Jim McGrath with his best bets for Sunday's card at Sha Tin

War Of Courage
9.10 Sha Tin
2pts win

Lobo’s Legend
9.40 Sha Tin
2pts win

Uncle Steve
10.50 Sha Tin
2pts win

Joao Moreira is digging in for the final stages of his fight for the jockeys' championship, and two new rides could prove a boost to his title hopes as racing switches back to Sha Tin for a ten-race card.

War Of Courage is a proven speedster and will be in his element in the Class 3 5f handicap sprint (9.10), in which he faces ten rivals. He has the brilliance to shake off the chasing pack and record his third course and distance victory.

Last time out, the son of Declaration Of War, with Chad Schofield aboard, drew the coveted stall 14 on the stands' rail but was gunned down by useful Good View Clarico in the closing stages.

The booking of Moreira for the first time is encouraging, while Schofield renews his association with the Tony Millard-trained Refined Treasure, who the South African partnered to his first three wins.

War Of Courage has been remarkably consistent, never finishing out of the first three in seven starts, of which all bar one were over the minimum trip. This course specialist can win again.

Another new ride for Moreira is the David Ferraris-trained Lobo’s Legend in the Class 3 7f handicap (9.40), in which a middle-of-the-pack draw (gate 8) should enable him to grab a slot in behind the leaders in the run to the first turn.

South African import Lobo’s Legend is still a maiden in Hong Kong after two seasons and 17 starts but his rating is now 10lb lower than on arrival. The reason for the relatively slow drop in the handicap is that the gelding has filled minor placings five times this term.

His last start third over course and distance was a good pointer to his claims here, and title-seeking Moreira might just make a difference in a race with many chances. Everyone’s Joy is the chief danger.

Trainer Douglas Whyte has booked his 10lb claimer Jerry Chau for in-form Uncle Steve in the finale, the Class 2 7f handicap (10.50), and despite an awkward draw in gate 12 the gelding can go in at a good value price.

The apprentice’s allowance will be a huge plus, but so too will be the drop back from 9f for the son of Dabirsim, who may have left his comfort zone last time. If he can get cover on the outside behind the leaders he'll be well placed to pick up his second win of the season.

Tote Placepot

Race 5 2, 5
Race 6 4, 10
Race 7 2, 5
Race 8 1, 6
Race 9 9, 11
Race 10 4, 9

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