Hong Kong racing tips: Jim McGrath with three fancies from Sha Tin

Buddies
8.10 Sha Tin
2pts win

Awe
9.15 Sha Tin
2pts win

Shadow Hero
9.50 Sha Tin
2pts win

David Hayes finally takes the wraps off expensive import Shadow Hero, who contests the 7f handicap (9.50) at Sha Tin on Sunday.

Hayes is relying on an injection of new talent to propel him back near the top of the trainers’ championship following a stuttering start to his season. His returns, with six winners at a strike-rate of just under seven per cent, should be improved by his new arrivals.

There is good reason to be excited about Shadow Hero, who won the Group 1 Randwick Guineas this year, the reason why he was bought for big money as a potential Hong Kong Derby contender.

Since arriving at Sha Tin in July, he's been given a grounding in preparation for his first local campaign. He progressed nicely through three barrier trials, and while 7f is short of his optimum trip, he should be storming home for Zac Purton at the finish.

Another noteworthy newcomer to the local scene is Berlin Tango, winner of the Classic Trial at Kempton in June when trained by Andrew Balding. He has been drawn widest of all in stall 14.

The most likely danger to Shadow Hero is the Frankie Lor-trained Healthy Happy, who impressed when winning over 6f at Sha Tin last month, a sign this son of Zoustar has acclimatised well.

Hayes could be in for a good day as Awe seems perfectly placed to land the mile handicap (9.15). Transferred from John Moore, Awe has produced two good runs for his new trainer, and with Purton back in the saddle, another win is likely. Uncle Steve is next best.

Two recent improvers, Buddies and Kings Shield, should fight out the finish to the feature, the Chevalier Cup (8.10), run over a mile, with apprentice Jerry Chau’s handy 7lb claim swinging the balance in favour of the Tony Cruz-trained Buddies.

Kings Shield, formerly trained by John Gosden, trotted up on the all-weather track at Sha Tin recently, sparking plans for a trip to Dubai. However, he might still be effective on turf, especially as he is racing in such good heart.

Sha Tin card

Bet through the Tote

Bets can be placed into Hong Kong pools with the Tote, Coral and Ladbrokes. The first race at Sha Tin on Sunday is at 4.45am.

TOTE PLACEPOT

Race 5 (1st leg) 8 Seaweed Fortune, 10 Master Hero
Race 6 (2nd leg) 10 Winning Steed, 11 Yee Cheong Warrior
Race 7 (3rd leg) 1 Buddies, 3 Kings Shield
Race 8 (4th leg) 4 Big Fortune, 10 Juneau Park
Race 9 (5th leg) 3 Uncle Steve, 7 Awe
Race 10 (6th leg) 3 Shadow Hero, 6 Healthy Happy

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