Magic Moreira can kick off the season with a bang at Sha Tin

Styling City
7.00 Sha Tin
2pts win

Mr Croissant
9.05 Sha Tin
2pts win

Winning Method
10.10 Sha Tin
2pts win

Seasons change but the big names in Hong Kong racing remain much the same. Champion jockey Zac Purton and his arch rival Joao Moreira are set to make headlines again on the opening day of a new term at Sha Tin.

But, there are a couple of new stars to note as well, namely Blake Shinn, the accomplished Melbourne Cup-winning rider from Sydney, and 21-year-old Lyle Hewitson, a dual South African champion, who arrives with ambitions of emulating compatriots Douglas Whyte and Basil Marcus.

Speaking of Whyte, a true Hong Kong legend in the saddle, he sends out seven runners on his first day with a trainers' licence.

John Moore has called on the ‘Magic Man’ Moreira for Styling City (7.00) in the HKSAR Chief Executive’s Cup because of the four-year-old’s light weight, but also because he rode him to two wins in 2018.

There are only seven runners, but this handicap is a cracking contest, in which the pace should be on all the way. Despite Moreira being expected to put up 2lb overweight, Styling City is going to be suited, sitting in behind and swooping late.

Purton is aboard favourite Regency Legend, a highly regarded import from New Zealand, who has leap-frogged his way through the ranks, winning all three of his starts. He is the danger to Styling City.

Later on the card, Moreira has another excellent chance on the Danny Shum-trained Winning Method (10.10), in the sprint handicap.

Already a winner of two races, he is well handicapped on a mark of 68 and can continue his climb up the ladder.

Purton’s most appealing ride is Mr Croissant (9.05). who was impressive when winning a recent barrier trial on dirt at Sha Tin.

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