Irish imports in line for Sha Tin Honours on Sunday
FORMER Aidan O’Brien galloper ABSOLUTE HONOUR is hard to oppose when he seeks a successful follow-up in the Port Shelter Handicap (9.40am) over nine furlongs.
The son of Saxon Warrior, who was known as Surpass when winning of two of his three races when trained by O’Brien in Ireland, finally got off the mark when proving too strong for his rivals in the closing stages over a mile last month. With a strong staying pedigree, he is surely going to progress even further racing over longer trips, and nine furlongs is a bonus to his chances.
The Frankie Lor and Zac Purton partnership have already proved a money-making combination. With a winner together at Happy Valley on Wednesday, they can complete the double, having teamed up with Savvy Brilliant earlier on the card.
Later in the programme, another Irish import CHILL EASY looks to have a strong chance of scoring his first success in division one of the seven-furlong Siu Ma Shan Handicap (10.45am).
Formerly Storm Piece, a two-time winner for Ger Lyons, the son of Night Of Thunder has improved in all four races in Hong Kong, most notably when third to smart and progressive Sky Jewellery over the course and distance last month. That form reads well in this company, and a recent encouraging trial as a prep for this contest further enhances his prospects.
Dangers are aplenty with the likes of Windlord, the consistent Endeared, The Unique Star and Perfectday all having chances on their best form, but if jockey Jerry Chau can make the most of his favourable draw and find a good position from the off, Chill Easy will be hard to beat.
POINTERS
Absolute Honour 9.40am Sha Tin
Chill Easy 10.45am Sha Tin