Races PRX Sha Tin - HK

Returns from a lengthy spell after finishing third at Happy Valley, beaten just over a length by Winning Champion as a well-supported favourite. He was bumped early there but still made ground, and his broader record of one win and four placings from nine tries at 1200m gives him a solid base. The claim helps and he looks the one to beat.

Has been safely held in two Class 3 runs this campaign, finishing ninth behind Ka Ying Lightning last start after making no late impression and second last behind Bunta Baby the run before.

Produced a much better third at this track last start, beaten a length and a half by Armour War Eagle after being bumped early and responding well in the straight. That followed a plain Happy Valley run when wide throughout, so the return to this surface clearly suited. Andrea Atzeni's record on him adds confidence.

Was ninth at Sha Tin last start, beaten just under four lengths behind Speedy Power after making little progress in the straight and starting unwanted in the market.

Made some ground before being checked near the 150m when tenth at Sha Tin first-up, beaten just over three lengths by Supreme Voyager. His previous run was in Class 3 company over 1000m, so this is a more suitable assignment, and Zac Purton taking over is a clear positive given he has placed twice from two rides on him. Zac Purton goes on and that keeps him a genuine place contender.

Was last of 12 at Sha Tin first-up, beaten seven lengths behind Ace Eagle after settling midfield and fading late. He was also well held at big odds before the break, and the distance record reads poorly with no wins or placings from five tries around 1200m. Has to find a lot more.

Returns from a five-week freshening after a fair first-up sixth at Happy Valley, beaten three lengths behind New Power when an outside chance in the betting. He did not threaten, but his 1200m record is far stronger than that single run suggests, with four wins and six placings from 27 starts at the trip. Proven at 1200m and helped by the 3kg claim.

Lifted second-up at this track when fourth to Central Bank, beaten just over two lengths after making some progress in the straight. His Happy Valley run before that was only fair, but he now gets to the third run of the campaign and has placed three times from eight starts overall. Place claims are sound if he builds again third-up.

Comes back on a one-week turnaround after finishing second last at Happy Valley, beaten nine lengths by Superb King at long odds. He had also finished second last there the run before, and the longer-term profile is a concern with no placings from ten starts in the past 12 months. Hard to support on current form.

Was disappointing at Sha Tin last start, finishing second last behind Ace Eagle and beaten just under five lengths after racing one-paced. His first-up second to Cavamazing was much stronger, beaten only half a length as favourite after angling into the clear. Still a maiden, but place claims remain.

Finished fifth at this track first-up, beaten just over two lengths behind Armour War Eagle after making some progress in the straight at generous odds. He was behind Juicy Dragon there, but the margin was manageable and barrier 1 gives him the chance to get a kinder run second-up. Still lightly exposed and in the mix.

Returns from a five-week let-up after two moderate Happy Valley runs over 1650m, finishing eighth both times and beaten six lengths or more. He was unwanted in the market last start and now tackles around 1200m for the first time, which adds another layer of uncertainty. Others look better placed.