We kick off 2026 in style with Foreign Friday at Sha Tin Racecourse, one of the deepest and most competitive venues in world racing. This race-by-race report combines Tom’s overseas analysis and Rich’s ranks for Races 6–10, highlighting key form angles, pace scenarios, distance changes, and rider intent. With full fields and subtle race-shape edges throughout the card, these Sha Tin picks deliver two expert perspectives side by side.

🏇 FOREIGN FRIDAY – SHA TIN PICKS 

RACE 6 – Hebe Haven Handicap – 2:00 am ET

Tom’s Picks

2 – Young Bravo
Won for the first time after four tries and a high price. Ran on the rail, saved
ground, and held on. He gets draw two. The distance and the class level
are the same. Repeat possible.

9 – Yiu Cheung Victory
He was sent to the lead last time and won. He drops in distance but same
class level. A slow pace again will be to his benefit.

5 – China Win
After just missing last time out with a strong closing kick, the trainer is
taking the blinkers off and trying the same level and distance to get the win.
I only see him for a second or third.

Rich’s Ranks

2 – Young Bravo – beat a lot of these in his last – why not again
1 – Audacious Pursuit – ran faster by a about a second in his last
10 – Volcanic Spark – rolled late in last and going a little shorter helps
5 – China Win – Zac Purton – last race was a little faster too – likely over bet

RACE 7 – Hung Mui Kuk Handicap – 2:35 am ET

Tom’s Picks

8 – Prestige Always
Started well in his last race and saved ground, but was blocked for a clear
run. In the race before, he finished strongly for second. Clear run, a winning
effort today.

5 – Alpha Strike
Won two starts ago at 1000m, then ran last of twelve and was eased at the
end. Defined issues in the running of the race. Tries 1200m again, and if he
starts well and does race so keenly, he has a chance for second or third at
a price.

4 – Aurora Patch
He has been running well in the last four races with two wins and two
seconds. He caused some issues when shifted out last time and was a bit
keen early, but settled down to win. He could repeat.

Rich’s Ranks

5 – Alpha Strike – has an easy win at the level – just 4th race – more upside
6 – Szeryng – Zac Purton on the likely favorite – could win – but probably over bet too
9 – Chill Buddy – faster by about a second – more distance helps
12 – Armour War Eagle – probably improved the most last out

RACE 8 – Racing Club Cup – 3:05 am ET

Tom’s Picks

2 – Healthy Happy
He ran on for sixth last time but was making ground up in the straight. His
jockey dropped in rein in the race before. He won three races back at this
distance. He just needs some racing luck and to be clear at the finish.

3 – Invincible Shield
He took the lead early and was caught at the end to run second last time.
The pace may have been faster than desired. Jockey switched to Guyon,
who been riding well during his time in Hong Kong.

4 – Dancing Code
A fast pace set up the race for him, but he was caught at the end to run
second. We have a pace setter in this race, and it should only serve to help
him. He adds weight and a terrible post position, so there is a lot of work to
do early to have any chance at the end.

8 – Little Paradise

Rich’s Ranks

8 – Little Paradise – of the Zac Purton horses so far – best chance to win
7 – Markwin – longshot horse for the 7f course – 9/3-2-2 – all others 7/0-2-0
5 – Drombeg Banner – if any is going to get to the front and stay there – it’s this one
3 – Invincible Shield – a furlong longer could be the difference maker

RACE 9 – Pak Sha O Handicap – 3:40 am ET

Tom’s Picks

9 – Fortune Boy
Ran on for the third last time out after winning his barrier trial. Zac rides this
time, and that indicates it’s really his time for a winning effort. Inside draw
helps.

4 – Excellence Value
He ran sixth last time out and had a barrier trial after that race. New trainer
and has run well at this distance before. This is a good spot to get a
placement in the race.

5 – Liveandletlive
He been running in the money in his last three races. He should be in the
lead, and this time, a shorter distance will allow him to hang on again.

2 – Stunning Peach

Rich’s Ranks

12 – Packing Fighter – big unknown – 2nd race upside, off since June
1 – Joy Of Spring – horse for the 1 1/8 mile course – winner 5/10
9 – Fortune Boy – extra distance helps Zac Purton here
4 – Excellence Value – closer at his most consistent distance

RACE 10 – Pak Shek Au Handicap – 4:15 am ET

Tom’s Picks

2 – Beauty Bolt
Zac is riding this horse, the three-in-a-row winner he rode last time, which
is the number one horse. He’s had two barrier trials, finishing second and
then winning the last one. He’s won three races and finished in the money
in three others from seven races. Hard for me not to make him my first
choice.

9 – California Waves
Showed running life last time out at good odds, running second after early
races that were not so good. He was narrowly beaten. He drew the twelve
post, for he will have some work to do, but came on wide last time. He is
coming to form at the right time.

1 – Invincible Ibis
Won the last three races, and no reason why he won’t retain that good
running form in this race. He’s the one to beat.

6 – Uranus Star

Rich’s Ranks

11 – Fit For Beauty – rerun his last start and he wins again
1 – Invincible Ibis – basically the same as the 2 – but better post
2 – Beauty Bolt – basically the same at the 1 – better odds
9 – California Waves – more distance helps and might own the best mile time