HONG KONG (SHA TIN) on Sunday, May 17Race 1 - Tak Shing PlateDashing Victory (2) faded late for fourth at his latest start over 1,200m, but had figured runner-up in two earlier runs, including one over today's trip, and must be one of main chances in this event. Penglai Xianzi (9) has disappointed at past couple following first-up March second over today's 1,000m, but is definitely going to strip fitter and has outside course bias on his side. Solitaire (12) fought on doggedly for fourth on debu
HONG KONG (SHA TIN) on Sunday, May 17
Race 1 - Tak Shing Plate
Dashing Victory (2) faded late for fourth at his latest start over 1,200m, but had figured runner-up in two earlier runs, including one over today's trip, and must be one of main chances in this event. Penglai Xianzi (9) has disappointed at past couple following first-up March second over today's 1,000m, but is definitely going to strip fitter and has outside course bias on his side. Solitaire (12) fought on doggedly for fourth on debut last month over this trip and can figure in placings. Lucky Selection (6) showed plenty of greenness first-up over the straight 1,000m last month, but is likely to come on for that respectable fifth-place result and can pick up minor share.
Race 2 - Cox's Handicap
Napa II (6) is likely to come up short over this trip, but did work home nicely for third on his career debut last month over the 1,200m and must have claims. Newcomer Fantastisch (3) has been making nice strides in his lead-up work and can make a lasting impression first-up. Fleeting Quality (4) is drawn against bias, but did just fade late for fifth on his debut 14 days back over this trip and can be considered for a placing. Bless Us All (12) isn't anything special, but did place third over this trip back in March and can add value to exotics.
Race 3 - Parkes Handicap
Accelerator (5) has run real well back-to-back for a win and recent second behind Wild Ace over this trip and will again be picking off rivals late for another top result. Monty (7) won earlier in the term over today's 1,400m and will likely come on for a much needed fourth-place result last time out behind Wild Ace. Hot Sun (6) has produced nice stats over the 1,400m this term, including a front running third in that same Wild Ace race and will be the one to gun down late. Cheerful Happiness (13) hasn't been far off the finish on any of his seven starts this term and can add value to the placings.
Race 4 - Pilkem Handicap
Lightning Mount (10) has stayed on gamely for second at his past two starts over a mile on both turf and dirt and is an each-way fancy. Grand General (1) missed by only 3/4 of a length over this surface eight days back and will appreciate step up to a mile. Bauhinia (9) failed to make it three wins in a row last time, but was successful over this surface and trip three runs back and can't be overlooked in calculations. Night Hunter II (4) has been disappointing, but nonetheless hasn't been far off the finish in any of his three recent outings in this grade on dirt and is a place chance.
Race 5 - Gascoigne Handicap
Massive Star (6) has been threatening all season long over this surface, including placings at his past four runs, and deserves his time in the spotlight here. Mighty Sun (1) has been troubled by a bad draw at his past couple of runs over this surface, but was still a penultimate start second and must be respected from gate five. That's It (3) has been non-factor at past two runs back from bleeding attack, but dirt specialist did go a lot better in a recent trial and can figure in placings. Tiger Ridge (5) is another that has been troubled by a draw at his past few starts and did finish fourth in two earlier all-weather runs over this trip. Place roughie.
Race 6 - Hillwood Handicap
Super Surveys (11) is likely to come on for a debut third a fortnight back behind the unpredictable Animation over today's trip and can make presence felt at the finish line. Sohna (2) doesn't know how to run a bad race and will appreciate return to Sha Tin and the 1,400m. Super (10) was back to old antics when running off course at his latest start in February, but did win two of three earlier 1,600m runs and needs to be kept safe. Encosta Don (13) put in one of his better runs when kicking on well recently for third over the 1,200m and should be suited by extra 200m. Place claims.
Race 7 - Jordan Path Handicap
Zephyrus (5) had had superb campaign, including penultimate start win over today's 1,800m, and can be forgiven for latest from the impossible 14 gate over 2,000m. He has top claims. Baturo (8) has incredibly figured in the placings on 10 of his past 13 starts, the latest a third over 2,000m, and will go close. Maverick (2) had finished in the frame in two runs last month before a recent flat effort off a tough trip and needs to be kept safe in place calculations. Triumphant Diamond (1) was an improved fourth over 2,000m in this grade last time out and deserves place consideration.
Race 8 - The Kowloon Cricket Club Centenary Cup
Happy Reunion (12) will need longer sprint in time, but did handle rise in grade with close second behind Lucky Red last start over this trip and can be followed. Smart Currency (8) steps up in grade and is drawn gate one against course bias, but has made solid impression in three runs this term, all over today's 1,000m, including a comfortable last start win, and must be respected. Lucky Red (1) has exceeded expectations this term with a third 1,000m win two weeks back, but does continue to hold his condition well and will go close. Enriched (9) is winner of lone Australian start and has been making good progress with each barrier trial. Keep safe.
Race 9 - The Japan Racing Association Trophy
King Dancer (3) looks smart type in the making following second straight 1,600m win in March from three local runs and should relish today's 1,800m. He's the one to beat. Baazigar (7) has returned from break better than ever at past two runs, exiting a last start 1,800m win, and will go close. Palais D'Or (5) has had sparkling season (3 wins, 3 placings from 8 starts) and is proven 1,800m performer, but, may like his latest run, have tough run from wide gate. Fat Choy Ichiban (8) tackles 1,800m for first time, but has really hit a purple patch of form, two off-the-pace 1,600m wins from his past three starts, and must be considered for a placing.
Race 10 - Austin Handicap
Home Treasure (7) is really enjoying his racing, staying on gamely for a third win from his past five starts with another 1,600m success 21 days back, and will be hard to keep out of the finish. Legend Of Colour (1), a smart January winner over today's 1,600m and a second runner-up in February's Derby Trial over 1,800m, has been freshened up following a tough Derby run and must be respected. Presto (4) is as honest as the day is long and can run on late for a placing. Blue Sky (12) faces tougher, but did just come up a nose shy behind the useful Lambro last month over the 1,400m and remains place chance.
Race 11 - Bowring Handicap
Danzulu (2) had registered consecutive wins over today's 1,400m before a brave fourth 34 days back in a strong Class 3 over 1,600m. He has each-way claims. Dr Possible (12) faces much tougher opposition, but does appear to have some potential following a handy second-up win over 1,200m last month and must be respected. Grand Dragon (3) was just beaten on the line by Bolero over this trip last month and is still open to further improvement. He must be considered. Rocket Power (9) returned from a near career threatening injury to run a gallant second a fortnight back behind Big Profit over today's 1,400m and must be kept safe