HorseRacing
Hong Kong International Races: Picks, Analysis & Free PPs
2024-12-07
Hong Kong International Races take center stage on Saturday night at 11:25 p.m. EST at Sha Tin. Four Grade 1 stakes await the entrants who have come from all over the world. Among them, 4 are from Ireland's Aiden O'Brien. Free PPs are available at Horse Racing Nation, and for more handicapping info, visit the Hong Kong Jockey Club website.

Uncover the Thrills of Hong Kong International Races at Sha Tin

Race 1: Silent Witness Handicap

No. 13 Invincible Lucky makes a comeback after a seven-month layoff. His past performances show his ability, and with Mark Newnham in fine form, he's worth a chance. No. 1 City Thunder was heavily backed last time but faced bad luck, getting stuck behind traffic. If he gets clear running here, he can win. No. 12 Monarch County is making just his third start but has been unlucky in the past, racing wide. With a better draw this time, he should improve. No. 2 Patch Of Time is in excellent form for the Cody Mo yard and is chasing a hat-trick of wins.

Race 2: Beauty Generation Handicap

No. 6 Master Phoenix impressed on debut, finishing second from a wide draw. He can settle closer this time and has looked sharp in a trial. No. 12 Dragon Four Seas gets a jockey upgrade with James McDonald and has a perfect draw for his on-pace running style. No. 5 Jubilant Winner drew better this time and won a trial heat convincingly. No. 7 Packing Angel was disappointing last time but can improve with a kinder run.

Race 3: Lord Kanaloa Handicap

No. 1 Savvy Brilliant has a habit of being slow to start but stormed home late last time. He should bounce back. No. 8 Patch Of Cosmo faced a tough draw last time but worked home strongly. No. 4 Divano had no luck last time but is better than his effort suggests. No. 13 Lifeline Express ran well on his first try in Class 3 and has a better barrier this time.

Race 4: The Longines Hong Kong Vase (G1)

No. 3 Luxembourg is well-profiled in this competitive international race. He came close last year and won the G1 Coronation Cup earlier this year. No. 6 Marquisat catches the eye from André Fabre's yard, having been checked in his last race. No. 13 Stellenbosch is a three-year-old Japanese filly with Joao Moreira booked and is sure to attract attention. No. 1 Without A Fight made a superb return and cannot be overlooked.

Race 5: The Longines Hong Kong Sprint (G1)

No. 1 Ka Ying Rising steps up to Group 1 for the first time and is in excellent form, having broken a track record. No. 12 Helios Express has been close behind Ka Ying Rising in recent races. No. 3 Lugal won a big race after a setback and is a serious talent. No. 8 Toshin Macau is similar and finished second in a recent race.

Race 6: Jim And Tonic Handicap

No. 1 Bravehearts is in superb form and seeking a hat-trick of wins. No. 8 Family Jewel was a close runner-up last time and has a good chance with James McDonald aboard. No. 4 Star Mac is getting closer to a breakthrough. No. 6 Eighteen Carat was close-up last time and can improve with a better draw.

Race 7: The Longines Hong Kong Mile (G1)

No. 6 Galaxy Patch was a bit disappointing last time but is better suited to a full field. No. 1 Soul Rush has been consistent and won a recent race. No. 2 Voyage Bubble placed second last year and is in good form. No. 12 Jantar Mantar is a lightly raced talent with multiple wins.

Race 8: The Longines Hong Kong Cup (G1)

No. 1 Romantic Warrior is chasing a third consecutive victory and has been in superb form. No. 9 Liberty Island returned from injury and is a respected runner. No. 4 Tastiera put in a good effort last time and is well-suited to this trip. No. 3 Straight Arron may be overlooked but is primed for a good effort.

Race 9: Maurice Handicap

No. 3 Johannes Brahms showed promise on debut and is better with a better barrier. No. 6 Charming Legend was impressive on debut and has a good replacement jockey. No. 13 Markwin won a maiden race and is capable of stepping up. No. 9 Leslie has been strong in recent runs and gets a good barrier.

Race 10: Highland Reel Handicap

No. 10 Packing Hermod was runner-up last time and should do better with Joao Moreira on board. No. 9 Young Champion raced too keenly last time but suits the shorter trip. No. 4 Drombeg Banner is set for a leading role. No. 12 Rubylot didn't perform last time but is ready to prove himself.Luke Middlebrook is a Contributor at Idol Horse. After getting hooked on Hong Kong racing, he spent years blogging before moving to Singapore in 2016. There, he worked as the resident expert at iRace Media, handling all form-related and editorial content for horse racing in Hong Kong and Singapore.Coverage of the entire Hong Kong Thoroughbred season at Horse Racing Nation is made possible through a sponsorship by the Hong Kong Jockey Club.
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