Blue Point enhanced his status as the favorite for the $2 million Al Quoz Sprint on the Dubai World Cup program of March 30, while Divine Image ran herself into Kentucky Oaks consideration in early races Saturday at Meydan Racecourse at Dubai.

Drafted began the Super Saturday program of Dubai World Cup card preps with a workmanlike score in the Mahab al Shimaal, but one race later, it was Divine Image really catching the eye in winning the $300,000 Al Bastakiya by 7 1/2 lengths.

A fourth-place finish in the Group 1 Hong Kong Gold Cup last month ended a two-race winning streak for Simply Brilliant, a 5-year-old gelding by Frankel.

In November and January, Simply Brilliant won handicap races at Sha Tin and Happy Valley Racecourse in Hong Kong. Sunday, Simply Brilliant appears well-placed to win for the third time at the current Hong Kong season in the Lavender Handicap at 1 1/8 miles on turf at Sha Tin.

SHA TIN SELECTIONS

(Sunday, March 10, 2019)

RACE 1: #4 Gunnison, #2 Wishful Thinker, #3 Jolly Banner, #1 Winner’s Way

RACE 2: #4 King’s Man, #8 Holy Unicorn, #2 Remarkable, #11 The Joy Of Giving

HAPPY VALLEY SELECTIONS

(Wednesday, March 6)

:: Hong Kong: Free PPs, picks, and analysis

Brett Davis 

R1: 2-1-9-10

R2: 2-9-6-12

R3: 9-2-4-1

R4: 11-4-5-2

R5: 7-3-10-9

R6: 11-12-4-6

R7: 9-5-7-8

R8: 4-1-6-3

Best Bet – R: #4 Music Addition  

Longshot – R6: #11 Faithful Trinity

Best Play – R3: Trio 2,9 / 1,4,10

Paul Lally

R1: 2-1-10-9

R2: 4-9-2-12

R3: 9-10-4-1

Country Star has developed into a specialist at Happy Valley Racecourse in Hong Kong since he began racing on the circuit in September.

The 3-year-old gelding has won 5 of 7 starts at Happy Valley, including two starts in January. Country Star did not race in February, and is back in action on Wednesday in the $248,442 Arsenal Handicap at six furlongs on turf at Happy Valley.

HAPPY VALLEY SELECTIONS
(Wednesday, March 06, 2019)

by Declan Schuster

SHA TIN SELECTIONS

(Saturday, March 2)

:: Hong Kong: Free PPs, picks, and analysis

Brett Davis

R1: 3-2-1-9

R2: 9-7-2-1

R3: 2-5-6-12

R4: 7-5-1-14

R5: 3-1-5-4

R6: 11-4-1-3 

R7: 1-3-8-11

R8: 2-12-10-7

R9: 1-2-12-7

R10: 8-5-2-6

Best Bet – R7: #1 Flying Thunder  

Longshot – R2: #9 Corre Rapido

Best Play – R1: Q/Qp 1,2,3

Paul Lally

R1: 3-2-8-4

R2: 2-7-3-1

It’s an easy name to remember, Waikuku, and probably one worth remembering.

After winning one of two starts in Ireland, Waikuku was purchased and transferred to Hong Kong, where his natural ability has continued flowering. Waikuku, a 4-year-old now and trained by John Size, finished second by a nose making his Hong Kong debut Dec. 23 and has come back to win three straight. He’ll try to make it four in a row while advancing toward stakes competition when he starts Saturday at Sha Tin in the featured Lion City Handicap.

SHA TIN SELECTIONS

(Saturday, March 2, 2019)

RACE 1: #3 Hasta Luego, #13 Multimax, #8 Bella Baby, #5 Joyful Heart

RACE 2: #1 Striking Mr C, #7 Jimson The Famous, #9 Corre Rapdio, #3 Adonis

Godolphin and trainer Charlie Appleby won the Group 3, $300,000 Nad al Sheba Trophy Stakes on Thursday night at Meydan Racecourse in Dubai with Ispolini, but lost their talented colt Brundtland during the race’s running.