him to race handier, which he has done so at his first two runs.
8 Crossborderpegasus will be all the rage on debut, having impressed at the trials multiple times. Well prepared with eight trials, he looks ready to go.
12 Bienvenue is itching to break his duck after two seconds in a row with blinkers on.
10 With A Smile had no luck on debut, so his one-and-a-half-length beaten margin into sixth has more merit than it reads on paper.
Race 5 (1,400m) THE QUEEN’S SILVER JUBILEE CUP (Group 1)
Race 5 (1,400m) THE QUEEN’S SILVER JUBILEE CUP (Group 1)
1 Ka Ying Rising aims to extend his winning streak to 10 and complete a hat-trick of Group 1 wins as he tackles 1,400m for the first time. Karis Teetan will ride as Zac Purton remains sidelined through injury. Teetan reunites with David Hayes’ sprinting sensation, having previously won on him in the Group 3 Sha Tin Vase last June.
4 Helios Express looms as the biggest danger. This will be his first time stepping up in trip after four runs over 1,200m, where he has placed each time behind Ka Ying Rising.
5 Howdeepisyourlove will settle back early before finishing strongly. While better suited to 1,200m, he remains in the mix.
3 Beauty Eternal will be suited back to 1,400m, where he is a three-time winner from five runs.
Race 6 (1,600m)
Race 6 (1,600m)
3 Mighty Strength was ridden quietly from a wide draw before doing his best work late, closing into third. He has since trialled well and looks poised for a second win.
2 Matsu Victor was in fine form prior to a wide run last time. With better luck in the running, he is expected to take a step forward.
8 Sunday’s Serenade is on the verge of a win, having placed in three of his last five starts, including back-to-back runner-up finishes since stepping up to the mile.
5 Oriental Smoke cannot be overlooked in Class 4. He showed a return to form last start when pressing forward from out wide and battling on well for third.
Race 7 (2,000m) THE CITI HONG KONG GOLD CUP (Group 1)
Race 7 (2,000m) THE CITI HONG KONG GOLD CUP (Group 1)
1 Voyage Bubble tackles 2,000m for the third time, a distance over which he claimed the Group 1 Hong Kong Derby, and fought tooth and nail with superstar Romantic Warrior in 2024. His greatest asset is his tactical speed, and many have trouble trying to run him down.
2 Galaxy Patch can turn the tables on Voyage Bubble, but he cannot give him too much ground. That has been the case at their three subsequent clashes, where he has been left with too much to do.
4 Ensued resumed with a promising third over 1,800m last time. He will relish the step-up to 2,000m.
3 Chancheng Glory’s only attempt over this trip came in last season’s Derby, where he faded in a fast-run race. However, his consistent form should hold him in good stead.
Race 8 (1,400m)
Race 8 (1,400m)
8 Juneau Pride lost no admirers at his first run in Class 3 last start. He finds a winnable race to bounce back to winning ways.
5 Joy Of Spring may need this run, having been sidelined since July 2024, but he won two in a row after being ridden closer to the pace. One to watch.
9 Victory Sky caught the eye last time, closing in fast to finish fourth. He can settle much closer, which would enhance his chances.
14 Mr Energia steps up to Class 3 after a smart last-to-first win in Class 4. He remains relatively unexposed, but the weight relief can help.
Race 9 (1,400m)
Race 9 (1,400m)
3 Beauty Crescent remains a long-standing maiden after 26 runs but has some strong form behind him. That form stands out on paper, and he shapes as a knockout chance.
10 Yuen Long Elite drew clear by three lengths to win last time. He rises in class but looks to have more to offer.
11 Brilliant Express finally won at his seventh run last start. He now steps into Class 3, where the drop in weight will be in his favour.
12 Solid Win was impressive at his Class 3 debut last time, closing fast for fourth behind Packing Angel.
Race 10 (1,200m)
Race 10 (1,200m)
8 Lifeline Express was narrowly beaten into second last time. As long as he stays out of trouble, he will be hard to hold out.
14 Yee Cheong Glory won by over two lengths in Class 4 on debut. This is a tougher test, but he can measure up.
2 Super Legends will be advantaged up on the pace, as shown at his last two wins.
1 Young Superstar should roll forward and take up his customary leading role. Forget his last-start fading 10th in a fast-run race, he has what it takes to rebound.
Comments courtesy of The Hong Kong Jockey Club
Comments courtesy of The Hong Kong Jockey Club
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