SWIMMING 1200M HANDICAP
#2 Santorini should receive every chance to bounce back and win, especially from barrier 1 with Hugh Bowman taking over the reins. He likely needed his first-up run, and the fast pace close to the lead didn’t suit him. He’s worth another opportunity. #5 Circuit Jolly, a debutant from the David Hayes yard, could make an immediate impact. His trial performances have shown promise, and Zac Purton in the saddle signals readiness for a strong first-up showing. #1 Patch Of Cosmo was ultra-impressive in winning a race of this nature, a Restricted Class 4 for three-year-olds, storming home from a wide draw to win on the line. He looks to have upside. #9 Northern Fire Ball ran boldly on debut, just missing an all-the-way win, and should be competitive again.
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ATHLETICS AND JUDO 1200M HANDICAP
#8 Super Infinity steps up to Class 3 after an impressive first-up victory. He still has room for improvement, and his light weight will be an asset as he faces stiffer competition. #5 Savvy Brilliant ran a respectable race on debut over 1000m, finishing well despite early interference and being held up in the final stages. He should prove more competitive second-up. #6 Super Fortune holds a key advantage with his natural early speed, and as the likely leader on paper, he will be tough to reel in. #2 Captain Win brings solid form, having placed behind some talented runners recently, and should find this a slightly easier task.
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THE HONG KONG, CHINA'S PARIS 2024 OLYMPIC TEAM CELEBRATION CUP (HANDICAP)
#2 Awesome Fluke returned in strong form when finishing a solid third over a mile, marking his first run for Ricky Yiu. He has proven form over longer trips, making the step up in distance ideal as he seeks a return to winning ways. #4 Supreme Agility is yet to place in five Hong Kong runs, which is surprising given his honest efforts and narrow defeats. Though untested over 2000m, he deserves consideration. #1 Ensued was last seen in the Hong Kong Derby where he raced wide and failed to fire, and resumes from a lengthy break but remains a high-class prospect. #3 Packing Hurricane, second-up over 2000m, will benefit from a more measured ride compared to his first-up effort, where he faded late after doing too much early.
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BADMINTON AND CYCLING 1400M HANDICAP
#2 Super Wise Dragon is difficult to catch due to his breathing issues, but he attracts attention first-up for Cody Mo, dropping into Class 5 for the first time. His new stable and class drop could be key factors in sparking improvement. #13 Cheer For South has been underwhelming but hasn't had the best of luck recently. With barrier 1, he'll be afforded every chance to run a more competitive race. #6 Charmander has shown progress since moving to David Hall’s yard, and despite being beaten as the odds-on favourite last start, his second-place finish was solid. He’s a strong contender here back in trip. #3 Yoda’s Choice returns after a quick seven-day turnaround following a promising runner-up effort. While barrier 14 isn't ideal, he's capable of overcoming the wide draw and remains a strong winning prospect in this grade.
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FENCING 1200M HANDICAP
#3 Thriving Brothers steps down to Class 4 for the first time in Hong Kong after a commendable first-up effort at the bottom of Class 3, finishing less than a length behind in sixth. While 1400m might be more ideal for him, the drop in class enhances his chances, and the booking of Zac Purton adds further confidence. #5 Endeared is another to consider when dropping in grade. His career has been hindered by poor draws, but he consistently puts in sound performances. #1 Awesome Treasure has drawn gate 10 with 10lb apprentice Britney Wong aboard. They are likely to roll forward and give sight, as usual. #9 Loving Vibes lines up for his second career start, and his debut last season was eye-catching from his wide draw. This time, with a better gate, he should find a handier position in the run and be within striking range to challenge.
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SAILING 1600M HANDICAP
#14 Chater Gold showed plenty of merit last start, finishing fourth despite an early check and being held up for a clear run in the straight. From a wide draw, he'll need to be ridden with early intent but is trending towards a win. #13 Soaring Bronco benefits from an inside gate and drops back to a more suitable distance. His recent runs have been encouraging, and he should get the right amount of favours here. #4 Devas Twelve impressed with a first-up win and has plenty of upside. Proven at the mile, he is favoured to win again with some luck from the widest gate. #5 Family Jewel aims for back-to-back course and distance wins, still looking untapped after just four starts.
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THE SHA TIN TROPHY (HANDICAP) (G2)
#4 Galaxy Patch had an outstanding season last term, culminating in back-to-back G3 Handicap wins. He kicks off this campaign with his sights set on December’s Hong Kong Mile and looks well-positioned to start with a victory. #8 Chancheng Glory benefits from carrying a light weight under handicap conditions, and his tactical speed should see him settle in a handy on-pace position in a race that lacks early speed on paper. #5 Red Lion is another well-placed runner under handicap conditions. While others may still be building fitness for bigger targets later in the season, this is the type of race in which he can figure. #6 Straight Arron makes his first appearance under trainer Ricky Yiu. While he will be looking for more ground, he may be one to spring an upset fresh.
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ROWING AND TABLE TENNIS 1400M HANDICAP
#7 Jubilant Winner appears ready to win. He will be well-fancied with Zac Purton taking over after a first-up third and a handy trial in between runs. The rise to 1400m should suit. #2 Sunny Da Best showed promise last season in five starts, though he ended on a low note and was spelled afterward. His trials suggest he's ready to get back on track. #11 Team Happy won easily two starts ago but couldn’t repeat that second-up due to a hot pace. A softer early run should see him bounce back. #1 Stellar Swift produced a career-best effort first-up, charging home for a fast-finishing second. Hugh Bowman takes the reins this time.
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TAEKWONDO 1400M HANDICAP
#5 Lucy In The Sky is tough to oppose from barrier 3. He was a game runner-up to up-and-comer Wunderbar first-up and has been highly consistent, recording two wins and four seconds from seven starts. #2 Young Achiever makes his seasonal return after showing promising form last term for the Jamie Richards stable, highlighted by his first local victory in his most recent race. He is one to follow as he progresses further into his campaign. #3 Beauty Crescent has yet to win in 19 Hong Kong starts but has placed behind some top-tier runners recently. With luck from his wide draw, he can figure. #6 Silo is showing steady improvement with more local experience, and his last-start effort pressing the lead was commendable.
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ARTISTIC GYMNASTICS AND TRIATHLON 1200M HANDICAP
#6 Wunderbar made a striking return from injury, leading throughout to secure a first-up win in Class 3 carrying top weight. He is a rising talent and looks capable of winning again, especially as he will step away from barrier 1. #13 Wonderstar debuts for leading trainer Pierre Ng. The former Macau galloper has caught the eye in his trials and seems to have what it takes to measure up here. #7 Call Me Glorious needed his first-up run over an unsuitably short 1000m but still managed a close fourth. He should be much more effective stepping up to 1200m second-up. #8 Gorgeous Win resumed impressively, securing an effortless victory in Class 3 under top weight, and he has trialled well since. He appears to be a horse yet to reach his full potential.
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