Hong Kong tips: Jim McGrath with three fancies for Sha Tin's opener on Sunday

Winning Dreamer
7.35 Sha Tin
2pts win

Nervous Witness
8.40 Sha Tin
2pts win

Shanghai Dragon
9.40 Sha Tin
2pts win

Local star Vincent Ho is set to grab the limelight on the opening day of the Hong Kong season on Sunday when partnering promising Winning Dreamer in the Class 1 HKSAR Chief Executive’s Cup (7.35) at Sha Tin.

While arch rivals Joao Moreira and Zac Purton come out all guns blazing with 10 rides each, Ho will be hoping his more modest book of eight mounts will not only keep him busy but earn him a slice of the attractive first day prize-money on offer.

Hong Kong Jockey Club officials are preparing to welcome their biggest crowd in 18 months – they expect up to 15,000 as Covid restrictions gradually ease – and an attendance more than double that was seen at the last Sha Tin meeting on July 11.

There is cautious optimism surrounding the start of the new season that stretches to 88 racedays over 10 and a half months and home-grown riding talent Ho has much to look forward to as regular partner of Horse Of The Year Golden Sixty.

Not long ago Ho also thought Winning Dreamer might have the potential to rise to those heights and while the gelding fell short by some way, he has undeniable talent that he can put to good use from an inside draw in a fascinating opening day 6f feature.

David Hayes has been publicly talking up Naboo Attack, the Australian import who impressed when winning first-up last season, and was ear-marked as one of the trainer’s big hopes for major targets as he aims to double his winner tally this term.

Even with his light weight, Naboo Attack must take a big step up against more seasoned types, which include the smart Lucky Patch as well as Winning Dreamer.

However, Hayes could still be in for a good day as the widely-touted Nervous Witness has been primed for a winning debut in the Class 4 5f sprint handicap (8.40).

Nervous Witness recently won a barrier trial in such impressive style the trainer decided to go straight to the races rather than giving him another jump out. He carries the colours of former champion Silent Witness.

Matthew Chadwick, another jockey with a strong local following, is tipped to take the Class 4 mile handicap (9.40) aboard Shanghai Dragon, who could well dictate throughout in a race where obvious pace is lacking.

Sha Tin Sunday card

Bet through the Tote

Bets can be placed into Hong Kong pools with the Tote, Coral and Ladbrokes. The first race at Sha Tin on Sunday is at 6.00am