7.50 Sha Tin | Chairman’s Sprint Prize (Group 1)

1 Hot King Prawn
A solid proposition despite the fact he has yet to win at the very top level. Admirably consistent having been successful in ten of his 17 starts in Hong Kong and only out of the top three once. No excuses when second to Voyage Warrior in the Sprint Cup last time and has sometimes flattered to deceive, but he has drawn the ideal gate in stall one so expect him to be up with the pace as usual. Trusted to run to his best.

2 Thanks Forever
Four-year-old who has stepped up to the top level effectively. Second to Hot King Prawn when getting 6lb in a handicap in March and third in the Sprint Cup last time. Often held up, his wide drawn isn’t a big concern and, with the possibility of a strong pace, he appeals as an each-way contender in first-time blinkers.

3 Mr Stunning
Two-time Hong Kong Sprint hero who has served connections well but looks exposed as a seven-year-old. Often held up, he has run creditably in all of the top events without winning this season and it is hard to envisage him bouncing back to win.

4 Full Of Beauty
Rapid improver last season and career-best effort when second to Seasons Bloom in the Premier Bowl in October before a solid fourth to Aethero in the Jockey Club Sprint. Has found life tough since then and, for all he could run well, should not be troubling the judge.

5 Wishful Thinker
Struggled since moving up to this class and looks booked for minor role.

6 D B Pin
Group 1 winner in the 2018 Centenary Sprint Cup and may well have added more to his tally if not blighted by injury. Like Mr Stunning, he is a seven-year-old now and his talents appear to be on the wain.

7 Voyage Warrior
Likely pace angle. Highly regarded as a young horse before his improvement appeared to level out, he sprung a surprise when dominating the Sprint Cup last time, handing a beating to Hot King Prawn. Could be underestimated again but more proof is needed before siding with him at this level.

8 Big Party
Popular grey is a five-time winner and hasn’t been beaten far when stepped up in class this season but should once again be found wanting.

9 Big Time Baby
Decent juvenile when trained in Britain by Tom Dascombe but has taken time to blossom in Hong Kong. Has been much better of late, including when second to Aethero in a handicap in October and then again when third to Big Party in the Group 3 Sprint Trophy in December. This should be beyond him though.

10 Jolly Banner
Second to Full Of Beauty in a Group 3 in October and just behind Big Time Baby when fourth in the aforementioned Sprint Trophy in December. Exposed eight-year-old shouldn’t be involved.

11 Aethero
Imposing gelding who has been dubbed a sprinting sensation. The winner of five of his eight starts, including the Jockey Club Sprint in November when he easily accounted for Hot King Prawn, he is one of the most exciting prospects in Hong Kong. A bold front-runner, he was sent off the 1-2 favourite for the Hong Kong Sprint in December but managed only third – still a titanic effort for a three-year-old in open company. However, he can be as bad as he is good and has a history of being slow away from the gates before pulling ferociously hard. This scenario materialised in the Sprint Cup last time, where he had a nightmare trip and trailed in last. He has an ideal draw in stall five and if getting away well and settling at the head of affairs he should be tough to peg back. In short, he is the most talented horse in the field and this race revolves around him. Voyage Warrior and Hot King Prawn could provide competition for the lead and he cannot yet be relied on to deliver, especially at skinny odds.

VERDICT
Hot King Prawn has the fewest questions to answer and is favoured to finally strike at the top level, while those seeking value may wish to consider the hardy Thanks Forever.

9.00 Sha Tin | Champions Mile (Group 1)

1 Beauty Generation
A legend of Hong Kong racing. An eight-time Group 1 winner and two-time Horse of the Year, Beauty Generation needs no introduction. The world’s best miler looked down and out at the start of this season, with Waikuku beating him in the Jockey Club Mile and Stewards’ Cup. It was a similar story back in December when he could only manage third to Admire Mars in the Hong Kong Mile. Yet he has regained he winning thread the last twice, leaning on Ka Ying Star for a lead before scrapping to win the Queen’s Silver Jubilee Cup and Chairman’s Trophy. Put simply, he isn’t as good as he was, but once again his best may not be required.

