An 11-race card at Sha Tin on Sunday is highlighted by a cracking Celebration Cup, with strong betting races across the program alongside a few where the form is genuinely divided.
Race 1 – 2:45pm AEST | Tropicbird Handicap | 1200m | Class 5
Preview: Only U gets his chance back at a career-low mark and has returned looking sharp at the trials. The booking of Zac Purton adds confidence, while Daily Trophy and Von Baer have enough going for them to make this competitive.
BetBunkerRace 2 – 3:15pm AEST | Peacock Handicap | 1200m | Class 4
Preview: Apex Glory had excuses when well supported first-up, beginning slowly before striking trouble. He should improve significantly from that run and the booking of Purton is another positive, while Little Monster and Super Dragon have claims.
BetBunkerBetter than the first-up result suggests and looks capable of sharp improvement with a cleaner run.
Race 3 – 3:45pm AEST | Woodpecker Handicap | 1400m | Class 5
Preview: Double Bingo gets an attractive weight swing on Draco after doing plenty wrong tactically when they met earlier this month. Forever Fancy should appreciate 1400m, while Draco remains a threat despite his rise in the weights.
BetBunkerMeets Draco significantly better at the weights and can improve with a more favourable race shape.
Race 4 – 4:15pm AEST | Parrot Handicap | 1000m | Class 4
Preview: Thunder Prince produced a strong effort last start and gets a favourable set-up here. Rapid Phantom has upside and Flowing Riches is capable fresh, but Thunder Prince looks ready to peak.
BetBunkerGood draw, improved fitness and a repeat of his latest effort should put him right in the finish.
Race 5 – 5:05pm AEST | Swallow Handicap | 1200m | Class 4
Preview: Bright Mortar returned with an excellent closing effort on turf and now switches back to the dirt, where he has already shown plenty of ability. Central Bank is interesting dropping in grade, while Noble Deluxe has built an excellent record on this surface.
BetBunkerRace 6 – 5:35pm AEST | Tailorbird Handicap | 1400m | Class 4
Preview: This is one of the more open races. Circuit Fiery is a genuine 1400m specialist who draws perfectly and receives valuable weight relief, while Etalon Or and Harold Win both have convincing cases.
BetBunkerStrong fresh profile, ideal distance and the inside draw gives him a considerably better set-up.
Race 7 – 6:05pm AEST | Hwamei Handicap | 1200m | Class 3
Preview: Bustling City was outstanding when destroying his opposition over this course and distance before spelling. The handicapper has hit him hard and he rises in grade, but two subsequent trial wins suggest he has returned in excellent order. Aurora Patch is the obvious danger.
BetBunkerBustling City appears a genuinely progressive dirt sprinter with considerable upside and has prepared superbly for his return.
Race 8 – 6:35pm AEST | Celebration Cup | 1400m | Group 3
Preview: Outstanding race. Little Paradise returns after winning the Premier Cup over this course and distance and appears to have come back extremely well. Helios Express is a genuine top-liner ideally suited back at 1400m, while Derby winner Invincible Ibis commands enormous respect.
BetBunkerLittle Paradise has an outstanding 1400m profile, continues to improve and looks ready to fire fresh.
Race 9 – 7:10pm AEST | Mesia Handicap | 1600m | Class 3
Preview: Packing Fighter has transformed since changing stables, following a narrow defeat with an impressive course-and-distance victory. He rises in grade but continues to improve and has since trialled strongly. Amazing Partners is the principal danger.
BetBunkerProgressive mile performer who looks capable of taking the next step despite the rise in grade.
Race 10 – 7:45pm AEST | Magpie Handicap | 1200m | Class 2
Preview: One of the toughest races of the meeting. Turquoise Velocity has trialled impressively and draws beautifully, Rising Force brings an excellent record, Geneva has strong support and Salon S remains a highly promising sprinter returning with first-time gear.
No bet
There are too many legitimate winning chances and not enough separation between the leading contenders to justify forcing a selection.
Race 11 – 8:20pm AEST | Kestrel Handicap | 1400m | Class 3
Preview: Circuit Champion had little go his way on return and can improve sharply with a smoother passage. Aeroinvincible is extremely effective over this course and distance and receives significant weight relief through the apprentice claim, making this an intriguing finale.
BetBunkerCircuit Champion's return was better than the result suggests and he looks well placed to make amends.
Best bets
Best bet: R7 – 6:05pm AEST | No. 8 Bustling City
His dominant course-and-distance win was backed up by two strong trial victories and there looks to be further improvement ahead despite the tougher grade.
Next best: R9 – 7:10pm AEST | No. 8 Packing Fighter
His form has taken a major step forward and another strong trial suggests he can continue progressing through the grades.
Value: R3 – 3:45pm AEST | No. 2 Double Bingo
Gets a meaningful turnaround at the weights from his latest run and can finish much closer with a better race set-up.
Editorial at The Daily Punt, covering Australian racing and sport with an eye for where the value sits.
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