Turf Talk Newsletter – 16 May, 2025

Bacchus can bounce back to winning ways in lesser company. (JC Photos).

R1 10 TEMPRANILLO is by Querari and is a half-sister to the like of Barbaresco. 1 ALTA CAPITANA is by Captain of All out of a Fort Wood mare. 4 EMERALD FORGE has run two fair races and is drawn on the right side. 3 CHERICHERILADY was not disgraced on debut and could improve being by Vercingetorix out of a Var mare. (10-1-4-3)

R2 7 RACEWAY improved second time out and went close and now is drawn on the right side. 5 JAZZ PIANIST made a good debut and on form lines is close to Raceway. 11 TOP SHELF TEDDY is by Master OF My Fate out of a Captain Al mare who has produced a few winners. 1 BABY RED is by Talk Of THe Town out of a Dynasty mare who has produced a few winners. (7-5-11-1)

R3 2 BALULE made a fine debut and should be in the shake-up. 3 CARNARVON is an improving sort and he is drawn on the right side over a suitable trip. 6 MR BRIGHT SPARK is by Erik the Red out of a Pathfork mare and he is a half-brother to the speedy Chocolate Soldier. 7 SHADOWFAX is by One World out of a Flower Alley mare. (2-3-6-7)

R4 11 PRETTY PERSUASIVE made a fine debut and should enjoy this step up and trip from a good draw. 13 VIPINGO has shown plenty of ability and should be in the shake-up from a good draw. 4 BLUE QUARTZ has run some fair races and has a fair draw over a suitable trip. 9 HOPSCOTCH improved last time and from a good draw with a four kilogram claimer could earn. (11-13-4-9)

R5 11 TAKE NO PRISONERS is by Vercingetorix out of the useful Gr 1 winner TakingThePeace. 13 SCARLETT HEART has run some fair races and could earn here but does have a tricky draw. 1 TWO FOR THE BOYS is on the up and should be in the shake-up here if able to overcome a wide draw. 7 GREENLIGHT RACER could improve on his fair debut. (11-13-1-7)

R6 8 MO MENT is an up-and-coming stayer and he could improve and win again. 7 ARLINGTON ACTION has hard knocking form and is distance suited. 1 STAR COIN could be in the shake-up here from a good draw too. 3 TO THE RESCUE has consistent form and from pole position could be in the shake-up. (8-7-1-3)

R7 9 ALADDIN’S LAMP has shown useful form in Cape Town and should go close. 1 POCKET WATCH has shown some ability and could earn from a good draw. 3 PUMPKIN PIE won well second time out and over a suitable trip could earn if able to overcome a draw. 7 OMBUDSMAN has some reasonable form but is another one who has to overcome a wide draw. (9-1-3-7)

R8 1 BACCHUS has a lot of class and this is his easiest task for some time so he should be in the shake-up. 5 ARTIST’S MODEL has a lot of class and should start improving now but does return from a layoff of close to three months. 10 CLAW is a progressive sort who should be coming into his own. 2 DON’T CRY FOR ME is better than his last couple of starts. (1-5-10-2)

R9 1 JUST BE LEKKER has plenty of ability and is a distance suited here but does have a tricky draw of five. 2 POBLANO is a useful sort who is distance suited but she does have a tricky low draw. 4 FASTNET FILLY is knocking on the door and should go close here under Gavin Lerena. 9 ARTISTE is drawn on the right side and has shown enough ability to be right there. (1-2-4-9)

R10 1 HONG KONG is a useful sort and he can bounce back from a disappointing run last time as he has a good draw over a suitable trip. 3 FULLY COMMITTED was not disgraced first time out the maidens and should make his presence felt.4 ROAMING SPIRIT won well last time over 1100 and stays further so should make a bold bid. 5 BLIZZARD SNOW is drawn on the right side and it would be no surprise to see her going close. (1-3-4-5)

Place Accumulator: (R243)
Leg 1: 2
Leg 2: 11,2,13
Leg 3: 11,13,1
Leg 4: 8,7,1
Leg 5: 9
Leg 6: 1,5,10
Leg 7: 1,2,4

