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

Courier Wonder
8.35 Sha Tin
2pts win

C P Brave
9.05 Sha Tin
2pts win

Tourbillon Diamond
9.35 Sha Tin
2pts win

Alexis Badel has taken the third spot behind Hong Kong's big two in the jockeys' ranks and can mark his new status with a win on Tourbillon Diamond in Sunday's feature, the Group 2 Sha Tin Trophy, over a mile (9.35).

Badel, a talented, natural lightweight, has moved in on the territory formerly dominated by Karis Teetan, who has slipped down a peg, although it should be said it is still early in a long season.

Tourbillon Diamond is a decent horse, who has long threatened to win a major prize. He ran respectably in the all legs of the Four-Year-Old Triple Crown – he finished seventh in the Derby, beaten two and a half lengths – and last time out he offered proof that he is in form with a solid second to Buddies in the 7f Celebration Cup.

Sky Darci looked unlucky in that race, taking third, and should be in the mix again this time, although he has an awkward draw in 11. Tourbillon Diamond, on the other hand, can enjoy the run of the race, slotting in behind the pace from gate four.

The good horses are starting to reappear as the countdown to the International Races in December has started. John Size saddles the outstanding prospect Courier Wonder, who was unbeaten in five starts, skipping through the grades last season.

The gelding faces his biggest test in the Group 2 Premier Bowl, over 6f (8.35), but Size has him well prepared for a good first outing of the season.

His draw in nine could be a challenge but Joao Moreira will have mapped out a plan, which no doubt includes how he will keep tabs on Naboo Attack.

Badel comes in for the mount on Naboo Attack, who lost no admirers when coming from well back for second last start, although the gelding is such a big strider, there is no guarantee he will like it bottled up on the inside, which is possible from gate 3.

Moreira also has an excellent chance on the Tony Millard-trained C P Brave in the Class 2 1m1f handicap (9.05), although it is worth including Zebrowski in all multiples.

This one-time runner-up for Team Hawkes in the ATC Australian Derby at Randwick has come to hand for Caspar Fownes and looks close to winning a race.

Sha Tin Placepot perm

8.00
8 Helene Allibor
9 Above

8.35
6 Courier Wonder
12 Naboo Attack

9.05
5 C P Brave
9 Zebrowski

9.35
7 Sky Darci
10 Tourbillon Diamond

10.10
2 My Sugar
9 Master Hero

10.45
2 Fantastic Treasure
6 Trillion Win

2x2x2x2x2x2 = 64 lines

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.

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