2 Waikuku
Won a Leopardstown maiden for John Oxx before being transferred to John Size’s stable in Hong Kong, he is frequently held up for a late run down the outside of the track. He appeared to be peaking this season when getting the better of Beauty Generation to win a first Group 1 in the Stewards’ Cup and was then second to Admire Mars in the Hong Kong Mile, an excellent run which can be upgraded due to a torrid trip. Bitterly disappointing when expected to beat Beauty Generation again last time, he could only manage sixth, finishing weakly. That performance may have been due to softer ground, an inside draw and the fact he challenged along an unfavoured strip of ground against the rail. He needs to bounce back.

3 Ka Ying Star
Raced in Britain as Urban Aspect for Andrew Balding. Largely at the top of his game of late but still no match for Beauty Generation in the Queen’s Silver Jubilee Cup and Chairman’s Trophy. Should set the pace from stall one and won’t lie down easily, but no reason to suggest he can reverse the form.

4 Rattan
Group 2 winner this time last year but hasn’t hit those heights since. No match for Beauty Generation, Waikuku or Ka Ying Star this season and shouldn’t be good enough again.

5 Southern Legend
Admirable performer on the international circuit and twice a winner of the Kranji Mile. A Group 3 winner in Hong Kong, he has filled the places behind Beauty Generation many times in his career. He can lead but usually tracks the pace. May place at best.

6 More Than This
Intriguing contender and one of two four-year-olds in the line up. Unbeaten for Richard Fahey, he justified his reputation when a last-gasp winner of a valuable handicap on HKIR day in December. No match for Golden Sixty since, he was second in the Classic Mile before finishing third in the Classic Cup. He was slightly disappointing when up in trip for the Derby last time and it will be interesting to see how he fairs against his elders back at a mile. Plenty to find on the figures but has plenty of raw talent if putting it in and rates as one of the more appealing betting angles.

8 Fat Turtle
Capable five-year-old who has shown glimpses of top form in Hong Kong but last of seven behind Beauty Generation last time and is set to struggle again.

9 Thinkin’ Big
Highly promising when trained in Australia by Gai Waterhouse but has failed to replicate that in Hong Kong having been beaten 13 lengths in both of his starts. Well out of his depth here.

VERDICT
Beauty Generation looks likely to have the race run to suit with Ka Ying Star once again a helpful target to aim. More Than This has the talent to compete at this level and is worth watching closely.

9.40 Sha Tin | QEII Cup (Group 1)

1 Exultant
Third in the Irish 2,000 Guineas back in 2017 when known as Irishcorrespondent, Exultant has taken Hong Kong by storm and is the outstanding stayer of his generation having won three Group 1s. He is beatable however, as he proved when a laboured second to Time Warp in the Hong Kong Gold Cup last time. He never looked comfortable held up off the slow, building pace and, for all he is clearly the best horse in the race on ability, he could face a similarly challenging scenario here.

2 Time Warp
Progressed to win two Listed races for Sir Mark Prescott in Britain before embarking on his Hong Kong career. Time Warp is a two-time Group 1 winner but as an a seven-year-old he is very much one dimensional, which is putting it kindly. Prone to sulking when challenged for the lead – or frankly whenever he wants to – he can still deliver a top performance when everything falls right, as it did in the Hong Kong Gold Cup last time. This field isn’t blessed with a great deal of pace, which is a major advantage to him.

3 Furore
Winner of the Classic Mile and Hong Kong Derby last season, Furore has failed to make an impact in open company. His second to Exultant in the Jockey Club Cup in November was a standout effort but it would be a big ask to replicate that, let alone surpass it.

4 Eagle Way
Likeable seven-year-old who has been a standing dish in the top races in Hong Kong for a number of years. Hasn’t won since November 2018 and looks way past his peak.

5 Elusive State
Won five races since moving to Tony Millard’s stable and should win more, but not at this level. Outclassed when last of seven to Waikuku in a Group 2 in November and a similar fate awaits here.