Pick 6: (R729)
Leg 1: 11,2,13
Leg 2: 11,13,1
Leg 3: 8,7,1
Leg 4: 9,1,3
Leg 5: 1,5,10
Leg 6: 1,2,4

Jackpot: (R81)
Leg 1: 11,13,1
Leg 2: 8,7,1
Leg 3: 9,1,3
Leg 4: 1,5,10

Best Bet:
Race 7: 9

Value Bet:
Race 6: 8

Hollie Doyle (At The Races)

Hollie partners Archie Watson’s Eternal Elixir in Sunday’s German 2000 Guineas following three rides on Lockinge With Ladies Day at Newbury

NEBRAS LOOKS STRONG ON HANDICAP DEBUT
My boss Imad Alsagar’s lovely colt NEBRAS (2.00) makes his handicap debut at Newbury on Saturday – live on Sky Sports Racing.

He’s the pick of my three rides on Group 1 Lockinge Stakes Day before I fly out to Germany to ride in their version of the 2000 Guineas. Trained by John and Thady Gosden, Nebras has a great opportunity to get off the mark for the year in the 1m 2f Trade Nation London Gold Cup Handicap (2.00).

He’s well drawn in stall 5, will enjoy the forecast fast ground, and looks potentially well treated off a mark of 97 after running well in Listed company on Guineas weekend at Newmarket.

The son of Dubawi is still learning about the game – he’s mentally quite immature and so has taken a little longer than expected to come to hand, but he remains open to plenty of improvement as he takes on respected rivals with similar ratings in Genealogy and Saddadd.

QILIN CAN BE QUEEN FOR A DAY
QILIN QUEEN represents another live chance in the Listed Childwickbury Stud Fillies’ Trial Stakes (3.10) over the same 1m 2f trip at Newbury.

Ed Walker’s three-year-old brings strong form to the race, having finished second in this grade last season to subsequent French Guineas fourth Luther and third in the Listed Pretty Polly at Newmarket on her reappearance.

Related to some smart winners, that latest performance proved she’s trained on well and is effective at the distance, so I’m expecting a bold show in pursuit of a breakthrough stakes success.

KITARO OUT TO TRANSLATE SAND FORM TO TURF
George Baker’s KITARO KICH will be a handful if he can translate his impressive All-Weather form to grass in the BoyleSports Home Of The Early Payout Handicap (4.20).

He scored his third win of the year on synthetics when taking a 1m handicap at Chelmsford City at the end of March and ran well in defeat off a similar mark to Saturday’s at Kempton last time out.

The five-year-old gets plenty of weight from his main markets rivals and is clearly a much-improved gelding since last stepping onto turf at Goodwood last July.

ROOTING FOR OLD FRIENDS IN LOCKINGE
I’d love to see Rosallion win the Group 1 BoyleSports Lockinge Stakes (2.35) at Newbury for my old boss Richard Hannon and good friend Sean Levey.

I understand they’ve been very happy with him on his build up to a racecourse return after having his brilliant three-year-old season cut short by injury.

It’s a big ask to jump straight back into the highest company after an 11-month lay-off, but I expect this beautiful Classic winning colt’s class to see him through, probably at the expense of Roger Teal’s Dancing Gemini. His Group 2 bet365 Mile win at Sandown puts him right in the firing line with race-fitness on his side, but he’s in deeper waters now.

Watch every race on BoyleSports Lockinge With Ladies Day at Newbury live on Sky Sports Racing (Sky 415 | Virgin 519) on Saturday 17th May.

CHASING CLASSIC SUCCESS IN GERMANY
I fly to Germany on Sunday, where I’m hoping ETERNAL ELIXIR can give me a second Classic success three years after my first on Nashwa in the French 1000 Guineas.

Archie Watson’s colt lines up in the Group 2 Coolmore City Of Troy German 2000 Guineas (3.33) at Cologne three weeks after his reappearance second in Group 3 company at Krefeld.

