May 6 Hong Kong (Sha Tin) preview

Follow Endeared from gate 2

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Jockey Andrea Atzeni has yet to win on board Endeared in seven previous rides, but the Italian jockey has a good chance atop the John Size-trained gelding in the Class 3 Camellia Handicap (1,650m) at Sha Tin on May 6.

Jockey Andrea Atzeni has yet to win on board Endeared in seven previous rides, but the Italian jockey has a good chance atop the John Size-trained gelding in the Class 3 Camellia Handicap (1,650m) at Sha Tin on May 6.

PHOTO: HKJC

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Race 1 (1,650m)

9 Meepmeep is still chasing a win this season but he has been knocking on the door, finishing second twice on this track and trip before stepping up to 1,800m last time and running on for a game fifth despite trouble at the start. Barrier 2 gives Hugh Bowman the chance to position him closer and give him his shot.
11 Go Go Go made all to beat Meepmeep two runs ago, then drew 12 next time and was forced to settle back. Barrier 4 brings him back into a handier role.
6 Lucky Generations reunites with Joao Moreira, who has partnered him for one of his two wins, but barrier 12 and the rise to 1,650m are the queries. A good trial since helps.
1 Hailtothevictors also beat Meepmeep two runs ago, then did it tougher from barrier 10 last time, settling near last before closing into fourth, and the map improves from a mid-draw.

Race 2 (1,200m)

3 No Other Choice drops into Class 5 for the first time and Moreira taking over is an immediate tick. He is still chasing his first win, but his recent runs have been good enough to stack up at this level.
9 Robot Knight has been edging towards a Class 5 win since dropping into the grade four runs ago. Barrier 3 is an improvement on barrier 11 last time and a good trial between runs has him arriving in the right shape.
8 Macanese Master has been consistent this season, with two wins and four placings from nine starts, and his early speed keeps putting him in the right spot. The switch to Ethan Brown is a positive.
4 Shinyu Kokoroe tries Class 5 for the first time and warrants respect. His last run was better than it reads, closing off well against the race shape and not beaten far.

Race 3 (1,200m)

For 12 Lakeshore Hero, barrier 2 is the major change and can make a big difference, and at the foot of the weights, he gets the chance to bounce back for David Hall.
4 Cloud Nine steps out in first-time blinkers, but there is no trial in the headgear as a guide. On form, he is ready to win a race.
7 Juicy Dragon can be upgraded after a poor trip last time, with the fifth carrying more merit than it reads.
6 Mega Captain has his second start and has trialled well. The all-weather could be what he is looking for and Bowman taking the ride is a key booking.

Race 4 (1,800m)

2 Enthralled is worth another look after a first try in Class 4 and finishing eighth. It was still a better run than it reads. He can take a step forward with a cleaner trip.
4 Perfect Team also had excuses when fifth at his first attempt in Class 4 and he looks capable of improving on that effort second time in the grade.
9 Yoda’s Choice is a fast beginner who can press on and Nichola Yuen’s claim will ensure he gives a bold sight from on pace.
3 Forever Folks is proven on this track and trip and has enjoyed a good season since joining Danny Shum, winning twice from eight starts. He returns fresh off a good trial and looks ready to run well again. 

Race 5 (1,200m)

10 California Bay switches to the all-weather for the first time from barrier 2 after three runs where wide draws or fast tempos have been against him. He looks set to get a cleaner run and though still a maiden, the set-up points to a big run.
1 Tourbillon Golfer can bounce back at this level any time and barrier 1 gives him the chance to use his early speed to take the lead, with Yuen’s claim adding to the appeal.
8 Flying Sniper’s last two efforts have rated well against the race shape, finishing strongly in fifth and seventh with good closing splits.
2 Light Years Glory is coming back to hand on the all-weather, placing third last time after a fast-finishing fourth previously. The Cody Mo-trained 4YO gelding looks ready to play a role again.

Race 6 (1,650m)

3 California Star gets the map change he has been waiting for, drawing barrier 2 after jumping from 14, 10, and 12 in his last three runs since winning four starts ago. A clean break remains the question mark, but the gate is a clear upgrade in an ultra-competitive race.
5 Blossomy has taken to the all-weather, running a close-up ninth two runs ago before breaking through well last time. There looks to be more upside.
4 Luck Is Back resumes after a bleed and makes his first start for the Pierre Ng stable. The Brazilian-bred 5YO’s trials have been passable and he is the one at odds who catches the eye.
11 Bull Attitude has adapted well to the all-weather. Barrier 3 sets him up for every chance.

Race 7 (1,200m)

4 Good Chap is worth another look after his hat-trick bid went awry last start, posted wide throughout and never getting the right run. He has since been freshened and trialled nicely, suggesting he is ready to bounce back.
11 Conrad The Great gets a better set-up from barrier 4 and his recent form stacks up. The switch to Alexis Badel also adds to the appeal.
3 Fun N Fun Together comes off a third and he is capable of bouncing back to winning ways in this grade. Zac Purton is a key booking, having partnered him to both of his wins.
10 Silver Spurs has had little go right in recent starts and his form reads better than the results. He is one to keep safe with the Moreira-Caspar Fownes pairing.

Race 8 (1,650m)

9 Endeared gets the right set-up from barrier 2 and, with key rivals drawn wide, that map advantage can be the difference.
7 Sky Vino has barrier 10 to navigate, but Moreira can still work him into a position early with positive tactics.
11 Nezha is better than his last run over 1,800m on turf. His win on this track and trip at the top of Class 4 three runs ago, followed by a closing seventh from barrier 12, reads far better, and barrier 4 plus the return to the all-weather bring him back into the picture.
1 Talents Ambition can win a race like this, but barrier 11 makes his task harder. He gets back and will need a cleaner passage than most to finish over the top. 

Race 9 (1,200m)

7 Blazing Wind gets Purton back aboard, the key booking after he partnered him to both of his wins this season. Barrier 2 sets him up for the right run and he looks the one to beat after a luckless fourth behind Victory Sky.
2 Victory Sky won with Purton last time and now benefits from Yuen’s claim, while barrier 3 gives him every chance to land in the right spot.
3 Galactic Voyage brings strong Sha Tin turf form to the all-weather. His latest fourth behind Crimson Flash reads well. He looks well-placed in this ratings band.
4 Aurora Patch comes off back-to-back seconds and, despite barrier 10, has the form to be there again with a cleaner run early.

Comments courtesy of The Hong Kong Jockey Club

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