Races PRX Sha Tin - HK

Drops from recent Class 4 assignments after finishing ninth at Sha Tin Aw last start, beaten just under four lengths after being unwanted in the market. The start prior was much plainer at this track when 11th and beaten over 13 lengths.

Closed off strongly after lacking clear running early in the straight when fifth at this track last start, beaten just under a length as favourite. His Class 4 run prior was sound enough when seventh, and Zac Purton taking the ride is a clear positive. Purton goes on and his recent form gives him the strongest winning case.

Won strongly at Happy Valley two back, beating Kingly Demeanor by a length and a half when near the top of betting, then was far from disgraced when seventh at this track, beaten just under two lengths. He is proven at the trip with one win and one place from four attempts, and the winning rider returns. Last-start seventh was still close enough.

Has been safely held in two Class 4 runs this campaign, finishing seventh here last start beaten six and a half lengths after travelling handy and one-paced late. The run prior was another plain effort when eighth and beaten just over seven lengths. Must lift to take advantage of the drop.

Has returned in good order, running second to Golden Fortune at Happy Valley before a close fourth at this track, beaten only half a length. He is a proven track-and-distance winner with two wins from nine attempts here over 1800m, and the 3kg claim is useful. Proven at this track and trip, with a 3kg claim adding to the case.

Finished second last at Sha Tin Aw when resuming, beaten ten lengths at big odds and making no progress in the straight. His previous run at this venue in Class 4 was even more severe, finishing last and well beaten by 22 lengths. First look at around 1800m adds another hurdle.

Returns from a five-week let-up after finishing second last at Happy Valley, beaten just over seven lengths having been bumped and fading late. His previous start at this track was also poor, finishing last and beaten nine and a half lengths. Past record has merit, but recent form is hard to support.

Comes through two unwanted runs in betting, finishing 11th at this track last start over 1400m and 12th here over 1600m the run prior.

Returns from a five-week let-up after making ground for fifth at Happy Valley, beaten two and a half lengths behind Golden Fortune. His first run back was a Class 4 seventh, beaten just over four lengths, so this looks a more suitable assignment third-up. Third-up and already a winner at the trip, he can improve.

Has been closing off fairly without threatening, finishing sixth at Sha Tin Aw last start over 1200m after being unwanted in betting. He had earlier run sixth at this track in Class 4, beaten just under four lengths. Class 5 helps, but 1800m is new territory.

Returns from a lengthy spell after finishing fourth at this track, beaten just over two lengths, following a win here from Romantic Fantasy the start prior. He has one win and two places from three attempts at this track and distance, which is a strong pointer for a Class 5 of this nature.

Returns from a five-week let-up after finishing tenth at Happy Valley, beaten seven lengths, when bumped and unable to close off. His start prior at this track was also plain, beaten seven and a half lengths at big odds. Has placed at the distance, but the 12-start maiden record keeps him to minor claims.

Worked only evenly when eighth at Happy Valley last start, beaten five lengths at generous odds, after an eighth at this track when unwanted in betting. He has plenty of miles on the clock with seven wins and 14 places from 77 starts, and the 1kg claim helps a little. Minor hope at best unless he lifts.

Finished off strongly for third at this track last start, beaten only half a length behind I Excelle, and that followed a sound Happy Valley fourth behind Golden Fortune. He is building neatly through the campaign and drops to 53kg, with Andrea Atzeni and John Size a strong rider-trainer combination for this venue. Light weight plus the Size-Atzeni pairing keeps him in the mix.