His performance that day can be upgraded, so we’re hopeful he has what it takes to go one better in this higher grade. Drawn well enough in stall 6, he’s entitled to have come on for that first run of the year too.

The one he may have to beat is Francis-Henri Graffard’s filly Vertical Blue, who lowered the colours of last weekend’s controversial French 1000 Guineas winner Zarigana in last season’s Group 1 Marcel Boussac.

Hollie Doyle was speaking to Sky Sports Racing’s Simon Mapletoft.

Rosallion has been tipped to win the Gr 1 BoyleSports Lockinge Stakes. (Picture: Sky Sports Racing)

At The Races

1 1:50 PM SA Time – Sky Sports Racing Aston Park Stakes (Group 3)
Courage Mon Ami returns from 21 months off, but he is already a Group 1 winner after taking the Gold Cup at Royal Ascot in 2023. He cannot be easily dismissed, although the drop in trip may not be in his favour. AL AASY got up late to land the Gordon Richards over 1m2f at Sandown on his return and the eight-year-old, who won this in 2021, has every chance again, despite his advancing years. King’s Gambit is another to consider if the first-time blinkers bring about any improvement.

Top Tip: Al Aasy (1)
Watch out for: Courage Mon Ami (2)

2 2:25 PM – Highclere Castle Gin Carnarvon Stakes (Listed)
Symbol Of Honour found the seventh furlong beyond him at Newmarket, but he is three from four over this trip and is not easily overlooked. Ides Of March was second to the classy Whistlejacket at Navan and he could be the biggest danger to DEFENCE MINISTER. The Too Darn Hot colt lost his unbeaten record when pulling too hard in the Middle Park on soft ground last autumn but he can get back to winning ways if he settles, with the quicker surface a bonus.

Top Tip: Defence Minister (4)
Watch out for: Ides Of March (5)

3 3:00 PM – Trade Nation London Gold Cup Handicap (Heritage Handicap) (GBBPlus Race)
The Charltons have won four of the last nine renewals of this race, suggesting Wave Rider could go well on his handicap debut, with a first-time hood an interesting addition. GENEALOGY still holds Group 1 entries and with the form of his sixth to Delacroix at Newmarket boosted by the winner scoring twice since to become a leading Derby contender, he is hard to oppose off a mark of 96 for Aidan O’Brien and Ryan Moore, who can do little wrong at present. Ernst Blofeld and Lightening Mann are others to at least consider.

Top Tip: Genealogy (2)
Watch out for: Wave Rider (7)

4 3:35 PM – BoyleSports Lockinge Stakes (Group 1) (Str)
The stage is set for a third clash between last year’s English and Irish 2000 Guineas winners Notable Speech and ROSALLION. The former was the ready winner of the Newmarket showpiece and having later enjoyed Group 1 glory in the Sussex Stakes at Goodwood, his credentials are straight from the top drawer. However, Rosallion went from strength to strength after the HQ clash, with a memorable Classic win at the Curragh three weeks later. The son of Blue Point went on to emphatically turn the tables on Notable Speech (seventh) when he tenaciously landed the St James’s Palace at Royal Ascot. Richard Hannon’s colt is simply too hard to ignore. The hat-trick seeking Dancing Gemini is not to be underestimated, while the fillies Tamfana and Fallen Angel could also lay claim to some place money.

Top Tip: Rosallion (7)
Watch out for: Notable Speech (4)

5 4:10 PM – Childwickbury Stud Fillies’ Trial Stakes (Listed)
Anything representing Aidan O’Brien is noteworthy at present and the class-dropping Ecstatic is no exception, despite her no-show on soft ground in a Group 3 at Navan last month. A quicker surface could spark a revival, while Winter’s Song, Revoir and Sand Gazelle are all potential improvers, but the vote goes to WONDER STAR. The daughter of Sea The Stars firmly enhanced her reputation with an assertive display in breaking her maiden at Ascot last week and looks a very bright prospect.

