Brett Davis provides exclusive preview of Sha Tin races.

Rail - B Course

Race 1

#1 MAXIMIZE HEART has won all his races over the Sha Tin 1400m which is huge advantage in the opening event of the day. He'd been out of form before a short spell in February flicked his mental switch and he's since been up and about. The blinkers being removed has also enabled him to settle more comfortably in the run, so as a two time winner in class 4, who jumps from the inside draw, he's looking difficult to beat.
#3 FINGERS CROSSED has been a flop, it's fair to say, after being purchased for a no doubt hefty price. Even the almighty John Size, who's on the verge of another trainers premiership, is struggling to extract a win. That being said, his two efforts on turf in class 5 have almost measure up so he's granted one more opportunity to shine.
#4 MIRACLES has struggled with the Sha Tin turf circuit throughout his career but is capable of winning in class 5. He was placed at Happy Valley in class 4 last year but has unfortunately suffered an interrupted campaign. A recent trial victory on the all weather, when leading, confirms his well being and he's a genuine option of settling forward.
#5 ERNEST FEELING is hard to catch and your typical tricky and cagey class 5 galloper. He's capable of putting this class of opposition away, like he did in February and March, before following those wins up with a shocker that lacked endeavour. However, a little trip back to the city circuit has freshened his mind, so he's now a chance of again committing all the way.
#8 FORTUNE MASTER won a race very similar to this in February before blood in the trachea unsettled his rhythm. Michael Dee now steps up to the plate and takes his first ride for New Zealand trainer Jamie Richards, which catches the eye. A quiet trial under a reasonable hold has also been witnessed since he last raced.

Selections : 1,3,4,5,8

R2 - 13,4,3,7,9

R3 - 11,7,1,13,3

Race 4

Hong Kong Reunification Cup
(Class 2 - 2000 - Hcp)

#3 SWORDS POINT pulled up with a lameness issue to his left hind following his recent fifth placing at Happy Valley but is again right and ready to go. His form throughout the season has been of the highest caliber and despite just the one solo victory, he's the horse to beat. His only performance over the 2000m at Sha Tin came in this years Hong Kong Derby, where he was impeded at a vital stage but far from disgraced.
#7 CHAMPION DRAGON has been extremely honest right throughout the season and is rated a genuine chance. He's climbed his way up the rating mountain by twelve points and isn't on his ultimate handicap mark just yet. Class, along with course and distance statistics read as good as any opponent, but the 7lbs claim and previous experience of apprentice Angus Chung are what's most attractive.
#9 MEANINGFUL STAR suffered soundness and ligament issues with his left fore during the first half of the season, but they've obviously now been ironed out. With two wins and two seconds from his five season starts he's never raced better and currently sits on a rating peak. However, as the old saying goes it's horses for course and unfortunately his Sha Tin record reads quite poor.
#2 BUTTERFIELD has enjoyed the taste of victory on only three occasions through his high class career and is yet win over this track and trip. He's generally honest, but at the same time risky, so you must entertain him with a pinch of salt. He enter's today with four of his past five runs rating well and must be included in exotics.
#5 RISE BRETHREN is having his fourth run for the new stable of Jamie Richards and appears ready to strike. His effort on dirt two back was excellent through the final furlong and was followed up by another honest effort, on turf, over the 1800m. The additional ground offered here and likely economical run create his opportunity to feature in the finish.

Selections : 3,7,9,2,5

R5 - 6,5,1,4,2

R6 - 3,14,7,1,4

R7 - 7,5,4,2,8

R8 - 2,6,5,10,8

Race 9

#2 DANCING CODE hasn't done much wrong since his Hong Kong career began and if a touch of luck fell his way early he could've remained unbeaten. The former Kris Lee's trained galloper notched up two impressive wins in Australia before being purchased by Hong Kong movie star "Aaron Kwok". A transfer to the city circuit, and easy kill, was alway apart of the plan last start and with the confidence now up, he should be just about winning again.
#4 BUNDLE OF CHARM was able to put DANCING CODE to the sword when they met in May, which should be acknowledged. He was then awkwardly away before a luckless run unfolded as they turned for home and in to the stretch. The inside draw enables him to trail and rail, without burning to much gas, which should be counting for plenty at the end.
#11 MUGEN is one of the most interesting runners on the card and can make his presence felt today on debut. The former Australian looks well above average, judged on overseas runs, and his Hong Kong trials and preparation are suggesting the same. He's tactically versatile and possesses a turn of speed, but most importantly, doesn't appear to be going in underdone.
#6 INVINCIBLE SAGE is taking on the older horse but shouldn't be underestimated on class. The former Australian was a very handy 2yo before his shipment to Asia and is nowhere near his physical best. Indicator's and times suggest he's still settling in to Hong Kong life, so perhaps the market movements are your best guide.
#7 GOLDEN EMPIRE was superb first up when burning the candle at both ends to score. A serious injury to his right fore put an end to his previous campaign but that might have been a blessing in disguise. His form was poor at the aforementioned time, however, rest and treatment have since turned the form around.

Selections : 2,4,11,6,7

R10 - 8,13,5,2,4