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

Ka Ying Lucky
7.00 Sha Tin
2pts win

Here Comes Ted
8.05 Sha Tin
2pts win

Circuit Stellar
9.10 Sha Tin
2pts win

There are no signs of the Zac Purton juggernaut slowing down as Hong Kong racing enters the second half of the season amid the strictest Covid measures imposed.

With a five-timer followed by a four-timer at the last two meetings, Purton is on song, much to the frustration of suspended rival Joao Moreira.

The Australian is now only nine wins behind in the championship battle (65-74), with an anticipated shed load of winners to come.

Purton has a full book of ten rides at Sha Tin on Saturday, the best being the Tony Cruz-trained Circuit Stellar in the Class 3 7f handicap (9.10), in which the Irish import faces 11 rivals. But Purton has excellent chances through the day.

Circuit Stellar was 3-10 for Joseph O'Brien in Ireland, his crowning achievement being a Leopardstown Listed win over a mile, defeating two smart types in Fourhometwo and Sinawann.

How different their careers have unfolded, but Cruz has been patient and the best is yet to come from Circuit Stellar, who is 0-4 in Hong Kong, although placed at his last three starts. He is clearly in form, and with Purton booked for the first time (replacing Moreira), he looks a solid bet.

One of Purton's most intriguing rides is the David Hall-trained debutant Ka Ying Lucky in the Class 4 5f sprint handicap (7.00). The three-year-old has never raced but he has been saddled up in no fewer than eight barrier trials, which is extraordinary.

The son of Zoustar showed enough speed in his trials to suggest he can win first time out, and he has Kowloon East Star, a course-and-distance winner last time out, as the hardest to beat. Drawn near the stands rail (11), Ka Ying Lucky has plenty going for him.

In the Class 3 6f sprint handicap (8.05), Luke Ferraris is reunited with Here Comes Ted, who gave his father David a farewell winner on his last day training in Hong Kong in December. Moreira rode that day, but Ferraris is familiar with the five-year-old, who has a powerful finish.

Old rival Rock Ya Heart and Purton's mount Speedy Mouse are the dangers in a typically competitive Class 3 race.