From RACING POST HK

Francis Lui Kin-wai-trainedSharp Hunter took his time about winning a race but the Members Cup (1,200m) at Sha Tin on Sunday sets up nicely for the gelding to make it two in a row.

Douglas Whyte sticks with Sharp Hunter after winning on him at his 10th start last time out, when the son of Choisir sat wide on the track facing the breeze from a wide draw but was still able to produce a withering turn of foot when the button was pushed.

That acceleration had been on show in his previous run, when Sharp Hunter looked a good thing beaten behind Full Talent over the same course in April after being slowly away then caught up in traffic.

At least being wide last time he was out of traffic and a modest pace and lighter weight probably lessened the effect of the trip, but horses don't normally sprint like that after a tough run so Sharp Hunter's effort was noteworthy. He put them away in a couple of strides.

Sharp Hunter climbs 10 pounds in the handicaps today to take some of the sting from that acceleration but, on the plus side, this race sets up better for him from barrier five.

En Civil and Kirov in the two inside draws haven't been displaying a lot of speed, so that virtually puts Sharp Hunter into gate three and that should allow him to simply land in the right spot in midfield with a clean break.

All the speed is drawn out wider, with You Read My Mind (Hugh Bowman), Joyful the Great and You Are The One the forward runners we know, but debutant Farm Perfect was also a leader in Australia in his previous career and did show early speed in his trial.

That group should have little difficulty crossing the inside runners, and then the key to the race will be how they shape amongst themselves.