6 Playa Del Puente
An exciting prospect for Mick Halford on the all-weather in Ireland, Playa Del Puente has run with real credit in Hong Kong so far. A winner at Happy Valley in October, he looks set to win plenty more races judging by his excellent efforts when fifth in the Classic Cup and second in the Derby. Just grabbed by Golden Sixty in the final strides last time when given a truly exceptional last-to-first ride by Blake Shinn, he looks one to watch here. Like fellow four-year-old More Than This, he needs to improve to win but that is possible.

7 Glorious Dragon
Second to Exultant in the Centenary Vase back in January when receiving a big swing in the weights, he was thoroughly put in his place when tenth of 11 in the Jockey Club Gold Cup. A likeable performer but this should be asking too much.

VERDICT
Exultant could be vulnerable once again and isn’t of interest at very cramped odds. The enigmatic Time Warp should have the race run to suit but it is Playa Del Puente who interests most after an outstanding effort last time.

4.50 Sandown | Beck Celebrating 25 Years Of Excellence Handicap
Rhythmic Intent 9-4
The Playle Punt has enjoyed a short break recently as I haven’t been betting much, but I’m going to have a considerable bet – by my standards at least – at Sandown today so fingers crossed it will boost my Royal Ascot tipping fund. Let’s take a look through the form of my selection. On debut, Rhythmic Intent was sent off 40-1 and quickened clear with the main bunch of horses. They include the winner Star Safari, who hasn’t been seen since, second-placed Tempus, who has won his next two in style, third Surfman, who is rated 105 after finishing third in the Dante and eighth in the Prix du Jockey Club, and finally the fourth home Mind The Crack, who has won his two starts since being gelded and is now rated 89. On Rhythmic Intent’s second start at the track he again stayed on nicely behind Surfman to finish third. Durston, the second, is now rated 82 after finishing fourth in a decent Windsor handicap and then winning at Doncaster. The fifth, Aweedram, won his next two starts and is now rated 92. Rhythmic Intent’s most recent run again came over 1m½f at Nottingham, where he was just over five lengths adrift of the 100-rated Fifth Position, who would go on to finish third in the Listed Cocked Hat after drifting badly in the betting, and Space Blues (110), who I tipped before he bolted up in a York handicap and then won the Listed Surrey Stakes at Epsom. He rates a strong fancy for the Jersey next week. On balance, Rhythmic Intent simply has to be backed off a mark of 77 on handicap debut. By Lope De Vega, the soft ground should suit, as should the step up in trip judged on his running style, while he’s also out of a Galileo mare. Stuart Williams also has a profit of +16.50 to a £1 level stake at the course, while jockey PJ McDonald has been operating at a 22 per cent strike-rate in the last fortnight and is riding out of his skin.

7.35 Sandown | Matchbook Brigadier Gerard Stakes 
Danceteria 13-2
On paper, Danceteria should not be good enough to win this Group 3, but it doesn’t look a particularly strong renewal and with Regal Reality not guaranteed to stay the trip and Matterhorn yet to totally prove himself on turf, and I think it could be worth chancing the four-year-old. Progressive last season, including when stylishly skipping in between horses to score over a mile at this track first time out, he disappointed on his final few starts which was understandable given he’d begun the season off a mark of 77 and finished it on 103. Unlike Elwazir, who has good form over the course and distance, he has had the benefit of a run and it was a fine performance too. Settled towards the rear in a Listed race at Maisons-Laffitte, he was only asked for his effort late on and had to give first run to Mer Et Nuages but still collared him close home. The second was only beaten a length in a Group 3 last time, so the form looks solid enough. Connections seem to think he will have come forward an awful lot since his French foray and I wouldn’t be surprised to see him spring a surprise in a race which should be run to suit.

8.40 Sandown | Matchbook Casino Whitsun Cup Handicap
History Writer 2-1
My best bet of the day comes in the final race and I’m sticking with the David Menuisier theme. History Writer ran out a very impressive winner over the course and distance last August, travelling strongly and picking up well to scoot clear of Ledham and Statuario, with Kitaabaat nearly eight lengths behind. I’ve been following the latter since he won at this track as a juvenile and he looks well treated on his best form, but he needs to prove the gelding operation has worked. History Writer ran some decent races in good contests following win without really progressing, but he has now been gelded and his reappearance in the Spring Cup at Newbury was incredibly eyecatching. Held up at the rear until two furlongs out, he made up a huge amount of ground in the final furlong to be seventh to Chatez. Hot favourite Greenside, who was third at Newbury, has been declared a non-runner in this contest, but I fancied History Writer to turn the tables anyway and he remains a strong fancy at 2-1.

