Horse racing betting tips: Japanese raiders look set to take Hong Kong by storm
SHA TIN Racecourse in Hong Kong stages its glittering Longines International meeting on Sunday morning.
The good news for racing fans in this country is that for the first time Racing UK (Sky channel 432) will show Sunday’s meeting, as well as racing from both Sha Tin and Happy Valley going forward.
Those early risers will be able to watch Highland Reel bid to become only the third dual winner of the Hong Kong Vase (6.00am).
Aidan O’Brien’s globe-trotting superstar will be incredibly hard to beat if lining up in the same form that saw him blitz his rivals in the Breeders’ Cup Turf.
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However, I’m expecting a huge showing from the Japanese in all four big races starting off with NUOVO RECORD at 8/1 in this.
She ran well at this meeting last season and looks sure to relish the step up in trip.
It’s hard to have a strong opinion on the Hong Kong Sprint (6.40am) as my big fancy has a wide barrier draw.
That said, the feeling is that the locals aren’t that special and Japanese raider BIG ARTHUR is a sprinter on the upgrade who was painfully unlucky last time.
Local hero Able Friend is likely to be sent off favourite for the Hong Kong Mile (7.50am), but may struggle to repel another potential Japanese winner in SATONO ALADDIN.
He’s another who encountered traffic problems last time and looks the each-way call at 7/1 with Betway.
The Japanese have the first three in the betting for the Hong Kong Cup (8.30am). Maurice will be a very warm order, but I’ll take a chance on the fast-improving filly QUEENS RING at 7/1 with Betway.
POINTERS SUNDAY
Nuovo Record e/w 6.00am Sha Tin
Big Arthur 6.40am Sha Tin
Satono Aladdin e/w 7.50am Sha Tin
Queens Ring e/w 8.30am Sha Tin