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

Courier Wonder
6.00 Sha Tin
2pts win

Jumbo Fortune
7.00 Sha Tin
2pts win

Leslie
8.35 Sha Tin
2pts win

The outstanding Golden Sixty bids to equal Silent Witness’ record of 17 consecutive wins by taking Sunday’s Group 1 Stewards’ Cup (8.05) at Sha Tin, but it may not be as easy as you think for the local champion.

Despite being rated 7lb superior to his closest rivals, More Than This and Waikuku, the six-year-old has again drawn an inside stall (1), which could present problems in a tactically complex race.

When winning the Hong Kong Mile last month, Vincent Ho was able to drag him back to the rear early, but there is certain to be intent shown by rival jockeys this time to keep him in a pocket for as long as possible.

Blake Shinn (Russian Emperor), Zac Purton (Waikuku) and Joao Moreira (Sky Darci) can all make life very difficult for Golden Sixty, who is a more versatile champion than Silent Witness, having won a Derby and a Hong Kong Gold Cup, although a mile is arguably his best trip.

The gelded son of Medaglia D’Oro, beaten only once in 20 races, has reportedly retained all his sparkle. Trainer Francis Lui said his gelding was stronger and more professional than at any stage of his career. More Than This and Sky Darci are his biggest dangers this time.

The other Group 1 on an impressive ten-race card is the 6f Centenary Sprint Cup (6.00), in which six of the eight runners contested the Hong Kong Sprint that was marred by a four-horse pile-up on the home turn. The winner, Sky Field, has definite claims again, but the third home, Courier Wonder, is preferred this time.

Courier Wonder won five races on the trot last season and has coped well in three Group races this term without winning. Moreira remains loyal to the John Size-trained sprinter, who probably still has more improvement to come.

Moreira combines with Tony Cruz in a significant jockey booking for newcomer Jumbo Fortune in the Class 3 6f sprint handicap (7.00). The three-year-old, who has trialled three times, all ridden by Moreira, was 2-3 in Australia before export, including a second in the Group 2 Sires’ Produce Stakes at Flemington.

Here Comes Ted, a first-time runner for David Hall, gave South African trainer David Ferraris a farewell winner at Happy Valley before Christmas, and he can run well for his new trainer in a race that should suit.

Sha Tin Tote Placepot

7.00am
1 Jumbo Fortune
8 Here Comes Ted

7.35am
4 Ai One
10 Red Elysees

8.05am
1 Golden Sixty
2 More Than This

8.35am
2 Pins Prince
4 Leslie

9.10am
10 Nordic Sky
11 Superbella

9.45am
1 Circuit Stellar
7 Prime Minister

2x2x2x2x2x2 = 64 bets

Bets can be placed into Sha Tin pools with the Tote, Coral and Ladbrokes. The first race at Sha Tin on Sunday is at 5.00am.

Sha Tin Sunday card

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