Hong Kong racing tips: Jim McGrath with three Sha Tin fancies on Monday

Galaxy Witness
7.05 Sha Tin, Monday
2pts win

Cordyceps Six
9.15 Sha Tin, Monday
2pts win

Master Hero
9.50 Sha Tin, Monday
2pts win

Joao Moreira is running wild in Zac Purton’s enforced absence because of injury and the Magic Man’s dominance will again be the highlight at Sha Tin’s ten-race holiday fixture on Monday.

Following a four-timer at Happy Valley on Wednesday, Moreira is only one win behind Purton in the jockeys’ championship (48-49) and he has arguably a stronger book of rides this time, headed by Master Hero in the 7f handicap (9.50).

Tony Cruz has nurtured Master Hero, expertly developing his potential. The son of Savabeel has put together a record of 3-14, with seven minor placings also to his credit. All his wins were over course and distance with Moreira aboard, the most recent being achieved from a wide draw (12).

From stall two, Moreira should have the five-year-old travelling in the box seat from the start, and with several key rivals drawn wide, he can capitalise. All Beauty, a winner over 6f in September, is another relatively unexposed runner and looks the main danger.

Two of Moreira’s most interesting rides are for reigning champion trainer Caspar Fownes, whose team are hitting form after a slow start to the season. Senor Toba, runner-up in the Queensland Derby for Chris Waller in May, gets his chance over a suitable trip in the 1m2f handicap (6.00).

In the 5f sprint (7.05) on the straight course Moreira partners the Fownes-trained debutant Galaxy Witness, who has shown enough in barrier trials to give this a real shake at the first time of asking.

It is difficult for a newcomer to beat more seasoned handicappers on debut, but Galaxy Witness looks a thorough professional and should be able to cope with being drawn awkwardly (three). He is tipped to finish strongly and can see off the speedy Baltic Whisper.

Jerry Chau takes a handy 3lb off Cordyceps Six, another who has an attractive high draw (13), in the 5f handicap (9.15). It is a hot race with Carroll Street and Super Fortune also having strong claims.

Cordyceps Six was unlucky on his last start over course and distance when held up for a run a furlong and a half out and having to be switched. He was run out of it by outsider Alcari, but it could be a different story this time.

Sha Tin Placepot perm

7.05
4 Galaxy Witness
8 Baltic Whisper

7.35
1 Pins Prince
6 Millennium Falcon

8.05
2 Beauty Champ
13 Nearly Fine

8.40
1 Snowalot
2 Sight Spirit

9.15
1 Cordyceps Six
2 Carroll Street

9.50
2 Master Hero
12 All Beauty

2x2x2x2x2x2 = 64 lines

Bets can be placed into Sha Tin pools with the Tote, Coral and Ladbrokes. The first race at Sha Tin on Monday is at 5am.

Sha Tin Monday card

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