Joao Moreira may be a touch travel-weary after a fruitless trip to Australia on Sunday but a couple of odds-on favourites can help him shake off the jet lag and propel him to a Jockey Challenge win.
Moreira ($1.55) opens the day with a ride on what may end up starting the shortest-priced runner on the 11-race card - the Tony Cruz-trained three-year-old Bullish Smart was showing money back last night and looks set to smash his rivals in a 1,000m straight race. The International Sales graduate looked smart when second on debut to Chater Rock, and should take another step.
You And M and World City keep things ticking over in race two and three for Moreira, before the Brazilian combines with John Moore in race four on Verdane, who was narrowly beaten last start and seems ready to break through on the all-weather track soon.
Those two odds-on picks are backed by eight rides that are at or near the top of early markets, including a few more likely to start favourite. Mr Gourmet looks well suited back in class at Sha Tin and will jump near top pick in race six.
John Moore-trained sprinter Stag Knight was unlucky on debut, fighting on gamely after being stuck wide, and he should get Moreira points in race seven.
The Magic Man rounds out the day with a consistent group of rides in the final four events: Wayfoong Express, Sichuan Exec, Brave Brother and Sichuan Vigour.