Top Tip: Wonder Star (10)
Watch out for: Ecstatic (3)

6 4:45 PM – Hong Kong Jockey Club Handicap
Having won both starts since being gelded, Completely Random is at the top of his game and has a decent chance of completing a hat-trick. However, he has another 6lb rise to cope with after his Leicester success and a personal best is required again. With that in mind, the consistent ARAMRAM could be the way to go, as he seems unaffected by creeping up the weights. Richard Hannon’s colt can gain compensation for several near-misses in some deep sprints. Run Boy Run and Rosario are other strong contenders.

Top Tip: Aramram (10)
Watch out for: Completely Random (4)

7 5:20 PM – BoyleSports Home Of The Early Payout Handicap (Str)
MY CLOUD made a strong impression when scoring on his handicap debut at Ascot last month and even a 10lb rise might prove to be on the lenient side. Roger Varian’s four-year-old could have lots more to offer and can continue his rise through the ranks. Ebt’s Guard accounted for Classic (third) when victorious in the Spring Cup here two starts ago and can confirm that form to have a say. Of the remainder, Witch Hunter makes the most appeal.

Top Tip: My Cloud (8)
Watch out for: Ebt’s Guard (7)

8 5:55 PM – World Pool Handicap (Str)
Nakeeb got off the mark at the third time of asking at Doncaster earlier in the month and now makes his handicap debut off a possibly workable mark of 86. However, REGALIAN looks the more appealing option. William Haggas’ three-year-old struck on his debut at Newcastle prior to finishing a respectable third under a penalty at Southwell. With the likelihood of more to come, the now-gelded son of Kingman can score. Solar Army is another to consider.

Top Tip: Regalian (4)
Watch out for: Nakeeb (3)

Richard Fourie is looking for a second successive national jockeys championship. (Candiese Lenferna Photography) 

Richard Fourie rode a treble for Alan Greeff and closed the gap at the top of the national jockeys log  on Craig Zackey, who took a nasty cow kick from his mount Nikes Ray Of Light during the meeting, but he was able to ride in all of the subsequent three races.

Sharon Kotzen also scored a treble, two of them ridden by Luyolo Mxothwa.

Fourie now goes to 205 wins, three behind Zackey and six ahead of Gavin Lerena, and he has achieved them at a strike rate of 25.66%.

Mxothwa is on 60 wins at 13.22%.

Greeff is on 142 wins at 18%, which puts him seven wins ahead of Justin Snaith as the winning-most trainer of the season. However, Snaith has a virtually unassailable lead in the race for the national trainers championship as it is decided on stakes earnings.

Sharon Kotzen is on 27 wins at 8.04%.

Equus Horse Of The Year Dave The King returns to battle after a layoff of close to six months (Candiese Lenferna Photography)

Andrew Harrison (Gold Circle)

Last season’s Equus Horse of the Year Dave The King makes his return to racing after a six-month break when he lines up in the Sir Theophilus St George A Stakes over 1500m that headlines the card at Hollywoodbets Scottsville on Sunday.

The race is a tricky affair with many warming up for the sharp end of Champions Season. Dave The King has been disappointing this season with two no-shows at Turffontein including the Charity Mile back in November last year. He has been rested since but won over course and distance exactly a year ago before going on the garner his Equus accolades.

Horses often show their best form in yearly cycles and if that holds true then Dave The King will be difficult to beat. Trained by Mike and Mathew de Kock one would expect Dave The King to be ready for this contest but his fitness must be taken on trust and a warm-up for another crack at the Gr1 Holllywoodbets Gold Challenge.

There are a number of runners warming up for the season, with the Gr1 Hollywoodbets Durban July in their sights but given that this 1500m should be on the short side for most of them it may prove prudent to side with a fit horse comfortable over the trip.

Garth Puller saddles African Skyline who finished a creditable sixth, beaten three lengths by Ziyasha in a strong field over 1000m last time out and he did find some support in the market for that race. The blinkers come off and he is back over a more favourable distance where he won three runs back. He is one to watch in the market.

Justin Snaith saddles Rapidash who may just have needed his last start in The Sledgehammer. He boasts some useful Cape form in strong company and gets first time blinkers which could prove significant.

