Sha Tin restrictions as racing continues to battle effects of coronavirus

China sneezes and the whole world catches a cold. An old saying from the world of economics has taken on an altogether more serious meaning with the spread of coronavirus and Hong Kong racing continues to take evasive action as the outbreak reaches a critical stage.

Last month's decision to severely restrict racecourse attendances has been followed this week by the closure of all Hong Kong's 101 betting offices until further notice. Extra measures also come into force for this Saturday's Sha Tin card and beyond to limit raceday attendance to about 1,200 people.

View Sha Tin's full ten-race card

Betting has inevitably suffered and Wednesday's turnover, dominated by online activity, came in at a little more than £100 million.

That represents a notable dip compared with the norm. But, to provide context, it still equates to the total amount wagered on a normal day at the Cheltenham Festival – and that from a population not much more than a tenth of that of the UK.

Ho hits 300 with Valley treble

Vincent Ho would never say as much himself but others were happy to say it for him after the leading homegrown rider notched the 300th Hong Kong winner of his career at Happy Valley on Wednesday.

Ho reached his latest milestone with a daring inside swoop on Massive Pocket in the Sports Road Handicap, then promptly rattled off the next two winners on Naboo Star and the impressive This Is Class to leave former boss Caspar Fownes in no doubt as to his prowess.

"Vincent has worked to hone his skills and now he's the real deal," said Fownes. "You could take him anywhere in the world, put him on any horse and he's going to get the job done."

Vincent Ho: the leading homegrown jockey rode the 300th Hong Kong winner of his career at Happy Valley on WednesdayCredit: Andrew Dietz

A frequent flyer who has already visited California and Switzerland during brief suspensions this season, Ho has ridden seven winners from 27 rides in two short UK stints and is already booked for another summer based with Mark Johnston this year.

Farhh could be a cut Above despite 8lb rise

Ho has also surfaced on Twitter this week (@vincenthocy) and it would come as no surprise to see him in the news again thanks to several strong chances on Saturday's card.

Preciousship is in the form of his life after an impressive course-and-distance victory and looks a worthy favourite for the 7.20.

Star Of Yuen Long is another to note. He endured a tough trip on his latest start but comes firmly into the argument for the 7.50 judged on the way he won a strongly-run race with authority here in December.

Last, but not least, Ho climbs back on Farhh Above for the finale at 9.00. Douglas Whyte's gelding was sold for 155,000gns at the Newmarket Breeze-Up Sale in 2018 and has already paid the vast majority back with two Sha Tin wins.

The latter success was hallmarked by a telling turn of foot – with a quickfire 21.62 sec final 400m split – and the step up from 1,200m to 1,400m looks in Farhh Above's favour as he tries to shrug off an 8lb rise.

Moore seeking to become first member of 1700 Club

After Ho's milestone, the statistical baton passes to John Moore, who has eight Saturday runners as he seeks the one victory needed to reach 1,700 winners in a career that has been long and remarkably lucrative.

Hong Kong-based Australian trainer John Moore: poised to saddled his 1,700th winner in Hong KongCredit: Hkjc

Moore's 1,699 winners under Hong Kong rules (a well as more than 3,000 placed horses) have won an eye-watering £200m prize-money.

Among the veteran Aussie's team of runners is Computer Patch in the Choi Hung Handicap over 1,200m at 8.25.

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Impressive recent 1,000m winner Voyage Warrior heads the weights for this hot sprint and needs to relax better than on his only previous effort round the Sha Tin bend to fulfil his potential.

Computer Patch should get a smooth run from stall five under Alexis Badel and is probably ahead of the handicapper from a mark of 84.

However, the latter comment is also applicable to Beauty Applause, who has had two close battles with Computer Patch of late and looks set to play a major role again with Joao Moreira aboard.

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