5.30 Windsor | Follow At The Races On Twitter Handicap
Ring Cycle 25-1
Trainer Sylvester Kirk has had three winners from nine runners in the last fortnight, a 33 per cent strike-rate, and his Ring Cycle could be overpriced in the opener. The gelding remains unexposed after just three runs and the form of his first two starts makes for good reading. Prominent on debut at Kempton, he held his own fairly well, just lacking the speed of a few of his rivals over a mile to finish seventh. He was only four and a half lengths behind the winner Set Piece, who was third in the Dante and clearly not himself when 14th of 19 in the 2,000 Guineas. He is rated 104, while the second Just The Man (80), third Creationist (94), fourth Alhaazm (77) and fifth Elamirr (81) all look decent types. The eighth, Astrologer, has also won since and is now rated 77. Upped to 1m2f on his second start, Ring Cycle was a decent third to Alfaatik, who ran in Sandown’s Classic Trial on his next start, and the promising Pianissimo. The son of Norse Dancer has had a break since disappointing on his only other start in January, suggesting something was amiss, and judging by his very smart pedigree, he should improve for this switch to turf. A mark of 72 could underestimate him.

6.30 Windsor | Weatherbys Hamilton Stakes
Glorious Journey 9-2
The Tin Man has been a fabulous sprinter for the last couple of years, winning this race on reappearance in 2016 and 2018, and although on ratings he should just about have enough to cater for his younger rivals, I think he is worth taking on considering his hefty penalty. He has to give 7lb to my selection Glorious Journey, who looks very interesting stepping back down to sprinting trips. A 2,600,000gns purchase, he made a big impression when winning over six furlongs on debut at Newmarket in June 2017 and duly followed up in a Saint-Cloud Group 3. Consistent albeit frustrating last season, he still won another French Group 3 over a mile when William Buick was allowed to dictate the race from the front. He was eighth, beaten only four and a half lengths, on his seasonal reappearance in the Victoria Cup off a mark of 109, showing plenty of pace before just fading in the final furlong. That effort suggested this return to six furlongs was worth a shot and he could spring a surprise.

7.00 Windsor | Windsor’s 1866 Restaurant Handicap
Victory Angel 9-2
A winner off a mark of 90 at Yarmouth in June 2017, Victory Angel still looks well handicapped on bits and pieces of last year’s form, including when just a length behind Gifted Master in a Newmarket handicap off a mark of 99. He ran a race full of promise on his first start for Robert Cowell on the Rowley Mile course last time, travelling well and looming up towards the centre of the track before becoming slightly unbalanced in the Dip and finishing fourth. The winner, On The Warpath, is now rated 110 and should have little trouble winning a Group race, while the second and third Summerghand (100) and Flavius Titus (95) ran right up to form based on their previous course-and-distance efforts. Surprisingly, Victory Angel has been dropped 1lb to 92 for that, and he could prove too classy for these with this flatter track in his favour.

1.50 York | Langleys Solicitors British EBF Marygate Fillies’ Stakes
Lady Fanditha 8-1
Trainer Clive Cox won the Marygate back in 2013 with Beldale Memory and he has had the race in mind for Lady Fanditha for a long time. A winner on debut at Nottingham, she looked green and uncomfortable on the ground but still came away well for a cosy win. The second, Daddies Diva, has since followed up at the track and the third, Flippa The Strippa, has also won at Chepstow. Cox nominated this race straight after her victory and I think you can expect an improved performance, especially on the quick ground. The other who could go well at a big price is Dr Simpson, who made a promising start when second to Lambeth Walk at Windsor last time.