Nathan Kotzen will be hunting the Hollywoodbets Durban July with Royal Victory who ran a cracking race in the Gr1 Champions Challenge at Turffontein,

just failing to get to Fire Attack. This will be a warm-up to keep his engine ticking but he does have enough class to keep the opposition honest.

Pacaya showed signs in the Western Cape season that he is still capable at the top level and was just over a length behind stable companion Eight On Eighteen in the Gr1 WSB Cape Met. This race is an obvious warm-up so a better proposition for the exotics could be the Piet Botha-trained Baratheon. The six-year-old has pulled the widest gate but made a promising local debut when five lengths back to the more than useful Underworld. He should come on from that effort and is a definite runner for a place on the podium.

It’s a ten-race card with the PA starting off in the third where Tripping Thunder comes with some consistent Cape form. Glen Kotzen’s stable is in mustard form and Tripping Thunder should make a bold bid. Biggest threat could come from fellow Cape raider Victor Hugo. Lucinda Woodruff’s charge was a beaten favourite last run with first time blinkers. This shorter trip could suit. There are two well-bred first timers in Aristocratic and Light The Fire making their debuts against older horses but may be worth watching in the market.

In the first leg of the Pick 6 Catch Penny from the Glen Kotzen yard has been a beaten favourite on a number of occasions but Cape form could be to the fore again. The blinkers come off but she goes well this trip. Michael Roberts sends out Miss Kanas who found some market support on debut and finished a close-up third on this course which is a benefit. Hazy Dazy started at long odds on debut over a furlong further but was not far off the winner. She must have a chance if she can improve on that effort. First timer Celestial Diamond is bred for speed and one to keep an eye on.

Snaith saddles Indigenous in the sixth who takes on older runners but was a good second from a wide draw last time out when starting favourite. He has a better draw here and can make amends. Older Green Mile is lightly raced but never far back. He bumped a good one in Dancing On A Cloud last run and can do better in this field. Ubermensch made marked improvement first time out for his new stable when moving to the Highveld. He can build on that effort.

In the seventh, Paul Lafferty could hold the key with Beach Palace who goes well on this course and was a close-up second behind Lake Como giving the winner 7.5kg. There is only 1.5kg this time around so the inference if obvious. L’Ultimo made a smart return last run after a lengthy break. His best form prior to that had been on the poly but a repeat of his last run can see him close

again. Run To Rio is marginally better off at the weights with Beach Palace on their last meeting and does have the better draw.

The eighth is wide open. Plaza Accord was not far back when taking to the poly last run and has won over course and distance which is in his favour. Tyrconnell is 1.5kg better off with Plaza Accord on their last meeting and has a better draw this time around so can turn the tables. Famous Warrior took on stronger last run and was not far back. He has a handy weight and a favourable draw while Mr Hotstepper was eased out of the race last run on the old poly when favourite and that effort is best ignored. He shows plenty of promise. He is right up there with Plaza Accord and Tyrconnell and there should not be much between them.

The last is another tricky handicap. Mojo Man won well last time out beating Jet Legacy and is now 1.5kg worse off at the weights. However, this will be his third run after a break and he could confirm that form. Twenty One May meets the pair on exactly the same terms but he goes very well over course and distance and could have their measure in spite of the result of their last meeting. Abaddon is lightly raced and unbeaten since returning from a beak of over a year. He has a handy weight and could follow up. Rainbow Reward has been rested and has his first run for a new stable. He gets first time blinkers and could surprise.

Rising Force in race 3 is one of Tim Carroll’s best bets. (HKJC).

Tim Carroll (At The Races)

Quality action awaits at Sha Tin this Sunday morning where Tim Carroll previews all 10 races and lists his three best bets.

This Sunday sees a competitive 10-race card from Sha Tin on both the Turf and All-Weather tracks getting underway at 6.45am SA Time. There are three Class 3 contests on the card, with race 10, The Shenzen Centre 1600m Handicap, offering in excess of £205,000 in prize-money

Now onto this week’s selections.

