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

Fashion Legend 
1.45 Sha Tin
2pts win

Fun N Fun Together 
2.15 Sha Tin
2pts win

Mr Energia 
2.50 Sha Tin
2pts win

Zac Purton looks set for another big day out in Hong Kong with five decent rides, headed by track specialist Mr Energia in the Class 3 handicap (2.50), over an extended mile, on an all-dirt card at Sha Tin. 

Three of Mr Energia’s four wins have come on the all-weather surface, but on this occasion he faces a fresh challenge in stretching out beyond 7f for the first time. However, he should take it in his stride given the way he has been finishing off his races. 

Last time out, the David Hall-trained gelding got back in the field early before running on powerfully to win by two lengths, for which he has gone up 8lb in the ratings. He still looks well in as he is just starting to mature and has more improvement to come. 

Richard Kingscote has been toiling away without riding a winner on this visit but has gone close on occasions and is riding well. He has place claims aboard the Ricky Yiu-trained Chill Kaka, whose two wins have come over course and distance, the first of them for Kingscote in March. 

Purton has remained loyal to Fashion Legend in the Class 4 handicap (1.45) over the extended mile, having won on the gelding over course and distance in June and partnering him to a respectable fifth on his most recent start earlier this month. 

David Eustace has been slow to muster his team early in the season but Fashion Legend is just the type to click the stable up a gear and go in here. The danger is the well-fancied Prestige Ricky, another representing the Yiu-Kingscote alliance. 

The same combination have the capable Giant Leap carrying their hopes in the Class 3 6f sprint handicap (2.15) but they have plenty to fear in the progressive Frankie Lor-trained Fun N Fun Together, who received a 6lb ratings rise for scraping home by a short head last time. 

The five-year-old son of Charm Spirit is a typical late-maturing New Zealander who can go close again, particularly as he can make use of his inside draw (stall two) as he steps up a class. Matthew Poon takes over from Purton, who cannot do 8st 5lb. 

Fatal Blow is another lightweight chance, while The Revolution, who had very solid form in Melbourne previously, should also be considered despite being drawn off the track (12 of 12).

Sha Tin Placepot perm

12.15
3 Watch This One
10 Jolly Companion 

12.45
9 Sight Supreme
13 Kasa Papa 

1.15
1 Daily Trophy
9 Happy Action 

1.45
2 Prestige Ricky
6 Fashion Legend 

2.15
5 Giant Leap
7 Fun N Fun Together 

2.50
5 Mr Energia
9 Chill Kaka 

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

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