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

Stunning Impact
8.00 Sha Tin
2pts win

Youthful Deal
9.05 Sha Tin
2pts win

Ima Single Man
10.45 Sha Tin
2pts win

Silvestre de Sousa is poised to take advantage of a critical turning point early in the season following news that Joao Moreira has been stood down by the doctor after complaining of a recurring hip injury.

After missing the first two meetings to stay in Brazil for medical treatment, Moreira drew a blank on his first two days back and was clearly not riding to his best ability. Now he is out until further notice.

De Sousa, on the other hand, has made a positive impression on his return to Hong Kong, registering three winners, and with Moreira absent, owners and trainers are viewing him as the feasible alternative. He has a full book of ten attractive rides.

By far the most interesting of them is Healthy Happy, who faces the talented California Spangle in the Group 3 Celebration Cup (7.00) over 7f. Healthy Happy is a pick-up ride from Karis Teetan, who has also been ruled out of the meeting on medical grounds.

The gelding has won first time out for the past two seasons and he recently won a barrier trial at Sha Tin under Teetan, so he is fit and ready to go, although the versatile California Spangle will be a formidable opponent.

De Sousa takes over from 10lb claiming apprentice Angus Chung aboard Stunning Impact in the 7f handicap (8.00) and it is a change that should have a positive outcome.

Chung is value for his claim, but his inexperience was costly when the Pierre Ng-trained gelding was beaten a short head over course and distance two weeks ago.

Drawn the inside in stall one, De Sousa will have him a lot closer than last time when he lost his position early in the race. David Hayes, who has several good chances on this card, provides the danger in Star Contact.

De Sousa also has excellent prospects when partnering Ima Single Man for Tony Cruz in the 6f handicap (10.45).

Cruz has always thought highly of this Australian import, who won the top juvenile sprint race in Western Australia, although they felt compelled to run him in all legs of the Four-Year-Old Triple Crown on arrival in Hong Kong.

Zac Purton leads the jockeys' table and should win the 6f handicap (9.05) aboard Youthful Deal, who has been carefully placed by Frankie Lor.

Sha Tin Placepot perm

8.00
6 Stunning Impact
10 Star Contact

8.35
1 Metro Warrior
10 Adios

9.05
6 Youthful Deal
11 King Of The Court

9.35
3 Powerful Wings
4 Encountered

10.10
8 Tuchel
10 Beauty Champ

10.45
2 Fantastic Treasure
5 Ima Single Man

2x2x2x2x2x2 = 64 lines

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