Hong Kong racing tips: Jim McGrath with three selections at Sha Tin on Wednesday

Magic Control
6.00 Sha Tin
2pts win

Storming Dragon
8.45 Sha Tin
2pts win

Mickley
9.55 Sha Tin
2pts win

Mickley, who stormed into contention for the Four-Year-Old series with an impressive win last month, is confidently tipped to follow up in the Class 3 1m handicap (9.55) on a bumper 11-race New Year’s Day card at Sha Tin.

The British import won three of his five starts for Ed Bethell, including Royal Ascot’s Britannia Stakes, which has consistently been used as a shopping mall by owners and trainers looking for Hong Kong Derby prospects.

The majority don’t live up to expectations but there have still been some useful horses unearthed, and in Mickley’s case, he might ultimately be seen to best advantage in the mile to 1m1f bracket.

He looks a natural for the Hong Kong Classic Mile, particularly if he can land what appears a competitive handicap here against older horses, shouldering 9st 7lb. With John Size’s stable now in top form, there is every chance he will.

His last run was excellent. In typical Hugh Bowman style, he was allowed to find his rhythm at the back of the field, but when launched in the home straight, he finished over the top of a strong group, which included Cap Ferrat and Packing Turbine, who are both highly regarded.

Dangers are in abundance. Voyage Samurai’s form cannot be faulted. He has won four and never been out of the first two places in eight starts, while Mark Newnham’s horses are running well and his My Wish has enormous potential.

Earlier on the card, speedster Magic Control looks the one to beat in the Group 3 5f Bauhinia Sprint Trophy (6.00). The Cody Mo-trained four-year-old was previously a decent Group 3 winner in Melbourne and recently won a barrier trial at Sha Tin by nine lengths.

Zac Purton, fresh from reaching the 1,800-winner milestone, is selected to win the Class 3 6f sprint handicap (8.45) on Storming Dragon, who is relishing the lighter weights in the higher grade. He ran a cracking race for Rachel King in an invitation race last month.

Purton can also go close in the Group 3 7f Chinese Club Challenge Cup (8.10) on the Size-trained Red Lion, who has the admirable California Spangle to beat in a race in which several are out of the handicap.

Sha Tin Placepot perm

7.05
3 Yuen Long Elite
4 Patch Of Time

7.40
4 Beauty Alliance
7 Legend St Paul’s

8.10
1 California Spangle
3 Red Lion

8.45
2 Chateauneuf
11 Storming Dragon

9.20
5 Romantic Son
10 Lifeline Express

9.55
3 Mickley
5 My Wish

2x2x2x2x2x2 = 64 lines

Bets can be placed into Hong Kong pools with the Tote. The first race at Sha Tin on Sunday is at 4.30am

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