Hong Kong: Selections for Sha Tin night of Oct. 18

Racing at Sha Tin begins at 12:45 a.m. ET. Selections and analysis by Luke Middlebrook.

Race 1: SHEK MUN HANDICAP

#3 Riding High made a promising first start for the Douglas Whyte stable when flashing home late into third over 1200m on his first try in Class 5. The rise to 1400m is a query, but he's trending the right way and looks well-suited in what is typically an open contest for the grade. #1 Ragnarr finally broke through stylishly at start 25 and remains in Class 5 with Zac Purton taking the reins again, though he does need to lift on his 1400m record, which reads four unplaced efforts. #9 Viva Chaleur was heavily backed first-up when third on the all-weather, beaten under a length. He's yet to fire on Sha Tin's turf but has the potential to improve now under Tony Cruz. #2 Celestial Harmony maps for a soft run from the low draw and is well down in the ratings - one at odds to consider.,

Race 2: SUN TIN WAI HANDICAP

#5 Robot Lucky Star showed promise in his only start late last season when a close-up third at this course and trip. He's been trialing nicely for his return and with Purton staying aboard, he's a strong chance to break through. #1 Flowing Riches made an immediate impression first-up with a sharp win over this course and trip, beating subsequent winner Mr Desira, and draws ideally in gate 12 for the straight. #3 Little Monster caught the eye with a strong finish into fifth on debut after only getting clear late, and he's open to plenty of improvement second-up. #4 Prestige Hall placed on debut before a close-up fifth and resumes off quiet trials. He'll be better over further, but can run well fresh.

Race 3: CHUN SHEK HANDICAP

#3 Beauty Viva won't have many excuses third-up with Purton back aboard following two strong runs in, including a last-start second when stepping up to this trip. He's ready to win. #9 Mission Strike represents the in-form Mark Newnham stable and should improve second-up after a get-back, run-on effort over the mile first-up. #13 Double Win draws much better this time after resuming from barrier 12 and closing strongly into third. That was his first run for Manfred Man, who appears to have him in good shape. #8 Ocean Impact caught the eye late over 1400m first-up, a distance short of his best, and stepping to 1800m second-up from barrier 4 gives him a great opportunity to build on that.

Race 4: SUN CHUI HANDICAP

#1 Fun Together was only beaten a length and a half first-up after racing wide without cover from barrier 10. He now comes into barrier 3 and boasts a strong second-up record of two wins from three. While he typically wears cheekpieces, which are still absent here, he's well placed to be in the finish. #9 Autumn Vibes can be tricky, but resumed well when leading and only swamped late into second. Purton sticks with him, and while barrier 13 is no help, there's little speed on paper, so they should roll forward and take control again. #3 Raging Rapids has held consistent form this season with a win first-up, followed by two placings and a last-start fourth. He stays in the mix. #5 California Moxie draws to do no work from barrier 2 and, after finding his feet last season, could have further improvement to come.

Race 5: SUN CHUI HANDICAP

#1 Blazing Wukong resumed with a strong second, where he fared best of those on-pace as the backmarkers swooped. He's trialed well since, Atzeni sticks with him, and although the wide draw is a slight concern, he's an untapped four-year-old with ample upside. #5 Lucky Sam Gor was the one who reeled Blazing Wukong in late for a well-deserved breakthrough and remains a live chance to go on with it now that he's put it all together. #6 Strange Alert chased home the smart Invincible Ibis first-up and looks ready to take another step forward from a soft gate second-up. #3 Victory Champion is lightly raced, stepping out for just his third start, and gets the services of Purton. His debut was excellent, and he wasn't far away in the same race as Strange Alert second-up.

Race 6: LUNG HANG HANDICAP

#6 Ka Ying Glory has shown flashes of talent but comes with some risk due to health issues. Still, he resumes off good trials, draws barrier 1, and has the early speed to make his own luck. He's worth a throw at the stumps. #3 Packing Phoenix lived right up to his short quote on debut with a soft win and looks every bit a rising talent. He'll be better over further, but for now, he's the one they all have to beat again. #1 Spicy Standard chased home Packing Phoenix last start and was taking ground off him late. There's no reason he won't be in the finish again. #4 Emblazon defied a wide trip and landed a strong betting move first-up. This will be the acid test to see if he has more to offer or if that was his day in the sun.

Race 7: THE SHA TIN TROPHY (HANDICAP) (G2)

#6 My Wish has been labeled a force to be reckoned with this season by trainer Mark Newnham following his Group 3 return win, and he can reinforce that sentiment with another victory here under handicap conditions, where he remains well in. #1 Voyage Bubble, Hong Kong's champion miler, has the weight to carry, but rightly so. He was runner-up in this race last year under similar conditions, and while this is a lead-up to set-weights targets, he's proven he can figure even with the impost. #2 Galaxy Patch didn't quite live up to lofty expectations last season, though he did win this race first-up last term. He's a get-back type who relies on luck in running, so race shape will go a long way to determining his chances. #4 Beauty Joy often goes overlooked, but he's a proven fresh performer and continues to race with enthusiasm at nine.

Race 8: LEK YUEN HANDICAP

#4 Infinite Resolve is trending the right way after bouncing back from an excusable first-up run with a sound second to the up-and-comer Bulb General. He maps to perfection from barrier 2, and gets every chance to go one better. #5 Star Rise made a solid impression on debut, easing back from a wide gate and charging home into second behind Little Paradise despite being held up for much of the straight. #2 Patch of Stars faded late first-up over 1400m and should strip fitter for that effort. The drop to 1200m is a slight question mark, but with a more patient ride, he can improve sharply. #6 Sky Joy returns off back-to-back wins to close last season, steps up to Class 3, and has trialed quietly but well. He remains on the rise and can measure up.

Race 9: WO CHE HANDICAP

#1 Brilliant Express produced a powerful first-up effort over 1200m, short of his best, settling near last before charging home into fifth behind subsequent winner Tomodachi Kokoroe. He now drops in class, steps to his preferred 1400m, and is well placed to strike second-up. #5 Harold Win is on the right trajectory and looks ready to peak third-up, rising to 1400m after a strong second last start. From a soft draw, he maps to get every chance. #3 Everyone's Star found his groove at the end of last season with a win and a close second, and while he may improve with the run under his belt, Purton's booking adds confidence first-up. #2 Flying Fortress had genuine excuses on return, losing momentum when checked, and clipping heels. He's entitled to improve with a smoother run.

Race 10: SHA KOK HANDICAP

#5 Beauty Bolt presented like the winner first-up before his condition gave out late, sticking on gamely for third. He strips fitter now and looks ready to hit back in a big way second-up. #10 Max Que is flying, unbeaten this season from two runs, and now faces a fresh test stepping to the mile for the first time. Barrier 4 gives him every chance to map softly and run it out. #14 Fortune Boy caught the eye flashing home into fourth on his first run in Class 3 behind Beauty Bolt. David Hayes applies the blinkers second-up, an intriguing gear change that could unlock further improvement. #12 Sky Vino steps up to the mile after a solid return over 1400m and, while drawn wide, will be finishing off strongly if he gets the right tempo to run at.