Sky Melody can shine on all-weather debut at Sha Tin

Superior Boy
12.15 Sha Tin
1pt winSky Melody
1.50 Sha Tin
2pts winGunnison
2.20 Sha Tin
1pt winWhen a trainer with the local experience of Caspar Fownes takes a punt on backing a horse up on a track surface that is completely new to him, you have to take notice.

This pre-Christmas fixture is famous for throwing up a few shocks, but it will be no surprise if Sky Melody lands the Class 3 Kowloon Park Handicap (1.50) despite his lack of experience on Sha Tin’s all-weather track.

There are two key pointers to Sky Melody’s chance. First, he is a son of High Chaparral whose progeny come to the fore in Hong Kong over distances beyond a mile, and second he looked a good thing when beaten at Happy Valley a week ago.

Zac Purton had ridden the perfect race until the home bend in that contest over a mile (on turf), when suddenly he found himself in a traffic jam of M25 proportions. Twice he was blocked for a run in the straight, and Sky Melody went over the line with plenty in hand.

It is unusual for locals to saddle up any horse seven days after a previous run, but Fownes is a canny trainer and should be followed. With Purton suspended, Vincent C Y Ho comes in for the ride.

In terms of quality, the Class 2 Penfold Park Handicap (2.20) over 6f is the best race on the card, with dirt specialist Fight Hero, second in an international race in Korea in September, back on his favourite surface, though burdened with top weight and a wide draw.

The selection instead is the John Size-trained Gunnison, who seems to have taken well to the all-weather judged on his latest runner-up effort over course and distance this month. He won a stakes race in Sydney for the Snowdens before being exported.

He can be a notable winner for Joao Moreira, who is riding for his retaining stable. It's also worth considering Calculation and Mission Tycoon for inclusion in multiples.

Earlier on the card, Superior Boy has the right credentials to win the Class 4 Morse Park Handicap (12.15). He should provide jockey Chad Schofield another victory that can keep him in the top bracket.

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