Sha Tin delivers one of the most important international race cards of the year, featuring two of the most dominant horses in the world: Ka Ying Rising, arguably the best turf sprinter on the planet, and Romantic Warrior, a global middle-distance powerhouse. This is not just another race day—this is elite, world-class competition across multiple divisions.
Below is a complete breakdown combining 22-1 Tom’s Tips and Rich’s Ranks for Races 5–11, highlighting pace scenarios, class edges, and where value may exist around two likely global standouts.
🏇 SHA TIN PICKS – FEATURED: KA YING RISING & ROMANTIC WARRIOR
RACE 5 – THE CHAIRMAN’S SPRINT PRIZE – 2:35 am ET
Tom’s Tips
1 – Ka Ying Rising – has two track records at Shi Tin, going 1200m and 1400m. Won the
Eversett in Australia. On a 19-race win streak. He’s the best turf sprinter in the world.
6 – Comanche Brave – he’s run third in his last three races, and two were from outside
post position. He has put quality races in all he’s tried, but not necessarily winning. The
bunch suits him and should make another good account for himself in this race.
3 – Helios Express – has run too many times second to the top horse but has found a
way to beat the balance of the field. His last three races were second. His last win was
in a group three race, but I don’t see him doing better this time. He has the ability, but
let’s face it, the top selection is the 1 to 9 horses for a good reason.
Rich’s Ranks
1 – Ka Ying Rising – 20 wins and 2 seconds in 22 races
4 – Fast Network – likes to win – 7 of 19 – all at Sha Tin
3 – Helios Express – ITM 14/16 at the distance
RACE 6 – 1828 HANDICAP – 3:10 am ET
Tom’s Tips
6 – Lifeline Express – he was asked to go in the last race but had issues and ran on for
sixth. Some of his past efforts indicate he’s ready for a breakthrough in race, which is
what makes him my top choice. Better draw, maybe just what he needs.
5 – Cool Boy – after three wins, including one at this level, he ran fourth after a slow
start. Get him to break out this time; maybe all he needs is to put another winning effort
in this race.
4 – Geneva – he made good progress in this last race to run second. He has two starts
this year; the third run may be the charm to the winner’s enclosure. His last two efforts
show progress, but will he get it done or be a runner again? Against the field, I think he
will run in the money.
Rich’s Ranks
4 – Geneva – improved by nearly a second in last and a work barrier trial since
5 – Cool Boy – winner 3/5 with a third – Zac Purton
1 – Chateauneuf – class dropper – could be well positioned early
14 – Lucky Candy – 6f times fit – and carrying the least amount of weight
RACE 7 – CHAMPIONS MILE – 3:45 am ET
Tom’s Tips
4 – Lucky Sweynesse – he has gone from being a champion sprinter to being a well-run
miler in his last couple of races. Maybe he’s really been a miler all along. I don’t blame
the trainer for stretching him out so he wouldn’t have to run Ka Ying Rising in the sprint
division again. I think his last effort shows his ability at this level, and he will win again.
10 – Invincible Ibis – he’s been running in the 4-year-old races with okay success,
especially in the last winning effort in the Derby, coming from off the pace. This is a step
up and will have to run his race of a lifetime to have a chance, but that less effort was
really good and he will continue to improve at this level.
3 – Docklands – Before being entered in this race, he won at Doncaster, going one mile
with ease. He’s won on the big stage before with his run at Royal Ascot going the same
distance. He will be running late but should get there in time.
Rich’s Ranks
14 – Little Paradise – lone mile time fits – won 6/11 – great price
5 – My Wish – expecting better in the 2nd up
1 – Jantar Mantar – winner 5/7 at a mile – but missed in lone Sha Tin run
8 – Strauss – if the mile times can translate from Japan to Hong Kong
RACE 8 – ASIA HANDICAP – 4:20 am ET
Tom’s Tips
3 – Power of Vitam – he has three starts in Hong Kong with one win at 1600m. The
other two races are forgettable. If he’s an on-off type horse, he will put in a better effort
today. A midpack sitter so far and get going at the top of the straight. He gained a little
last time.
4 – Fit For Beauty – he’s been good at this distance with five starts, two wins, and two
seconds. He’s had some rough trips, but is still able to get in the money. Jockey
switching to Zac with the eleven-post position will make him tough again.
