Hong Kong Saturday night: Picks, analysis, free PPs

Photo:

Kaz Ishida/Eclipse Sportswire

Hong Kong racing is back Saturday night at 1:00 a.m. EDT in North America. Free PPs are available at Horse Racing Nation. For more free handicapping information, visit the Hong Kong Jockey Club website.

SHA TIN SELECTIONS by Declan Schuster

Race 1: #5 Inspiring City, #1 Lean Hero, #2 Island Golden, #6 Young Sparkle 
Race 2: #9 Mister Monte, #1 Murray’s Partners, #2 Star Of Glory, #8 Loyal Ambition
Race 3: #1 Lucky With You, #2 Ima Single Man, #3 Fantastic Way, #6 Rock Ya Heart
Race 4: #8 Generous Friend, #1 Big Me, #5 Amazing Rocky, #3 Dashing Triumph
Race 5: #9 Baebae Tsoi, #5 Star Contact, #4 Sweet Diamond, #7 Stunning Impact 
Race 6: #11 Hit The Shot, #6 Entrusted, #10 Looking Cool, #7 Intrepid Winner 
Race 7: #12 Speed Fay Fay, #2 Universal Horizon, #1 Sweet Encounter, #7 Blissful Star
Race 8: #14 Turin Redsun, #3 California Spangle, #7 Panfield, #4 Tourbillon Diamond 
Race 9: #6 Cobhfield, #3 Tuchel, #1 Captain Win, #8 A Pal
Race 10: #2 Packing Treadmill, #1 Super Fortune, #8 Good Buddy, #5 Bundle Of Charm

Race 1: Corum Excellent Handicap

#5 Inspiring City put together several strong efforts last season. Expect he can return in excellent order and this race shapes as his to lose. #1 Lean Hero caught the eye with a strong third at his final appearance last term. These two shape as the standout chances for David Hayes in the race. #2 Island Golden looks well and has claims as he readies for his debut. #6 Young Sparkle did well to finish third twice last season – at both career outings – and he should get his chance again this weekend.

Race 2: Piaget Excellent Handicap

Expect #9 Mister Monte to roll forward and take up the running for Dylan Mo and Michael Chang. The rise in trip looks a plus and he should be able to find a soft lead early on from the draw. #1 Murray’s Partners gets down to Class 5. He’s been consistent of late, enough so to warrant safe keeping. #2 Star Of Glory narrowly missed first-up. He’s well weighted under Angus Chung and should once again get every chance. #8 Loyal Ambition is improving each and every outing. Keep safe.

Race 3: Franck Muller Excellent Handicap

#1 Lucky With You is still emerging but he is not without his own fair share of class. He did well first-up to score down the straight and he should be even better going around a bend this weekend. He’s the clear top selection. #2 Ima Single Man gets a handy 10lb taken off his back. He’s a solid operator. #3 Fantastic Way finished third first-up. Expect he’s still got a number of rating points in hand. #6 Rock Ya Heart is better than his form suggests, especially as he boasts a win over California Spangle. Keep safe.

Race 4: Parmigiani Fleurier Excellent Handicap

#8 Generous Friend appears to be doing everything right ahead of his debut. He’s very, very well bred and he caught the eye in a recent trial down the straight, pinging from the gates impressively to cross the line under his own steam. #1 Big Me is chasing back-to-back wins. He did well first-up but will have to shoulder more weight this time. #5 Amazing Rocky should fly out and press for the lead with Zac Purton…