Hong Kong racing tips: Jim McGrath has three selections at Sha Tin on Sunday

Marado
8.35 Sha Tin
2pts win

A Pal
9.10 Sha Tin
2pts win

Apache Pass
9.45 Sha Tin
2pts win

First-season trainer Pierre Ng, who has hit the ground running, is tipped to maintain his early momentum by landing two of the final three races on a ten-race card at Sha Tin on Sunday.

This is very much the calm before the frenzy of International Races week, but there is nevertheless the chance to build a 'bank' for what lies ahead, and the Ng-trained Marado looks an ideal place to start in the Class 4 7f handicap (8.35).

Zac Purton is booked for Marado, one of his ten rides, after missing Wednesday’s meeting due to what the Jockey Club medical team have called a "repositive" test result, which apparently can occur in those hit by Covid previously.

Marado won tidily over course and distance three weeks ago, and a 6lb rise in the ratings is unlikely to make much difference, although an awkward draw of 12 in the 14-runner field presents an extra challenge.

Purton’s positivity from the gate in circumstances such as this will give the six-year-old every chance of being near the pace and, if he runs up to his previous good form, he will put another win on the board. Blissful Star, with Silvestre de Sousa riding, is the danger.

Ng had an excellent international grounding before taking out his licence, working for among others, Chris Waller, David Hayes and Mick Price in Australia and Bill Mott in America, so it should be no surprise he has already sent out 11 winners this early in his maiden campaign.

Ng also saddles in-form Apache Pass, who has an excellent chance of taking the finale, the Class 2 6f handicap (9.45), one of six races on the dirt, which follows Club policy to produce fresh turf for the HKIR a week later.

Apache Pass finished a close fourth (beaten half a length) to Oriental Smoke in a chaotic finish on the Sha Tin turf two weeks ago in a race marred by the breakdown of Fantastic Way, who fell when taking it up in the closing stages. Back on dirt, which he loves, he can win again.

Another decent bet, albeit at a cramped price, is the Frankie Lor-trained A Pal in the Class 3 7f handicap (9.10). The four-year-old, a metro winner in Melbourne, hacked up last time and he can make light of a 10lb ratings rise to make it back-to-back wins.

Sha Tin card on Sunday

Sha Tin Placepot perm

7.00
6 Righteous Doctrine
9 Sun Of Makfi

7.35
4 Majestic Knight
9 Ka Ying Spirit

8.05
5 Handsome Twelve
14 Yes We Can

8.35
2 Marado
4 Blissful Star

9.10
2 A Pal
11 Global Harmony

9.45
1 Campione
4 Apache Pass

2x2x2x2x2x2 = 64 lines

Bet £5, get £20 in free Placepot bets. New customers online only. Place your first bet on racing pools for a minimum of £/€5 and win or lose you will receive £/€20 Placepot Tote Credit redeemable against UK & Irish Placepot bets only. Tote Credit cannot be withdrawn, exchanged, or substituted and expires after seven days. Qualifying bet is the first racing pool bet added to the betslip. Ten to Follow, virtual and football bets do not qualify. UK & ROI customers only. 18+. Full T&Cs apply. begambleaware.org.