A new year is ushered in at Sha Tin on Thursday with the Lucky Start meeting, where we look forward to 11 races including the feature Group Three Chinese Club Challenge Cup (1,400m).

Owen Goulding is in the hot seat to provide an extended rundown of his selections.

Race 1 – Class Five Tsung Pak Long Handicap (1,600m)

Harry’s Hero was unlucky over course and distance three starts ago and has had further excuses since. He has no weight on his back and is drawn in two.

Race 2 – Class Four Hillwood Handicap (1,200m) – section two

Prestige Hall has run well in defeat on both starts this season and can finally get his head in front with the perfect draw in barrier one under Brenton Avdulla.

Race 3 – Class Five Pine Tree Hill Handicap (1,200m)

Noble Deluxe has been running far better than the bare results of late and back at Sha Tin with no weight on his back, he can deservedly get his head in front.

Race 4 – Class Four Hillwood Handicap (1,200m) – section one

Victor Supreme will improve with experience but he has finished well in his trials and there is no lack of pace in this race. He is an each-way contender.

Race 5 – Class Four Mui Wo Handicap (2,000m)

Serangoon has been banging on the door this season, including a near miss over course and distance, and he can use a good barrier to scythe his way through.

Race 6 – Class Four Lai Chi Chong Handicap (1,400m)

Better And Better has been frustrating to follow, but this looks a golden opportunity in a modest race with a great draw in stall four.

Race 7 – Class Four Lei Muk Shue Handicap (1,600m)

The Golden Knight failed to get a run until the race was over last start. Hugh Bowman is called up now and he can overcome a wide draw by shooting through late.

Race 8 – Group Three Chinese Club Challenge Cup (1,400m)

Light Years Charm is a five-time winner over course and distance and there have been excuses for two Group defeats this season. He can get it right here.

Race 9 – Class Three Cha Kwo Ling Handicap (1,200m) – section two

Crossborderpegasus is a law unto himself, but he is richly talented and, provided he can be pointed in a straight line, better things await him this campaign.

Race 10 – Class Three Chuk Yuen Handicap (1,400m)

Armor Golden Eagle spent most of his debut on the rail screaming for room and was not knocked about when the gap appeared too late. He can do better.

Race 11 – Class Three Cha Kwo Ling Handicap (1,200m) – section one

Circuit Grand Slam ran a mighty race to win on his Hong Kong debut and followed that up with a solid third from out of the clouds. He can defy top weight.