Jim McGrath with three strong selections on Sunday's card at Sha Tin

Colonel
8.00 Sha Tin
2pts win

Blastoise
9.05 Sha Tin
2pts win

Valiant Dream
9.35 Sha Tin
2pts win

Blake Shinn, who keeps reminding Hong Kong punters that he is more than capable when given the opportunity, can hit the target again aboard Valiant Dream in the Class 3 5f sprint handicap (9.35) on an 11-race card at Sha Tin.

Shinn was responsible for one of the season's most enterprising rides when he went close to stealing last month's Hong Kong Derby on runner-up Playa Del Puente, who was caught only close home by the brilliant Golden Sixty. It was almost a huge upset.

Sha Tin Sunday card

And the Australian jockey reinforced the view that he is always dangerous when left alone in front when winning on Bear Again at Happy Valley on Wednesday, which took his tally to ten wins for the season.

While that may not appear much against stars Joao Moreira (98) and Zac Purton (96), it is still an achievement, given how difficult it is for a 'Club' jockey to pick up top rides. Normally, it is a matter of waiting for the big names to be suspended or pick the wrong one when faced with multiple choices.

Shinn, a Melbourne Cup and Golden Slipper-winning jockey, is bang in form, as too is Valiant Dream, who narrowly missed out last time when beaten a short head over course and distance.

On that occasion he drew gate ten, close to the favoured stands' rail, but this time he is more awkwardly placed in stall five. Shinn will need a bit of luck in getting over but they say fortune favours the brave, which he undoubtedly is.

One to note here is Kurpany, who will have the services of Zac Purton for the first time in a race. On his only Hong Kong start Kurpany met trouble in running and was well beaten over 6f, but significantly Purton had previously won a barrier trial on him. He clearly has ability and this could suit.

David Ferraris has done an excellent job in nurturing the promising stayer Blastoise through the early part of his career, and now he is reaping the benefit. He can add another win to the gelding's score sheet in the 1m1f Class 3 handicap (9.05).

Purton takes the mount, and from gate two he should be parked behind the pace most of the way. Hopefully, that pace will be genuine as the four-year-old is a last-start winner over the trip and has bags of stamina, being out of a Zabeel mare.

As ever, it will be the Moreira-Purton show, but this week the Australian looks to have the edge over his rival. Look to Purton also winning the Class 4 handicap over 6f (8.00) aboard ultra-consistent Colonel, who is deserving of a win.

Despite being a maiden after five starts, he is well up to winning off his current mark in this grade. He is a only a three-year-old and is going the right way.

Bets can be placed into HK pools with Ladbrokes, Coral and the Tote

TOTE PLACEPOT

Race 6 (1st leg): 5, 10
Race 7 (2nd leg): 7, 8
Race 8 (3rd leg): 8, 6
Race 9 (4th leg): 1, 12
Race 10 (5th leg): 11, 9
Race 11 (6th leg): 3, 4

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