Hong Kong racing tips: Jim McGrath with three Sha Tin picks on Sunday

California Ten
5.30 Sha Tin
2pts win

Cheval Valiant
7.35 Sha Tin
2pts win

Beauty Live
8.35 Sha Tin
2pts win

The Tony Cruz-trained California Ten is set to continue his climb through the grades by landing the Class 2 1m1f handicap (5.30) at Sha Tin on Sunday as Hong Kong braces itself for tougher Covid restrictions.

Two years ago, Jim Bolger contemplated Classics for the son of Rock Of Gibraltar, who won the Leopardstown 2,000 Guineas Trial, beating several useful types, but instead he was exported (unbeaten in two starts) to join Cruz.

Like so many Europeans, California Ten took a season to acclimatise, but now he has hit a rich vein of form and is heading for the top.

This intriguing Class 2 contest has attracted only six runners and it could be set up nicely for him, provided he can slot in behind Looking Great, his biggest danger.

Frankie Lor, who is enjoying another successful season, has always thought highly of Beauty Live, who looks to have the Class 3 1m handicap (8.35) at his mercy despite a 7lb rise in the handicap.

The gelding, 2-3 after wins over 7f at his two most recent starts, should relish the step up in trip and prove one of Joao Moreira's best rides on a day which he starts four wins adrift of Zac Purton (80-76) in the championship.

Leading Fortune has been remarkably consistent and, although up in class, he will appreciate the lighter weight this time and holds a solid place chance.

One of the most interesting runners is the Douglas Whyte-trained Cheval Valiant, still a maiden after seven starts but a three-year-old, who has only twice finished out of the first four. He will like being back on the straight course in the Class 4 5f handicap sprint (7.35).

Also in his favour is his high draw (10), which almost guarantees he will be among the action on the stands' side most of the way.

John Size, who heads the trainers' championship with 50 wins, sends out Savvy Delight, a four-year-old with the scope to work his way higher in the system in time. He is the chief danger.

Sha Tin Tote Placepot

7.00am
1 Marado
2 My Ecstatic

7.35am
3 Savvy Delight
11 Cheval Valiant

8.05am
2 Nearly Fine
10 Free Foal

8.35am
6 Beauty Live
9 Leading Fortune

9.10am
2 Rock Ya Heart
3 Flying Ace

9.45am
7 Galaxy Witness
8 En Pointe

2x2x2x2x2x2 = 64 bets

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

Sha Tin Sunday card

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