Race 1: Class 5 Celebrating Timeless Tradition 1400m Handicap (645am) (7 furlongs)
6 FAIRY HORSE is a modest maiden, but this is a modest contest that looks winnable. The Caspar Fownes 4yo was unplaced over 6 furlongs here last time, but he was given a bit to do in a race that didn’t set-up for the closers. The selections only other run on the turf here at Sha Tin this season was when runner-up, again over 6 furlongs, from a 2lb higher mark in March, which was the last time he drew an inside draw, which he once again has here. Given the way he finishes his races, the step up to 7 furlongs looks helpful.

Dangers:
4 Foremost Teddy is a sixteen-start maiden that tried to make all before finishing fourth over the mile at Happy Valley last time when dropping into this grade for the first time, he drops 2lb in the handicap and the cutback in trip could help.
11 Timestorm has had a light season with three of his five starts being over an unsuitable 5 furlongs, and although he is yet another with a modest record, he has won and been placed from higher marks and the first time booking of Purton does catch the eye.
1 Ka Ying Power, who won all three starts in Italy, has failed to get on the board in fourteen goes, but he drops into the bottom level for the first time having placed from an 8lb higher mark earlier in the season and he draws the inside.

Race 2: Class 5 Ownership Pride 1200m Handicap (715am) (6 furlongs) (dirt)
7 CHEER FOR SOUTH has recorded just the one win from twenty-four starts but he’s only recently been tried on this track, having hacked up here at his penultimate start having been runner-up twice prior. The selection, who was placed on the turf at his most recent start, is 7lb higher in the handicap than when he won, but he was a wide margin winner that day, he’s been placed from marks up to 14lb than his current assessment, and he may just have found his niche on this track.

Dangers:
2 Hinokami Kagura is yet to shed his maiden status after sixteen goes, but he has been placed five of eleven starts on this track, including when runner-up over this trip last time from the same draw he has here.
9 Patch of Watch, who was beaten less than a length over 5 furlongs at Happy Valley last time, had the selection in second when winning here in February and they do meet on similar terms, but he does like to punch forward and may need some luck from the draw.
1 Excellent Daddy has been unplaced his last three, but he takes a drop in grade and did win over course & trip the last two times he was seen at this level, albeit he’s 5lb higher in the handicap than the most recent of those.

Race 3: Class 4 Racing Heritage 1200m Handicap (745am) (6 furlongs) (dirt)
1 RISING FORCE was well supported when making a winning debut over course & trip in March and although he has been lumped 8lb for that, he should take all the beating here. The selection was one of the first to come under a ride that night, but once he let down in the straight, he won running away and he’s entitled to improve for the spin. The form from the race has plenty of shape with the runner-up subsequently winning his next two starts and although he goes from the top of the handicap at just his second start, he looks headed for higher grades.

Dangers:
6 Fun N Fun Together is a ten-start maiden that has placed five times, but he’s only had two spins on this track having been runner-up last time when beaten a nose with a few of these in behind, and Purton sticks solid.
11 Same To You will be having his first spin on the dirt, but he’s a twice winner this season when he has shown pace, which is usually a good fit for this track, he’s trialled well on the dirt in the past, and he goes from the foot of the handicap.
2 Natural High, who broke his duck over course & trip in emphatic style in March, has ran with merit in defeat his last two from high draws and has fared better here which could see him bounce back.

Race 4: Class 4 Members Care@HKJC 1800m Handicap (815am) (9 furlongs)
5 YOUTH POWER is a hard one to catch but at the weights it’s difficult to oppose the David Hayes 5yo. The selection arrives with a 7lb penalty having won over course & trip last time, and although he box-seated that day, he did win in good style with a few of these in behind. The connections have elected to replace a senior ride with a claimer, which effectively means he is now 3lb better off having won a race that looks the best recent form pointer for this. He drew down in 1 last time and I’m not sure he’ll end up with the gun again, but they do have a long run to the first time, thus he should be able to slot in with some cover.

