Declan Schuster's Hong Kong Analysis for Wednesday, January 24, 2024

SHA TIN SELECTIONS
(Wednesday, January 24, 2024)

Race 1: #8 Righteous Doctrine, #1 Kimberley, #3 Amazing Teens, #2 Samarkand
Race 2: #3 Apache Pass, #2 All For St Paul’s, #5 Mr Ascendancy, #1 Chancheng Prince
Race 3: #11 Fortune President, #1 Viva Hunter, #3 Lucky Banner, #10 Noble Win
Race 4: #3 Asian One, #10 Super Joy, #14 Compulsory, #4 Go Go Go
Race 5: #1 Flying Dragon, #8 Regent Glory, #10 Aca Power, #9 Diamond Soars
Race 6: #6 Diamond Flare, #8 Speedy Smartie, #4 Judy’s Great, #2 Magic Supreme
Race 7: #5 All Is Good, #2 Capital Delight, #9 Mark The Moment, #4 Fiery Diamond
Race 8: #10 Frantanck, #4 Adefill, #12 Nordic Star, #2 Yellowfin

Race 1: Spoonbill Handicap

#8 Righteous Doctrine has found his mark. He can win off this rating and the inside gate should see him do next to no work in the run. He’s in sound form and ready to go on with it again. #1 Kimberley dips to Class 4 and Zac Purton takes the reins. Expecting he’ll be wound up to peak here, especially with solid overseas form before arriving in Hong Kong. #3 Amazing Teens knows what it takes on this surface. He should get a sweet run from the positive draw. #2 Samarkand can make his own luck. He remains a threat.

Race 2: Egret Handicap

#3 Apache Pass can turn his form around. He’s trialled well and is ideally placed to make a big impact this week as he returns first-up since October of last year. One to beat. #2 All For St Paul’s has a big heart and he should bid to make all once again, just as he has done previously with great success. #5 Mr Ascendency draws ideally and comes out of a strong race on turf. He has the ability to make an impression on dirt. #1 Chancheng Prince knows what it’s all about on this surface. He’s a player.

Race 3: Peacock Handicap

#11 Fortune President continues to outperform expectations. He’s a winner over this course and distance, who has also shown versatility with victories on the turf. He can win here under a suitable weight. #1 Viva Hunter is aided with 10 pounds taken off his back. The dip to Class 4 is a big advantage. #3 Lucky Banner has twice missed by narrow margins over the course and distance this season. He gets another shot here and is likely to be race favourite with Hugh Bowman up. #10 Noble Win has claims. Don’t discount.

Race 4: Swan Handicap

#3 Asian One should get a sweet run in transit from gate one. The return to Class 5 is suitable, especially over this course and distance where he is a winner previously. #10 Super Joy has finished second in each of his last three starts. He remains in solid form and can contend once again. #14 Compulsory is better than his record suggests and he can surprise if they plan to push forward and lead. He can win off a light weight. #4 Go Go Go has ability and he gets an opportunity. Next in line.

Race 5: Kestrel Handicap (2nd Section)

#1 Flying Dragon has been knocking on the door for another win all season. He gets a super chance once more here, especially from a suitable draw under Hugh Bowman. He’s the one to beat. #8 Regent Glory was a superb winner two runs back. Expecting he can take another step forward. #10 Aca Power slots in super light and is a winner already this term. He’s in sound form and gets his opportunity. #9 Diamond Soars knows how to win on the dirt and is expected to lead. He could pinch this one. Keep safe.

Race 6: Kestrel Handicap (1st Section)

#6 Diamond Flare should find the front in an attempt to try and make all. Luke Ferraris has two rides for two wins aboard this guy and he should get every opportunity by making his own luck. One to beat. #8 Speedy Smartie has shown an affinity to Sha Tin’s dirt course. He can make his presence felt after a pair of solid outings. #4 Judy’s Great was impressive two runs back with victory over this course and distance. #2 Magic Supreme has the runs and the experience on the board. Next best.

Race 7: Flamingo Handicap

#5 All Is Good gets his chance here. He’s shown a bit of quality on the dirt before and chances are he rolls forward to try and lead. The inside gate has him favoured under Luke Ferraris. #2 Capital Delight is after back-to-back wins. He can keep on rising here. #9 Mark The Moment is yet to win but he has gone close several times. He just needs to overcome the wide draw to make his presence felt. #4 Fiery Diamond loves the course and distance. He can bounce back, especially with the 10-pound claiming apprentice up.

Race 8: Heron Handicap

#10 Frantanck slots in light and is looking to go one better after narrowly missing last start. He likes the dirt, comes from the right stable and pairs with a suitable rider. Hard to beat. #4 Adefill loves the surface and was an impressive winner last start for in-form trainer Ricky Yiu. #12 Nordic Star did similar and is favoured with Zac Purton up. He can handle the class-rise and make his presence felt here. #2 Yellowfin is versatile and he should roll forward early in a bid to offset the gate. He’ll take reeling in.