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

Master Eight
8.05 Sha Tin
2pts win

Gallant Express
9.10 Sha Tin
2pts win

Captain Win
9.45 Sha Tin
2pts win

Matthew Poon could continue his excellent season by springing a surprise on lightweight Captain Win in the finale, the highly competitive Class 2 7f handicap (9.45), on an attractive ten-race card at Sha Tin.

The ‘Poon Train’ has a strong local following, and with wins at the last two meetings, he has moved to seventh in the championship on 23 wins, which is no mean feat with Zac Purton and Joao Moreira dominating, and numerous other talents scrapping for rides.

Captain Win showed he was quite a smart type when winning his final three starts in Melbourne before export, and his victory over course and distance last November gave a hint of real potential in his new surroundings.

More recently, he has run with credit but struggled to win under big weights in Class 3, hence the significant decision taken by trainer David Hall to bump him up a grade, meaning he carries only 8st 4lb (taking Poon’s 2lb claim into account) against stronger opposition.

If playing multiples, Captain Win should be taken with the John Size-trained Beauty Fit, who has been hit with an 8lb ratings rise for an impressive win last start, while Band Of Brothers, back on a handy mark, and capable The Golden Scenery are others worth including.

Purton has never ridden in better form but Moreira can cut back some of the six-win deficit in his title quest with a string of good rides, headed by Master Eight, who will appreciate the handicap conditions of the Class 1 6f sprint (8.05).

Master Eight won his first five straight and went up 49lb in the ratings, so when he next ran in the Group 1 Centenary Sprint Cup he met the best sprinters at level weights, and to finish only four and a half lengths behind winner Stronger was admirable.

Moreira rides him at 8st 2lb and he receives 19lb from evergreen sprinter Hot King Prawn, who must also contend with a wide draw, albeit with Purton aboard. Super Wealthy might be able to sneak a place.

Size has kept Antoine Hamelin on Gallant Express after they combined for a course-and-distance win on their last start, while Moreira is a first-time booking for Double Six Pop in the Class 3 6f handicap (9.10). Gallant Express is capable in this grade and looks set for a repeat.

Sha Tin Placepot

7.00am
2 General Winner
12 Plikclone

7.35
3 Packing Treadmill
8 Fun N Glory

8.05
2 Super Wealthy
8 Master Eight

8.35
1 Copartner Ambition
7 Gold Marquis

9.10
2 Gallant Express
9 Double Six Pop

9.45
8 Beauty Fit
14 Captain Win

2x2x2x2x2x2 = 64 bets

Bets can be placed into Sha Tin pools with the Tote, Coral and Ladbrokes. The first race at Sha Tin on Saturday is at 5.00am.

Sha Tin Saturday card

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