Dangers:
2 Oriental Smoke is a veteran stable companion to the selection who been placed his only two goes over this trip, including last time out when just over two-lengths behind the selection, but he is on slightly worse terms here.
3 Joyful Prosperity, who string together a three-timer at the end of last year, was a never nearer fifth to the selection last time and a 2lb drop in the handicap sees him only slighter higher than his last win.
1 Northern Beast is considered more of a Happy Valley type but he takes a drop in grade after an unplaced spin on the dirt last time, and he won over this trip when last seen at this level in February.

Race 5: Class 4 Beijing Clubhouse Cup (Handicap) (910am) (5 furlongs)
3 HEROIC MASTER hasn’t won since October 2023, which is hardly a strong selling point, but he’ll be having just his second start in a Class 4, and his first one at Sha Tin. The selection has only been seen twice on the straight course this season, finishing runner-up both times when in behind two rivals now rated 12lb & 45lb superior, thus, they were races that ran deeper than this, and if he runs to that level here, he’ll give this a decent shake.

Dangers:
1 Fun Elite, who won on debut over this trip, goes from the top of the handicap but he takes a drop in grade having won over 6 furlongs when last seen at this level in January, but he does carry 9lb more here.
4 Dancing Classic is a debutant that has been asked few questions but moved nicely in a couple of trials and with Bowman booked and what looks a favourable draw, a market watch is advised.
2 Amazing Fun has had just the two starts, winning over course & trip before bombing on the dirt when last seen in September, but a market watch is advised as he makes his return from a couple of setbacks despite a couple of lacklustre trails.

Race 6: Class 4 Hilltop in The Valley 1200m Handicap (940am) (6 furlongs)
10 CLUB ACE is a seven start maiden from the leading yard of John Size and although he may be starting to look a tad exposed, he did run well in defeat over course & trip last time when picking up the bronze, but although not a luckless loser, he would have finished in second but was a tad tight for room in the straight. The son of Toronado was able to grab the gun run in behind the leaders that day, and from draw 4 he should be able to do the same here.

Dangers:
1 Aurora Patch, who won a maiden at his only start in Australia, has placed two of his seven starts in Hong Kong but he takes a drop in grade here and he’ll find this more to his liking with Purton a first time booking.
7 Lucky McQueen is a debutant that has won a couple of recent trials are Conghua, and whilst it can be difficult to get a handle on the trial form a market watch is advised on his racecourse introduction.
8 Rainbow Seven defied triple figure odds when runner-up over course & trip on debut last month and although well held by the winner, he was clear of the third and is entitled to come on for the run.

Race 7: Class 3 Members Cup (Handicap) (1010am) (6 furlongs) (dirt)
1 GUMMY GUMMY goes from the top of the handicap and does go up 1lb having finished runner-up over course & trip last time, but he’s a big lump of a horse that does enjoy the dirt. The selection was only beaten a nose at his most recent start with a few of these in behind and that was after sitting outsider the leader cutting the breeze the entire way in a race that set-up for the closers. The form from the race looks solid with the third a subsequent winner (winner not yet seen), and from stall 4, he should have a kinder set-up than last time.

Dangers:
3 Mask Rider, who is a son of Justify, ran better than the bare result after a tough trip planted wide last time and could feature if he gets some luck early, but he once again has a high draw to contend with.
10 Mr Energia, whose record on this track reads 1-2-4, was only half-a-length behind the selection last time, he’s on slightly better terms and once again draws low.
7 Solid Shalaa will be moving up in grade under a 6lb after winning over course & trip last time and although he dives into deeper waters, he carries 14lb less at this level & should get a solid gallop to aim at.

Race 8: Class 4 Sha Tin Clubhouse 1400m Handicap (1040am) (7 furlongs)
2 WITH A SMILE had run with some promise his first three starts all over 6 furlongs but took a decent stepped forward when winning over this trip last time for which is has been penalized 6lbs. He only won by a nose that day, but I think he may have been slightly fortunate to only go up 6lbs, which keeps in a Class 4. I say that because he had an awfully tough trip planted wide without cover the entire race, but travelled strongly throughout, understandably, just tiring a tad at the end. He does once again draw high, but hopefully Purton can find some cover, and if he does, the son of Merchant Navy (2018 Diamond Jubilee Stakes winner for Aidan O’Brien), will be a tough nut to crack.

