Hong Kong racing tips: Jim McGrath's three selections at Sha Tin on Saturday

Cordyceps Six
9.05 Sha Tin
2pts win

Super Fortune
9.40 Sha Tin
2pts win

Money Catcher
10.15 Sha Tin
2pts win

Richard Gibson has expertly developed Wellington into a sprint champion but he also trains the heir apparent, Cordyceps Six, who is set to continue his upward climb in the Group 3 National Day Cup (9.05), the feature on Saturday's ten race card at Sha Tin.

Gibson, who grew up in Northumberland before making his name in France, has a small stable by Hong Kong standards but there is depth in quality there, with four-year-old Cordyceps Six, currently an impressive 6-12, a fine example.

It is the mark of a rapid improver to achieve what this four-year-old has — he has gone up 47lb in the handicap ratings in just 12 months — but he faces a challenge this time when starting from stall one, an awkward draw on the straight 5f course.

In his favour though is the small field of seven, which should allow him to get over into a position just behind the pace. He has not run for four months but looked good in a 6f barrier trial at Happy Valley two weeks ago and should be ready.

Alexis Badel will be aboard again, and no doubt the Frenchman will rate the David Hayes-trained Super Wealthy as his biggest danger, having ridden the latter to win last year’s corresponding race.

Zac Purton gets the ride on Super Wealthy, drawn on the favoured stands' rail (seven), while the talented Master Eight (six) will be right beside him. A small field for Hong Kong but it is nevertheless fascinating.

Apprentice Angus Chung has made an immediate impact, with two wins from 19 rides for nine different stables. His 10lb claim can be put to good use this time aboard the Tony Cruz-trained Super Fortune in the Class 3 6f sprint handicap (9.40).

Super Fortune finished fourth (beaten four and a quarter lengths) behind Oriental Smoke on the opening day of the season and now meets that Hayes-trained rival on 18lb better terms, and unlike many newcomers, Chung is value for his allowance.

Purton, who has an open goal in front of him with Joao Moreira sidelined for three months, has a great chance of getting Derby third Money Catcher off the mark in Hong Kong in the Class 2 mile handicap (10.15). The five-year-old is 0-10 locally but he should be up to winning this.

Sha Tin Placepot

8.00
4 Rockpaperscissors
6 President’s Choice

8.35
4 Lucky Eight
7 Mr Majestic

9.05
5 Master Eight
6 Cordyceps Six

9.40
2 Super Fortune
4 Sakewin

10.15
1 Money Catcher
11 Copartner Elites

10.50
1 Circuit Stellar
11 Amazing Victory

2x2x2x2x2x2 = 64 lines

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