Races PRX Sha Tin - HK

Returns from a four-month break after ending last campaign with two unplaced Class 3 runs, finishing second last at Happy Valley and last at this venue. The 1600m record is sound enough, with two wins and four placings from 13 attempts, but he has been unplaced in all six starts in the past 12 months.

Was beaten just under four lengths when ninth first-up at this track, fading late after being around generous odds. His previous run was also safely held, but his broader record this past year is better than those efforts suggest, with two wins and four placings from ten starts.

Kept finding when fourth behind Storm Mirror last start, beaten just under four lengths after being near the top of an open market. That followed a first-up win at this venue, where he scored by a length from Etalon Or at big odds. He has won at the distance, Derek Leung is back aboard, and he has recent form over Cava Pioneer. Proven at 1600m and race-fit now, so he rates as a key danger.

Has not fired in two starts, most recently finishing tenth behind Storm Mirror when well fancied in an open market. His debut had more merit, with some early-straight progress after contact, and the stable now turns to Zac Purton. New trip is the query, but improvement is well within reach.

Finished 11th when resuming at this track, beaten six and a half lengths at long odds after losing his position early in the straight. His debut was also midfield only, though he did make some late ground when ninth behind King Of Fighters. New distance now, but the exposed form says he has plenty to find.

Took a step in the right direction when seventh to Lady's Love last start, beaten only two and a half lengths despite being unwanted in the market. Two back he was slowly away, checked early and never competitive over 1000m, so the latest run is the more relevant guide. Still a maiden and new to 1600m, but has place claims.

Ran a much better race when third behind Storm Mirror last start, working home evenly at big odds and finishing ahead of Absolute Awakened and Cava Pioneer. That came after a heavy defeat over 1200m, so he still has to prove the lift is sustainable. First go at 1600m, but the place case is real.

Returns from a four-month break after two plain efforts at this venue, finishing tenth behind Packing Fighter and 12th behind Flying Knight. He has a prior win at around 1600m and is a track-and-trip winner, which gives him some grounding for this assignment.

Was below his best when eighth behind Storm Mirror last start, beaten just over six lengths after settling midfield. His previous fourth at Happy Valley was stronger, particularly as he was sent out favourite and finished just over two lengths away. Profiles better for a placing than the win.

Finished 12th first-up behind Solid Car, beaten just over seven lengths after making no impression late. His run before the break was a tenth at this track, beaten four lengths after fading. He remains unplaced from five starts, all at this venue, and now sees 1600m for the first time. The claim helps, but major improvement is required.

Resumed with a good sixth to Lady's Love at this track, beaten just under two lengths after being prominent in an open market. His previous run can be treated more kindly as he was wide without cover and carried very wide entering the straight. Still has a 1600m query, but the form puts him right in this.

Returns from a six-week let-up after a heavy first-up defeat at this venue, finishing 12th behind Luck Is Back and beaten over 10 lengths at big odds. He was also well held two back behind Packing Fighter.

Brings the most consistent recent form, finishing second to General Smart two starts ago before a fourth behind All Are Mine as well-supported favourite. He rises from Class 5 to Class 4, but drops sharply from the 61kg carried at both recent runs and can make use of barrier one. Clear top pick.

Worked home without threatening when sixth to Jolly Brilliant first-up, beaten just under three lengths and respected in betting. His previous fourth behind Packing Fighter was similar, as he was nearest at the finish without winning. Win record is the drawback.