FORM students will no doubt be burning the midnight oil for a fiendishly difficult card at Sha Tin, with a programme full of imponderables and it looks difficult to even call the likely favourite in some races. The nine-furlong Lotus Handicap (1.15pm) is a classic case. Many of the most
Wally Pyrah
Tuesday 05 May 2026 4:49 pm
FORM students will no doubt be burning the midnight oil for a fiendishly difficult card at Sha Tin, with a programme full of imponderables and it looks difficult to even call the likely favourite in some races.
The nine-furlong Lotus Handicap (1.15pm) is a classic case. Many of the most in-form contenders are probably rated up to their best and whilst others can be given a chance on their best form, they would need to take a step forward to take this contest on recent form.
The Zac Purton and John Size partnership are represented by Enthralled, who looks like a winner waiting to happen with multiple eye-catching efforts in recent times but has so far failed to deliver.
A recent trial for his first try on the all-weather surface was encouraging, but there is a slight suspicion about his attitude.
The front-running Yoda’s Choice has the services of talented claimer Nichola Yuen in the saddle and should have all the favours dictating from the off.
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However, it’s worth bearing in mind that his stable has not had a winner since March, with the losing sequence currently up to 68.
As a result, this may be the time to follow the Fownes and Moreira combination with PERFECT TEAM, who looks set for a bounce back to form.
Following an encouraging effort when finishing a close-up fifth over a mile last month, his strongest run this season, he can go well here stepping up in distance.
He is now racing off a mark 12 pounds lower than that of his last win, and he looks a recipe for success.
The Chamomile Handicap over the extended mile (2.15pm) is an opportunity for FASHION LEGEND to gain compensation for some nightmare journeys recently.
The David Eustace-trained gelding is five pounds below his last winning mark and has the services of top all-weather specialist Richard Kingscote in the saddle.
POINTERS
Perfect Team 1.15pm Sha Tin
Fashion Legend (e/w) 2.15pm Sha Tin
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