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

Sky Darci
9.05 Sha Tin
2pts win

Proud Dragon
10.10 Sha Tin
2pts win

Naboo Attack
10.45 Sha Tin
2pts win

David Hayes is set to continue his cracking start to the season when sending out his potential stable star Naboo Attack in the Class 2 6f sprint handicap (10.45), a fascinating finale to an excellent ten-race card at Sha Tin on Sunday.

Hayes, twice champion trainer in Hong Kong two decades ago, has been making a statement with eight winners already and he could have plenty more waiting in the wings if the activity at trackwork and in barrier trials is any guide.

There are at least three interesting clashes on this quality card and Naboo Attack lining up against the Caspar Fownes-trained Killer Bee is one of them. Both horses face hefty increases as they continue rocketing up the ratings ladder, but that will not halt their progress.

Incidentally, all the head-to-heads also feature Zac Purton and Joao Moreira, with the Australian favoured to come out on top. Purton should welcome a wide draw on Naboo Attack, who is imposing physically and needs room to stretch out in his races. He will be banking on the gelding on being more alert at the start.

On paper, the day's best clash will be Derby winner Sky Darci coming up against stablemate Southern Legend in the Group 3 Celebration Cup (9.05), with Fownes having both horses in excellent order.

While Southern Legend is a versatile old warrior who beat Beauty Generation in the Group 1 Champions Mile last year, Sky Darci is a classy type, who despite winning a Derby over 1m2f is more comfortable over a mile, which makes this an ideal assignment.

The other showdown worth noting is Packing Victory facing the highly- touted import Five Elements in the Class 3 6f handicap sprint (9.35), in which the former will have local experience in his favour.

The unbeaten Packing Victory has gone up 10lb in the ratings for his latest win and steps up to Class 3 company for the first time, but his inside draw is certain to be used to advantage by Purton.

Many astute punters have already latched on to former South African champion apprentice Luke Ferraris, who has made a bright start in new surroundings with two wins already. He can land another aboard the Fownes-trained Proud Dragon in the Class 3 7f handicap (10.10).

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