Oct 19 Hong Kong (Sha Tin) form analysis

Race 1 (1,400M)

3 Riding High made a promising first start for the Douglas Whyte stable when flashing home late into third over 1,200m on his first try in Class 5. The rise to 1,400m is a query, but he is trending the right way, and looks well suited in an open contest.

1 Ragnarr finally broke through stylishly at start 25 and remains in Class 5 with Zac Purton taking the reins again, though he does need to lift on his 1,400m record, which reads four unplaced efforts.

9 Viva Chaleur was heavily backed first-up when third on the all-weather, beaten under a length. He has yet to fire on Sha Tin's turf, but has the potential to improve now under Tony Cruz.

2 Celestial Harmony maps for a soft run from the low draw and is well down in the ratings - one at odds to consider.

Race 2 (1,000M)

5 Robot Lucky Star showed promise in his only start late last season when a close-up third at this course and trip. He has been trialling nicely for his return and, with Purton staying aboard, he has a strong chance to break through.

1 Flowing Riches made an immediate impression first-up with a sharp win over this course and trip, beating subsequent winner Mr Desira. He draws ideally in gate 12.

3 Little Monster caught the eye with a strong finish into fifth on debut after getting clear only late, and he can improve second-up.

4 Prestige Hall placed on debut before a close-up fifth and resumes off quiet trials. He will be better over further but can run well fresh.

Race 3 (1,00M)

3 Beauty Viva would not have many excuses third-up with Purton back aboard following two strong runs in, including a last-start second when stepping up to this trip. He is ready to win.

9 Mission Strike represents the in-form Mark Newnham stable and should improve second-up after a get-back, run-on effort over the mile first-up.

13 Double Win draws much better this time after resuming from barrier 12 and closing strongly into third. That was his first run for Manfred Man, who appears to have him in good shape.

8 Ocean Impact caught the eye late over 1,400m first-up, a distance short of his best, and stepping to 1,800m second-up from barrier 4 gives him a great opportunity to build on that.

Race 4 (1,400M)

1 Fun Together was beaten just 1½ lengths first-up after racing wide without cover from barrier 10. He comes into barrier 3 and boasts a strong second-up record of two wins from three. He is well-placed to be in the finish.

9 Autumn Vibes can be tricky but resumed well when leading and was swamped late into second. Purton sticks with him and, while barrier 13 is no help, there is little speed on paper. They should roll forward and take control again.

3 Raging Rapids has held consistent form this season with a win first-up, followed by two placings and a last-start fourth. He stays in the mix.

5 California Moxie draws to do no work from barrier 2 and could improve.

Race 5 (1,400M)

1 Blazing Wukong resumed with a strong second place, faring the best of those on-pace as the backmarkers swooped. He has trialled well since. Atzeni sticks with him and, although the wide draw is a slight concern, he is an untapped four-year-old with ample upside.

5 Lucky Sam Gor was the one who reeled in Blazing Wukong late for a well-deserved breakthrough. He remains a live chance.

6 Strange Alert chased home the smart Invincible Ibis first-up and can take another step forward from a soft gate second-up.

3 Victory Champion is lightly raced and gets the services of Purton. His debut was excellent, and he was not far away in the same race as Strange Alert second-up.

Race 6 (1,200M)

6 Ka Ying Glory has shown flashes of talent but comes with some risk due to health issues. Still, he resumes off good trials, draws barrier 1, and has the early speed to make his own luck. He is worth a throw at the stumps.

3 Packing Phoenix lived right up to his short quote on debut with a soft win and looks every bit a rising talent. He will be better over further but, for now, he is the one they all have to beat again.

4 Emblazon defied a wide trip and landed a strong betting move first-up. This will be the acid test to see if he has more to offer.

7 Proud Box finished third on debut in a similar race. The wide draw should not be an issue judging by his get-back pattern.

Race 7 (1,600M) THE SHA TIN TROPHY

6 My Wish has been labelled a force to be reckoned with this season by Newnham, following his Group 3 return win. He can reinforce that sentiment with another victory under handicap conditions.

1 Voyage Bubble, Hong Kong's champion miler, has the weight to carry but rightly so. He was runner-up in this race in 2024 under similar conditions and, while this is a lead-up to set-weight targets, he has proven he can figure even with the impost.

2 Galaxy Patch did notquite live up to lofty expectations last season, though he did win this race first-up last term. He is a get-back type, so race shape will go a long way in determining his chances.

4 Beauty Joy often goes overlooked, but he is a proven fresh performer and continues to race with enthusiasm at nine.

Race 8 (1,200M)

4 Infinite Resolve is trending the right way after bouncing back from an excusable first-up run with a sound second to the rising Bulb General. He maps to perfection from barrier 2 and gets every chance to go one better.

5 Star Rise made a solid impression on debut, easing back from a wide gate and charging home into second behind Little Paradise, despite being held up for much of the straight.

2 Patch Of Stars faded late first-up over 1,400m and should strip fitter for that effort. The drop to 1,200m is a slight question mark, but with a more patient ride, he can improve sharply.

6 Sky Joy returns off back-to-back wins last season, steps up to Class 3 and has trialled quietly but well. He can measure up.

Race 9 (1,400M)

1 Brilliant Express produced a powerful first-up effort over 1,200m, short of his best. He settled near last before charging home to fifth behind winner Tomodachi Kokoroe. He drops in class, steps to his preferred 1,400m, and is well-placed to strike second-up.

5 Harold Win is on the right trajectory and looks ready to peak third-up, rising to 1,400m after a strong second last start. From a soft draw, he maps to get every chance.

3 Everyone's Star found his groove at the end of last season with a win and a close second. While he may improve with the run under his belt, Purton's booking adds confidence first-up.

2 Flying Fortress had genuine excuses on return, losing momentum when checked and clipping heels. He is entitled to improve with a smoother run.

Race 10 (1,600M)

5 Beauty Bolt looked like the winner first-up before his condition gave out late, sticking on gamely for third. He strips fitter and looks ready to hit back second-up.

10 Max Que is flying, unbeaten this season from two runs, and now faces a fresh test stepping to the mile for the first time. Barrier 4 gives him every chance to map softly and run it out.

14 Fortune Boy caught the eye flashing home into fourth on his first run in Class 3 behind Beauty Bolt. David Hayes applies the blinkers second-up, an intriguing gear change that could unlock further improvement.

12 Sky Vino steps up to the mile after a solid return over 1,400m and, while drawn wide, will be finishing off strongly if he gets the right tempo.

Comments courtesy of the Hong Kong Jockey Club