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

Rubylot
8.05 Sha Tin
2pts win

Lucky Sam Gor
9.15 Sha Tin
2pts win

Light Years Charm
9.50 Sha Tin
2pts win

David Hayes is looking to Rubylot, the staying star in his stable, to open his account for the season in the Group 3 Sa Sa Ladies’ Purse (8.05) at Sha Tin, a prestigious race with a long tradition. 

Hayes, who is enjoying a cracking season, has fitted blinkers and a tongue-tie to the five-year-old, whose two runs this term served as a good build-up to bigger targets, with the Cup or the Vase at the International meeting next month as his primary objective.

Rubylot won the Classic Cup over course and distance in March before finishing a close fifth in the Derby, which is a mark of both his class and effectiveness when stretched out in distance. This looks an ideal stepping stone to the Hong Kong International Races meeting. 

What is not ideal is the draw he is forced to contend with – the extreme outside stall 14 – but he has a straight run of around five furlongs to the first bend and the right jockey aboard in Hugh Bowman to navigate. Expect a strong late finish from the rear.  

Brett Crawford is settling in well, with four wins on the board already, and Encountered, one he picked up from David Hall, looks the threat to Rubylot. Encountered was unlucky when third over this trip at Happy Valley last time and looks dangerous with his light weight. 

Massive Sovereign, last year’s Derby winner, has been lightly raced due to injury issues but he could still run a big race, while this year’s Derby hero Cap Ferrat is an interesting new ride for Zac Purton, although he’s another with a wide draw (13). 

Purton sticks with the promising Light Years Charm in the Class 2 7f handicap (9.50), in which the recruit from country New South Wales seeks to resume his rise through the local ranks. He looked unlucky in a Group 3 over this trip last time and, from stall three, can win. 

David Eustace hopes the five-year-old can work his way into the top grade. The Francis Lui-trained Steps Ahead, with Lyle Hewitson aboard, has the ability to be placed, while South African import Mid Winter Wind is worth another chance with his light weight. 

Mark Newnham leads the trainers’ championship by five wins, with his team firing, and Lucky Sam Gor, one of his early stars, can bring up his hat-trick in the Class 3 7f handicap (9.15). A ratings hike of 8lb and being up in grade is unlikely to impede him.

Sha Tin Placepot perm

7.00
2 Infinite Resolve
5 Sunny Da Best

7.35
1 Jubilant Winner
4 Szeryng

8.05
9 Rubylot
14 Encountered

8.40
7 Young Bravo
9 Smart Fat Cat

9.15
11 Tin Fook
13 Lucky Sam Gor

9.50
2 Light Years Charm
8 Steps Ahead

2 x 2 x 2 x 2 x 2 x 2 = 64 lines

Bets can be placed into Hong Kong pools with the Tote. The first race at Sha Tin on Sunday is at 5am

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