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

Sun Of Makfi
6.00 Sha Tin
2pts win

Lucky Express
8.05 Sha Tin
2pts win

Packing Victory
9.10 Sha Tin
2pts win

Not for the first time this week, Joao Moreira must wish he could switch mounts after publication of the draw, because his chosen ride Excellent Proposal has been handed the outside berth in Saturday’s Class 1 Panasonic Cup (8.05) at Sha Tin.

Trainer John Size runs three in the 7f handicap, which has attracted a strong field, and the stable’s Lucky Express, with Zac Purton aboard for the first time, is in pole position (stall one), while Excellent Proposal starts widest from 11.

Last year’s winner Buddies (stall four) is expected to attempt to make all again, while Lucky Express is likely to enjoy the run of the race on the rail, which gives the son of Toronado a significant edge in a cracking contest.

Lucky Express has a 1-13 record locally, which is underwhelming considering the tall reputation he brought from Australia, but with seven minor placings, his rating has been steadily creeping up. That has made it more challenging, but on his seasonal debut from an attractive draw he should go close.

The David Hayes-trained Fantastic Treasure, unbeaten in five starts in his first season, ran on solidly for third in a 6f handicap on his seasonal debut, giving the impression he now needs every bit of 7f to be seen at his best. He dropped back from a wide draw then but will be closer this time from stall two.

The season is now taking off for Size, who has saddled doubles at the last two meetings, so his runners should be considered seriously.

One in particular is Pins Prince, having his first start in the Class 4 6f sprint handicap (7.00). He has trialled impressively.

The Danny Shum-trained Packing Victoryhas excellent prospects of making it 4-4 in the Class 3 6f sprint handicap (9.10), in which Hayes saddles a newcomer with potential in Birdsville, formerly with Peter Moody in Melbourne.

Another worth following is the consistent Sun Of Makfi, who should relish stretching out to 1m2f in the Class 4 handicap (6.00) after an encouraging fourth at Happy Valley, where he ran on strongly at the end of an extended mile.

Trainer David Hall has booked Jerry Chau, who is still good value for his 3lb claim, and he will be hard to beat provided there is some pace, with Joyful Heart next best.

Sha Tin Tote Placepot perm

7.00
2 Good News
7 Pins Prince

7.35
4 Courageous Knight
10 Millennium Falcon

8.05
6 Lucky Express
9 Fantastic Treasure

8.35
4 True Legend
5 Ultra Express

9.10
1 Packing Victory
8 Birdsville

9.45
1 Amazing One Plus
9 Master Hero

2x2x2x2x2x2 = 64 lines

Bets can be placed into Hong Kong pools with the Tote, Coral and Ladbrokes. The first race at Sha Tin on Saturday is at 5am.

Sha Tin Saturday card

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