10 – Aeroinvinxible – moves up in class after two wins at good speed. He’s the speed
in the race, and breaking from the two post will allow for a good front-running trip. The
speed numbers are good; it’s a matter of the class rise. Will this do him in, or will he
continue to go forward? I think in a field with not much early speed, he has a chance to
hold on.
Rich’s Ranks
10 – Aeroinvincible – going to be involved from gate to wire and in form – best 7f times
4 – Fit For Beauty – only needs a little improvement from last
3 – Power Of Vitam – maybe more upside than most as the most lightly raced
13 – Positive Smile – Tom horse – win – probably not – but good chance to hit the board at a price
RACE 9 – QEII CUP – 4:55 am ET
Tom’s Tips
4 – Sosie – has many good races, including a win last time at Shi Tin. His race before
was in the ARC, and he ran a strong effort, finishing third. He’s beaten top runners in
group one in France. He took the lead once failed. He needs to sit off the pace for a
winning effort.
2 – Romantic Warrior – he has run very impressive races. He’s won his last four starts
in Hong Kong after running at Dubai and Riyadh. His dirt race was a loss to Forever
Young, and the turf race was a loss to Soul Rush. I am trying to beat him, but it’s going
to be a challenge.
1 – Masquerade Ball – comes in from Japan off a just miss last time against the top
middle-distance horse in the world, Calandagan, in the Japan Cup. He’s going to get the
pace in the race from Numbers and will make a late run to have a chance.
Rich’s Ranks
1 – Masquerade Ball – once again – if Japanese times can hold – upsets..
2 – Romantic Warrior – killer at the distance 15/13-1-0
5 – Giovanni – times fit – ITM 5/6 at the distance and room for upside in 3rd up
RACE 10 – NCB HANDICAP – 5:35 am ET
Tom’s Tips
5 – Lovero – He was dropped back last time to make one run, but had no chance to get
to the leaders. This was a first ride on the horse for Zac, and he returned to ride him
again after that last effort. He will win today.
9 – The Golden Knight – moved up in class in his last race and won waiting in the
straight in time. The race before was won by disqualification. The outside post position
will make it interesting, but it has made a late move before from the outside with a
strong finish. He gets Maxim Guyon today, which will only help.
6 – Family Jewel – my longshot pick has run a mixed bunch of races but appears to be
improving after showing more pace last time out. Returns to this distance after running
2000m last time. Based on his record of five starts and three wins, this is what he’s best
at. The equipment change may be the key to a better effort.
Rich’s Ranks
1 – Lucky Sam Gor – moves up in class – but fits
5 – Lovero – gets Zac Purton – at his best wins – maybe EZ – concerned about regression in last
8 – Blazing Wukong – has a mile win at Sha Tin at this level – repeat that race and wins again
6 – Family Jewel – if he is going to win – this is the distance winner 3/5 and 0/10 at any other
RACE 11 – WING LUNG BANK HANDICAP – 6:10 am ET
Tom’s Tips
5 – Winning Ovation – has found the distance that suits him best. With four starts,
three wins, and one second last time out, he put in strong efforts, showing early pace in
these races, though he had issues in the last one. Changes to Zac today, which may
help with some trouble breaking from the gate. He will return to the winner’s enclosure
today.
13 – Juneau Pride – he returns to 1400m after running forward last time early and had
moved midrace but failed to finish. He runs at 1400 m and has always been good with
thirteen starts, three wins, four seconds, and three thirds. I think he will get something
from the last race; he just needs a favorable trip.
8 – Emblazon – tossed the last efforts at 2000m, like others in the race, it was an awful
effort. He returns to 1400m with a record of four starts and three wins. He will have to
be ridden very tactically before the outside draw. He will be on the pace, lets see if he
has that same kick again.
Rich’s Ranks
5 – Winning Ovation – there is that man again – Zac Purton on the horse with the fastest 7f
1 – Packing Hermod – drops from a G1 – last race deceptive – all of these would have been beaten based on the final time
2 – Light Years Charm – rerun his last effort would be good enough
11 – Salon S – undefeated in 4 – 3 at the distance – got to have him – but just not sure his times fit