2.25 York | Oaks Farm Stables Fillies’ Stakes
El Gumryah 14-1 Paddy Power
There are plenty of horses with more attractive profiles but the Simon Crisford-trained El Gumryah is a huge price on what she achieved on her reappearance at Kempton. Winless as a juvenile, she broke well and made all, showing a smart injection of pace before fighting off Rux Power in the closing stages to win by just under a length. The highly regarded Rainbow Heart was in third, while Nausha, who won the Group 2 Musidora Stakes on Wednesday, finished fourth. El Gumryah went a decent gallop and although the result seemed a bit bizarre on the face of it, she looks to have took a big step forward this season. The daughter of No Nay Never stays further than this 7f and could dictate from the front. This year’s three-year-old fillies are tough to fathom and at 14-1 she is well worth a shot at this class.

5.05 York | Longines Irish Champions Weekend Handicap
Laafy 4-1 RaceBets
Laafy is a horse I’ve had my eye on ever since Sir Michael Stoute chose to enter him in a conditions race at Sandown when he had yet to make his debut. He took time to hit his stride but was behind smart horses like Name The Wind, who ran in the 2,000 Guineas, and Buffalo River on debut at Kempton. The 86-rated Faro Angel was slightly too good second time out, but he had some decent ones like Global Heat (83), Travel On (95) and Pour Me A Drink (79) in behind. He confirmed his juvenile promise on seasonal appearance when upped to 1m2f on good to firm ground at Leicester, travelling kindly before showing a good attitude to get the better of 4-5 favourite Sucellus. By Noble Mission, he should get the 1m4f trip no problem and he’s also a half-brother to Group 2 Godolphin Mile winner Coal Front. I’m confident he’s much better than a mark of 83 and shapes like he will continue to improve throughout the season as well.

3.00 York | Al Basti Equiworld Dubai Dante Stakes
Telecaster 7-1 bet365
Too Darn Hot and Japan both have obvious credentials for this, but both have had poor preparations and I’m not convinced the latter’s form amounts to much anyway, he was the third choice of Ballydoyle when winning a trappy Beresford Stakes on his final start and none of those in behind have done anything since. Like many others, my eye was drawn to Telecaster when he was second to Bangkok on debut at Doncaster. He was green and Charlie Bennett didn’t give him a hard time in the final furlong, but he got to the quarters of the winner and made a thoroughly decent impression. Bangkok looked very good when winning the Group 3 Classic Trial on his next start and the fourth, Dubai Instinct, has since followed up at Nottingham. Telecaster looked a much more professional horse on his second start at Windsor, running some impressive final sectionals to win by nine lengths. The second, Deal A Dollar, did everything apart from win next time out, while the third Future Investment looked smart when scoring at Chester. Granted, that form is a mile off Too Darn Hot’s best, but Telecaster’s trainer Hughie Morrison is confident he is the best middle-distance three-year-old colt he’s ever had and I get the feeling he has been quietly nervous in the run up to this race. This colt’s dam Shirocco Star was second in the English and Irish Oaks and the son of New Approach rates a serious prospect, so is worth a shot in what will be a race to savour.

4.05 York | British Stallion Studs EBF Westow Stakes
Garrus 5-1 bet365
I’m keen to take on the form horse again in the Westow Stakes as I have a suspicion Soldier’s Call might not totally train on at three and he has a 5lb penalty to deal with too. I would have been tempted by Shades Of Blue but she was swept aside on her return and hasn’t been straightforward, so Garrus looks the one and 5-1 is a big price. Twice a winner at two, he finished fourth in the Mill Reef Stakes on ground that wouldn’t have suited, form that doesn’t look too bad now with Shine So Bright in third coming out and winning the Free Handicap before running a big race in the 2,000 Guineas. He again finished fourth in a Listed race at Doncaster on good to soft ground won by San Donato, who ran a very satisfactory race when third to Persian King in the French 2,000 Guineas. Barbill, who finished second, would go on to win a Listed race and looked a rock-solid juvenile. Put simply, fast ground and the drop back to five furlongs looked the key to Garrus on reappearance at Nottingham, where he strode clear of Norfolk Stakes second Pocket Dynamo, conditions he will get here. He has a fitness edge and should get a lovely tow into the race from the favourite.