Dangers:
5 Quick Contribution is a four-start maiden that should be winning soon enough after a luckless run in third last time when slow to break and having to cross heals in the straight, but he draws the outside & will need some luck as they may be forced to snag back early.
1 Sugar Ball has been unplaced his last three, but he takes a drop in grade and his record at this level this season reads 1-3-1, and he’s on the same mark as when he last won.

Race 9: Class 3 Beas River Country Club 1200m Handicap (1115am) (6 furlongs)
5 SUPER INFINITY, who arrives after a solid effort in defeat in a race than ran deeper than this over 7 furlongs last time, was runner-up over course & trip behind Moduleconstruction two back, when doing his best work late with a few of these in behind. He was only beaten a nose that day and all things being equal, I doubt there will be much between them here. But he does meet that rival on 4lb better terms, and he hopefully should have all the favours from the inside draw.

Dangers:
3 Moduleconstruction had a few of these in behind when winning over course & trip last time, which was just his sixth run in nearly two years and although a 5yo, he could have more to offer, but he does go up 6lbs and has a high draw to overcome.
8 Majestic Express wasn’t a luckless loser when two-and-a-half lengths behind Moduleconstruction last time, who he meets on 7lb better terms, but he didn’t have the rub of the green that day & should have finished a tad closer.
4 Pakistan Legacy was a tad disappointing as joint favourite when fifth to Moduleconstruction last time, but he’s a low mileage 4yo that still has time & it would be no surprise if he were to bounce back with Purton sticking solid.

Race 10: Class 3 Shenzen Centre 1600m Handicap (1150am) (1 mile)
2 HUGE WAVE, who was Group 2 placed in New Zealand, won over course & trip in January when he had some handy types in behind including the eventually Derby runner-up, My Wish. He was then a tad underwhelming ta his next two with no excuses but bounced back here last time when runner-up over course & trip behind an above average type with a few of these in behind. The selection has a similar draw, and he does go up 1lb, but a reproduction of his most recent effort would make him a major player in what looks an open contest.

Dangers:
11 Magnificent Nine, who was having his first go over this trip when picking up the bronze last time, rarely wins but he nearly always runs a solid race which he’s likely to do once again from the good draw.
7 Star Mac has more ability than his one win in twenty-two local starts would suggest, and although his profile shows he gets further than this, what he really needs is a strong gallop to aim at as he’s a closer, and whilst they aren’t likely to belt along here, there is a solid gallop on offer.
9 Definitive, who broke his local duck over this trip at Happy Valley in January, bombed last time but got caught up in a pace melt down and he could bounce back under a more conservative ride with Purton a first-time booking.

SUNDAY’S PLACEPOT
Today’s Place Pot will be races 6 through to 11. All up we will be playing 54 combinations (1x3x2x1x3x3), which will cost £5.40 for a 10p stake and so on. Good luck.

LEG 1- 3 HEROIC MASTER

LEG 2- 1 AURORA PATCH 7 LUCKY MCQUEEN 10 CLUB ACE

LEG 3- 1 GUMMY GUMMY 3 MASK RIDER

LEG 4- 2 WITH A SMILE

LEG 5- 3 MODULCONSTRUCTION 5 SUPER INFINITY 8 MAJESTIC EXPRESS

LEG 6- 2 HUGE WAVE 7 STAR MAC 11 MAGNIFICENT NINE

TIM’S BEST BETS (scale 1-5 points)
6.45am SHA TIN
3pts win RISING FORCE

8.10am SHA TIN
2pts win HEROIC MASTER

9.40am SHA TIN
4pts win WITH A SMILE

Which series is the Gr 1 Lockinge Stakes part of?

Picture: Shock winner Audience gave 50-year-old Rob Havlin just the second Gr 1 victory of his career in last year’s Lockinge Stakes. (Picture: PA Media).