Hong Kong– The ‘Magic Man’ Joao Moreira returns from suspension today on an all-weather card at Sha Tin and the Champion jockey can get on the board early with Startling Power.
This speedy son of Domesday runs in The Island Handicap, Race 2 and has been excellent in defeat on two starts which have both come over the course and distance.
On each occasion Startling Power has done a mountain of work through the early stages which eventually took its toll.
This looks a slightly easier test and Moreira takes over the reins.
Although he has drawn high, most of the main dangers are likely to need their share of luck, and tempo, to figure in the finish.
He appeals as a solid win bet. David Ferraris and Dougie Whyte combine in the opening event with likely favourite A Fast One who clearly looks the one to beat based on his latest run on the artificial surface.
The wetter, slower conditions may not have been ideal for him when flashing home from near last to finish on the heels of the place getters on his last outing, over this course and distance.
He has the ability to take up a position from a low draw and with even luck, he looks a good banker for a Trifecta. There should be some value added to the exotics in this event with Trendiful, Happy Sound, Foxbat and Smiling Glory all worthy of inclusion.
One of the better bets on the card is a debutant in the fourth event with Pick Number One from the Danny Shum yard stepping out for the first time.
He has been extremely impressive in barriers trials leading in to his first start, and clocking good times in the process. He gives the impression he will not stay in this class for very long when leading throughout in a recent trial and indicating he is ready to perform. He looks a solid win bet, and an Exacta with Beekly and Endearing might provide some extra spoils.
It might also be worth taking a small wager in the fifth event with Smart Baby who should start around 25-1.
This son of Sharmadal has struck a much weaker race and with the step up to 1650m might be ready perform at lucrative odds, based on his last run over a shorter distance.
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