5.05 York | Investec Wealth Handicap
Pipes Of Peace 9-1 RaceBets
A quick mention in the final race goes to Pipes Of Peace, who has been running really well in middle-distance handicaps on the all-weather. He was a huge eyecatcher when second in the Rosebery Handicap – a race which has already produced impressive Epsom winner Soto Sizzler, who was behind in fifth – staying on strongly towards the stands’ side. He then ran another bold race when third to Austrian School in the Queen’s Cup at Musselburgh when not getting a clear run. The winner’s run in the Chester Cup can be forgiven due to the atrocious ground and he still looks a very good staying prospect, while the race also suggested 2m would not be an issue for Pipes Of Peace. He could well be handicapped to the hilt off a mark of 92 but I like the look of his form and he remains open to improvement at marathon trips.

Prices correct at time of writing

1.50 York | Sky Bet Race To The Ebor Jorvik Handicap
Stealth Fighter 12-1 Paddy Power
Godolphin won the Jorvik Stakes last year with Hamada and I think they can do so again with Stealth Fighter at the bottom of the weights. The race looks a thoroughly competitive affair full of unexposed types, but this four-year-old very much fits into that category having had just five runs. On paper he was disappointing on his second, third and fourth starts after winning a Beverley novice but he looked a totally different animal when stepped up from 7f to 1m2f last time out at Yarmouth. The form of that doesn’t look anything special but he looked to sprout wings in the final furlong, recording an RPR of 94, and his pedigree suggests he should relish this additional two furlongs. By Kodiac, who has produced his fair share of decent middle-distance performers such as Stealth Fighter’s stablemate Best Solution, his dam stayed 1m4f and her half-sister Ithoughtitwasover was a multiple winner over 1m4f for Mark Johnston. His trainer Saeed Bin Suroor has been in excellent form recently, boasting a 25 per cent strike-rate in the last fortnight, and both of Stealth Fighter’s wins have come on good to firm ground. I’d be very disappointed if he wasn’t better than a mark of 90.

3.00 York | Duke Of York Clipper Logistics Stakes
Major Jumbo 14-1 Paddy Power
It could well be that Invincible Army strides away with this Group 2 but he has flattered to deceive on the big day before and I think Major Jumbo is a cracking each-way bet. A good second to Invincible Army in the Cammidge Trophy at Doncaster on reappearance, he followed that effort up with another solid effort over five furlongs in the Palace House Stakes behind Mabs Cross and Equilateral. That form looks the strongest on offer and considering he appears to be better over six furlongs – he had Equilateral behind him over that trip at Doncaster – another top performance here looks likely. He always tends to run well at the track, with six runs yielding two wins, two thirds and a fourth, and seems to be getting better and better.

4.05 York | Conundrum Rowing For Christian Hobbs Gym Handicap
Space Blues 8-1 William Hill
The Godolphin theme continues in the 7f handicap but this time I’m plumping for the topweight Space Blues. He beat Private Secretary and Technician in a Nottingham maiden back in November, the former has won his next two starts in the style of a very decent animal and is rated 92 following an easy handicap win at Sandown last time. He is entered in the Listed Fairway Stakes at Newmarket on Saturday and could well be better than a handicapper. Technician won on his next start at Leicester and looked unlucky in the Classic Trial at Sandown when second to Derby contender Bangkok. He didn’t look to enjoy a single second of the Chester Vase last week and that run can be discounted, but he is still rated 103. Space Blues was far too keen on seasonal reappearance in a red-hot conditions race at Newbury won by the 106-rated King Ottokar, who momentarily looked the winner of the Chester Vase before blatantly not getting home, and out-and-out stayer Dashing Willoughby, who was second at Chester. Space Blues was strong in the market that day, so connections clearly think he is very good and I wasn’t disheartened by his defeat to Fifth Position last time, when only a head separated them and they pulled well clear. This step back to 7f should be ideal and considering he has form with some of the best three-year-olds around, a mark of 93 looks exploitable. 8-1 is an insult and will not last long.

Prices correct at time of writing