Blake Shinn should be able to open his winning account at Hong Kong with Exponents, his first ride of the day. Destin, Grand Harbour and Yee Cheong also appeal as bets for the second day of the 2019-2020 Hong Kong racing season.

Sha Tin races on Sunday September 8th , 2019


Photos by LeeMingDonald

Our correspondent recommends the following four races as betting propositions.


First Race - # 6) Exponents was withdrawn before his last start as he was reported lame. In his run prior to the withdrawal, he had finished a head second behind Showing Character and more than four lengths ahead of Formula Galore who ran subsequently and won by three lengths on the last day. Exponents has won over the 1200 meter all weather track and has a good first up record. He should provide Blake Shinn his first win in Hong Kong. Fortune Happiness will be ridden by Joao Moreira and will run in the money. Corre Rapido has won twice last season over the same course and distance, but has run three ordinary races after that brace of wins. He will be partnered by Zac Purton and will try and make this a start to finish effort.

Fifth Race - # 6) Grand Harbour, the nine year old, has run three excellent races. Alfie Chan’s ten pound allowance will allow him to settle near the fast pace set by Sky Treasure. Gunnar will also be up with the pace and should run Grand Harbour close. These two can be combined in a Quinella for a higher value bet.

Sixth Race - # 9) Destin had a troubled trip as a failed favorite in his last start when ridden by jockey Derek Leung. An endoscopic examination has showed a substantial amount of blood in Destin’s trachea. Our correspondent believes that Destin will run a better race with Karis Teetan astride. Two other horses that had troubled trips in their last start, My Power (who was slowly away and had met with interference) and This One’s For You (who had not settled in his last race and had over raced) and Diamond Legend will make the finish interesting.

Eighth Race - # 2) Yee Cheong Baby has won both his races in Hong Kong. In his last win, he had run green and was wide around the bend and his rider Zac Purton had whipped him fifteen times in that race. Yee Cheong Baby has also won all three of his barrier trials (including one less than two weeks ago) and as such is difficult to oppose. This son of Sebring won his last barrier trial over 1200 meters on the all weather track and should be able to handle this course and distance well over real race conditions. He may be at cramped odds and may not present too much of value from a betting perspective. Seven Heavens had won on the Turf over 1200 and 1400 meters at Ascot and Goodwood in Great Britain, but is a Hong Kong maiden. Either Seven Heavens, Speedy King, Loving a Boom, or Elusive State could fill the frame.

Here are the selections for the card




These selections are based on the Race Card available at the time of writing and do not factor in any standby horses that are promoted. While considering the tips above, please pay attention to the names of the horses – the number of a horse that is withdrawn will be assigned to the promoted standby horse.