Hong Kong racing tips: Jim McGrath with three selections from Sha Tin's card

Midori Beauty
7.10 Sha Tin
2pts win

Beautyverse
8.10 Sha Tin
2pts win

Superb Capitalist
9.15 Sha Tin
2pts win

Beautyverse, a South Australian Derby winner, looks set to enhance his credentials for a crack at the Hong Kong version in March, by landing the Class 1 Chevalier Cup (8.10), over 1m, the feature race at Sha Tin on Sunday.

The Tony Cruz-trained gelding gave a glimpse of his potential on his local debut when overcoming a wide draw to cross to the inside to make all over course and distance in a Class 2 three weeks ago.

It's a feat that marks a horse as destined for the top, and arriving from Australia with a 4-9 record, including a Group 1, he has a lot going for him with Zac Purton riding near his lightest (8st 8lb), and also receiving 15lb from Excellent Proposal, who is running back into form.

Beautyverse beat the useful Keefy, scraping home by a short head, but Purton has hinted that leading is not necessarily his normal running style, so from an inside draw (2) you can expect him to tuck in behind the pace in the early stages.

The Size-trained Running Glory is still improving and looks the chief danger, although the in-form Beluga, who won for Purton last start, is a new mount for Hugh Bowman and must be respected.

Cruz and his agents have bought well this season and great hopes are held for his three-year-old import Superb Capitalist, who will be hard to beat again when he tackles the Class 3 6f handicap sprint (9.15).

He hacked up by four and a half lengths in a restricted Class 4 sprint two weeks ago and looks well up to taking a rise in grade, particularly as Angus Chung can again apply his valuable 10lb claim to full effect and will carry 8st 2lb.

The Size-trained Beauty Eternal, third on his last start to Science Patch, faces a tough task from stall 10, giving 9lb to Superb Capitalist, who has plenty of early speed. That pair stand clear of the rest on what they have produced so far.

Purton chances his arm in taking the ride on Midori Beauty in the Class 3 6f sprint handicap (7.10) on the all-weather. This lightly raced dual winner at provincial track Gosford in New South Wales has never raced on dirt, although he finished a respectable second in a recent barrier trial on the surface at Sha Tin.

Sha Tin Placepot

7.10
5 Midori Beauty
8 Jolly Ruler

7.40
2 One Voice
11 Gallant Hero

8.10
4 Running Glory
9 Beautyverse

8.40
5 Powerful Wings
11 Sweet Encounter

9.15
5 Superb Capitalist
7 Beauty Eternal

9.50
5 Beauty Live
10 Packing Treadmill

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