Sha Tin: Ace Eagle the pick after a stunning debut second

Monday, 19 October 2026 | All times AEDT

Hong Kong racing takes centre stage on Monday with a cracking 11-race card at Sha Tin, highlighted by the Group 2 Sha Tin Trophy. Several exciting gallopers return to action, including My Wish and Mr Incredible, while the final two races feature some particularly promising horses climbing through the grades.

Here is our race-by-race assessment.

Race 1 — Shek Mun Handicap

3:30pm · 1800m

Kingly Demeanor was excellent finishing second first-up and returns to his preferred track and distance. The apprentice claim provides a significant weight advantage over Golden Fortune, who beat him last time. Expect him to roll forward and give a big sight. Star Brose is the danger dropping into Class 5 with Zac Purton aboard, although the early market suggests he will be a very short favourite.

Race 2 — Shun Chui Handicap

4:00pm · 1400m

Shotgun returned with an encouraging third over this course and distance and has drawn beautifully in barrier one. He won twice last season and looks capable of winning from his current rating. Ghorgan has been improving with racing and gets a much better draw after two difficult runs.

Race 3 — Chun Shek Handicap

4:30pm · 1800m

Victor Supreme is a progressive stayer who broke through impressively over this course and distance last season. He improved sharply when second at his latest start and should be approaching peak fitness third-up. Lucky Year had little luck last time and can improve significantly from a better barrier.

Race 4 — Sun Chui Handicap

5:00pm · 1400m

California Waves has been knocking on the door with two strong performances from difficult barriers. He finally draws favourably and looks well placed to break through in a moderate Class 4 contest. Star Satyr has also been running better than his finishing positions suggest and receives useful weight relief.

Race 5 — Lung Hang Handicap

5:30pm · 1200m

Navas G has shown promise in his short career and was excellent when third first-up despite working hard from a wide barrier. He finally gets a favourable draw and should enjoy a much more economical run. Wolf Coming is the obvious danger after an outstanding first-up second against promising opposition.

Race 6 — Sun Tin Wai Handicap

6:00pm · 1000m

Ruby Thrive is a progressive four-year-old who broke through over this course and distance last month. He absorbed plenty of pressure on the speed and still found enough to win. He has trialled well since and looks capable of handling the weight rise. Zouper Fellow should again be prominent after a strong first-up second.

Race 7 — Lung Hang Handicap

6:35pm · 1200m

Ace Eagle looks a very promising horse after an outstanding debut second when he appeared certain to win before being caught late. The first two finished well clear of the opposition, suggesting the form has substance. Zac Purton stays aboard and he looks ready to make a winning return. Solid Car arrives off a strong breakthrough victory but drops back in distance.

Race 8 — Group 2 Sha Tin Trophy

7:05pm · 1600m

One of the highlights of the Hong Kong season so far.

My Wish returns to defend his Sha Tin Trophy crown after winning this race last year. His preparation has been outstanding, including three comfortable trial victories, and Zac Purton takes the ride. He is proven at the highest level and should be ready to fire first-up.

Sky Jewellery is the fascinating challenger. He has won three of his last four starts, possesses an explosive turn of foot and gets significant weight relief stepping into Group company. Stormy Grove also has strong claims following his excellent Derby performance.

Race 9 — Lek Yuen Handicap

7:40pm · 1200m

Mr Incredible is one of the most exciting young horses in Hong Kong. He won three of his four starts last season, including an effortless course-and-distance victory, and looks destined for much stronger company. The 10lb rise and wide barrier are genuine challenges, but his raw ability could carry him through. Smart Golf is a talented front-runner who can improve sharply from a favourable draw.

Race 10 — Sha Kok Handicap

8:15pm · 1600m

A terrific contest between two progressive gallopers.

Joyful Joy produced a powerful finish to win first-up over 1400m, making it two victories from just three starts. He steps up to the mile with significant upside and should appreciate the additional distance.

Packing Fighter was extraordinary winning by more than five lengths last time and could easily win again, although a massive 13lb penalty and wide draw make this a considerably tougher assignment.

Race 11 — Wo Che Handicap

8:50pm · 1400m

Baby Sakura is flying, winning four of his seven starts and arriving off consecutive victories. He has excellent tactical speed, draws favourably and looks well placed to complete the hat-trick. Salon S is an exciting horse in his own right and should improve considerably stepping back up to his preferred 1400m after a strong first-up third.

Nyx Gluck is another serious threat after winning both starts for his new stable.

Best bets

Best bet – R7, 6:35pm | No. 4 Ace Eagle — An outstanding debut effort, a strong formline and Zac Purton retaining the ride. Everything points towards a big first-up performance.

Next best – R9, 7:40pm | No. 1 Mr Incredible — Three wins from four starts and the profile of a horse heading towards stakes company. He faces a tougher assignment under top weight, but his ability is unquestionable.

Value – R10, 8:15pm | No. 7 Joyful Joy — A lightly raced, progressive galloper stepping up to the mile after a brilliant first-up victory. The presence of the impressive Packing Fighter could create a more attractive price.