Hong Kong racing: Jim McGrath with three top tips for Saturday's card at Sha Tin

Armor Star
8.35 Sha Tin
2pts win

Happy Sebring
9.05 Sha Tin
2pts win

Touch Of Luck
9.35 Sha Tin
2pts win

It's funny how the game can change so quickly. One day Hong Kong's two big names are slugging it out for the jockeys' championship, the next it is as good as over.

Zac Purton forged seven winners clear of arch rival Joao Moreira at Happy Valley on Wednesday, courtesy of a four-timer that those who believe in such things would say was written in the stars.

The pivotal moment came in a Class 3 6f handicap sprint, in which Purton's Highland Fortune overwhelmed the Moreira 'good thing' Sky Darci in a titanic tussle up the home straight, the pair pulling six lengths clear.

Purton then picked up two chance rides when Vincent Ho forfeited his mounts after feeling unwell – and both won. Purton went on to take the finale as well.

There are six racedays left, but with Moreira banned for one of them, the Brazilian needs a miracle to win, particularly as his rival has some excellent rides among his full book at Sha Tin on Saturday.

Best of them appears to be lightly-raced Armor Star, who has the ability to overcome an awkward draw (stall 10) in the Class 4 7f handicap (8.35). The four-year-old won last time on only his second start and must contend with a reasonable 5lb rise in the handicap.

New Zealand-bred Armor Star had four barrier trials in Australia (winning one) before export to Hong Kong. His third dam is the outstanding broodmare Mrs Moss, and although a distant relative, he seems to have inherited positive family traits.

Karis Teetan, still edging away in third place on the jockeys' list, is another to follow on Saturday, especially when he partners Happy Sebring in the Class 3 handicap over 1m2f (9.05).

Any race at this distance in Hong Kong can be tactical, and that is almost certain to be the case here, with two or three expected to go forward early, which may provide Happy Sebring, a winner over 1m 3f at Happy Valley, with the right tempo to capitalise.

Finally, one for dirt enthusiasts to note, the John Moore-trained Touch Of Luck in the Class 3 handicap over an extended mile (9.35). With an inside draw and in-form Vagner Borges in the saddle, Touch Of Luck should be handy throughout and will give a great sight.

Bets can be placed into HK pools with Ladbrokes, Coral and the Tote

TOTE PLACEPOT

Race 5 (leg 1): 3, 8
Race 6 (leg 2): 2, 3
Race 7 (leg 3): 2, 3
Race 8 (leg 4): 8, 13
Race 9 (leg 5): 6, 9
Race 10 (leg 6): 5, 13

Sha Tin card

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