The Saturday card at Sha Tin offers a bit of everything, from first-time starters to synthetic racing, and all the usual turf action in between. I once heard gambling described as an offensive on the markets, with variety bringing opportunities to find weaknesses and value to be taken advantage of. Whether that’s attacking different conditions or wager types, we’re going to get our soldiers in place and hope to walk away with a hefty bounty.

Helpful Resources
Sha Tin – November 15

HKJC Resource Page – Free PPs, Pace Projections, Workout Videos, Weather 


Race 3 | 2000M | Class 4
Win/Place - #4 PACKING HURRICANE
Grade: B

Notes: This ten-furlong bout over the Sha Tin lawn seems to feature a handful of runners that are going to want a share of the lead. At the same time, there isn’t a clear-cut closer that you must stake your day on. I think the race is wide open even with a 9/10 ML favorite and 7/2 second choice on the board. #4 PACKING HURRICANE has not found the winner’s circle in quite some time but has an outstanding 11-3-1-1 record going ten furlongs at Sha Tin. In his last try over this distance, the six-year-old came up 3/4 of a length short in a Class 3 try. He’s getting a seven-pound handicap and running back a class lower. At 53/1 on the Morning Line, I can’t pass up taking a shot on this price. I’ll play him to Win/Place, and remember, Place bets cover 2nd and 3rd place finishes in Hong Kong.


Race 6 | 1650M | Class 4 (All-Weather)
Win - #13 NIGHT PUROSANGUE
Grade: A

Notes: I’m taking a shot on a four-year-old out of the American ELUSIVE QUALITY mare, BRAIDED, to step up in class and take this route over the synthetic course. Horses with ties to American stallions or mares tend to outperform their resume when they try the synthetic course at Sha Tin, and #13 NIGHT PUROSANGUE is no exception. In his first try over the surface, he came up 3/4 of a length short of #12 YODA’S CHOICE before coming back to win a Class 5 on October 30. I’m expecting some pressure upfront in this one, but if NIGHT PUROSANGUE can stay within 3-5 lengths of the lead he has shown he has more than enough closing power to get it done. I’ll be rooting him home.


Race 7 | 1200M | Class 2
Win - #6 AURORA LADY
Grade: B

Notes: James McDonald hasn’t had the most welcoming start to his stint in Hong Kong, going 0-for-6, but I’m hoping his luck turns around in this Class 2 try. #6 AURORA LADY has been tabbed with a 16/1 Morning Line with good reason. This gelding has missed in his last five tries, but his first two races of this season are what intrigue me the most. He has gotten a tough trip and rallied well in two straight. It seems to be a bit of a pattern for him, looking at the past performances, but getting a decent pickup in McDonald could be the thing that nudges this horse over the line. If it weren’t for a double-digit Morning Line, I likely wouldn’t be doing the mental gymnastics to say this horse has a good chance, but looking at the field I’m just not sold on anyone else, really. The pattern is trending up, the horse has plenty of upside given his 4-for-14 win record at six furlongs, and he gets a Hall of Fame mount. Here’s to hoping the price holds and we get a big performance from our New Zealand brethren.

Good luck!