Hong Kong racing tips: JA McGrath with three fancies for Sha Tin's Saturday card

Gold Comet
9.05 Sha Tin
2pts win

Horsesain Bolt
9.35 Sha Tin
2pts win

Naboo Attack
10.45 Sha Tin
2pts win

Every so often, an exciting fresh talent emerges unexpectedly in Hong Kong, which might well be an accurate description of what happened the day Gold Comet took his opposition apart in a race on the Sha Tin dirt six weeks ago.

The four-year-old grey had run five times – 0-4 on the all-weather – and while he had displayed hints of ability and punters had shown some interest in backing him previously, nothing prepared us for what was to follow.

With Joao Moreira jocked up for the first time, Gold Comet proceeded to blitz his rivals to the tune of nine lengths, a wide-margin victory that has seen him pay the price, with a stiff rise of 14lb in the ratings.

Even so, it is unlikely to stop this exciting young talent’s rapid progression when he steps up a grade in tomorrow’s Class 3 handicap (9.05), over the same 1m½f on dirt. It is impossible to oppose him.

It should be pointed out his last run was his first time racing beyond 7f and he is a half-brother to Breeders’ Cup Classic and Dubai World Cup winner Invasor. He was sold through the Hong Kong International Sales ring last year for the equivalent of £250,000.

His danger in a race in which there are several with established dirt form is the capable Skyey Supreme, who can take advantage of an attractive inside draw.

Mention of fresh talent brings us neatly to the David Hayes-trained , who is selected to make it two from two in Hong Kong when lining up in the competitive Class 2 6f sprint handicap (10.45), the finale on the ten-race card.

Naboo Attack, who won five races in good company in Queensland prior to export, joined a rare band to win in Class 2 company on his local debut, and he should go in again despite an 8lb rise in the handicap, with the talented Roman Turbo his chief danger.

The value bet on the card is , who looks well in with apprentice Jerry Chau claiming 5lb in the Class 3 7f handicap (9.35). A win would take Chau to 50 winners for the season.

Sha Tin card

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