3 minute read
Brett Davis runs the rule over Sha Tin this afternoon.
Race 1
#5 Green Generation began racing this time last year and it's fair to say he hasn't set the world on fire to this point. He left the stable of David Hall after six runs and is now in the hands of Michael Chang, who happens to have three runners in this race. His first run this season was a nice enough performance on turf closing in noticeably, but he now transitions to the all weather surface. He trialled particularly well this track back in June and I'm happy to take the punt he'll deal with it well today. The majority of today's races look challenging and this is no exception so shopping for value to start the day could set a fruitful precedent.
#6 Keep Winning maps to sit leaders back and this is a position he's won from in the past. He's generally reliable for a win once a season over the course and distance and looks well placed with a satisfactory trial under his belt. Both wins in his career came with Derek Leung behind the wheel but today he sticks with #2 Hay Run, a horse he won on at the end of last season.
#8 Art Of Raw has the benefit of a race under his belt and does possess a front runners profile. Being handy or leading on the all weather track is generally advantageous more times than knot. With a slow coach drawn underneath him it's almost certain he'll hold the rail through the first bend. Whatever tactics unfold via the opposition thereafter shouldn't effect him, as he's already secured a formidable position.
#2 Hay Run has the most experience of any runner in this event and has won as recently as July last season. His biggest problem is a lack of gate speed and general interest thereafter. A trial recently exhibited those very traits and I'm hesitant to push his case to hard. But, if he happens to be in a positive mood and got travelling early you'd feel confident, as he's won previously in a higher grade.
#1 Sky Gem has top weight a poor record this surface and must jump from the outside barrier, it doesn't read well. However, he's fit and Moreira has a knack of coaxing results regularly from these class5 gallopers. I wouldn't be surprised if they try and adopt a more forward running position today.
Selections : 5,6,8,2,1
R2 - 1,3,6,8,5
R3 - 9,1,2,3,7
R4 - 1,3,7,4,6
R5 - 6,2,8,13,5
Race 6
#2 Scores Of Fun is a typical progressive youngster that resides in the yard of John Size. He's debut win was tradesman like back in May and he's been put away since to further acclimatise and physically mature. He's likely start favourite in what's a fascinating but highly volatile race for a young horse. There's plenty of talent buried within this field and he'll more than likely take all the beating, but you'll have to take under the odds for mine because of the Size/Moreira combination. Im tipping him to win but this field is full of young potentials going around at a price.
#6 Happily Friends an International Sales Graduate is one of them who absorbed plenty of race experience in his first preparation. In the off season he spent time at Conghua, firstly recovering and secondly gaining race track experience and just learning more about being a race horse. A trial following at the end of August was a terrific piece of work against a horse that runs today in class2(Super Oasis). Chad Schofield has spent quite a lot time with him early on and rode him in his lead up gallop. But, as previously mentioned there's quite a few raw talents in this race that are yet to be exposed, Im hoping he's one of them.
#7 Inno Legend is another that looks to have the attributes necessary to find the winners circle in the future. There were two honest race performances last season and they've been followed up by two more than satisfactory trials in preparation. I'm finding it difficult to predict his game plan tactically as he could easily go back or forward. Whatever the case he's a solid chance with Purton in the saddle and should be even better when he steps up in trip.
#9 So Awesome is only a pony but he does possess ability judged on his opening campaign. He struggled initially keeping up over the sprint journeys and appears more like a 1400m horse going forward. There's a good turn of foot available when he gets balanced so if they clap on the speed he's a genuine chance of closing over the top.
#1 Classic Posh has a quality form line alongside his name following his fast finishing second to the highly touted Sky Field. The 10lb claiming rider is again being utilised helping to ease the burden of weight. Any signs of solid market support would confidently suggest a repeat performance is on the cards. Which shall put him right in the finish.
Selections : 2,6,7,9,1
R7 - 9,4,1,8,3
R8 - 5,4,11,3,10
R9 - 4,9,1,7,8
Race 10
#10 Excellent Proposal appears a well above average galloper and that was justified with a fabulous victory first up, when looking doomed at the 200m. His ability and agility to stop start in the stretch then find the line was outstanding and certainly appreciated by favourite backers. As a rule I've always been against horses going up in trip and up in class and this guy has today also drawn the outside gate. Conversely, he possess X factor looks well above average and certainly gives the impression he can overcoming those ailments. I am tipping him to win but shall be beating around him in the exotics.
#2 Savvy Nine was my horse to follow from last season and he's now had some rest, which he was desperately needing. Douglas Whyte now takes control of his future after taking over from the departing John Moore and I'm positive he'll be perfectly and patiently placed. The lack of foreseeable pace may go against him today but he's a potential top liner that can be followed with confidence.
#6 Assimilate doesn't win out of turn but rarely runs a bad race and the mile first up is intriguing. Residual fitness shall take him a long way and the way the track plays shall help decide on the tactics adopted at the start.
Interestingly, he lead all the way in his final preparation trial but he's noted as a back marker.
#4 Lakeshore Eagle has continued climbing the ratings mountain from the day he stepped on to the racetrack. He's not overly big and he's unassuming but for a while he's given the impression he's close to his peak. However his form line suggests, with three wins on the bounce, you can take him on at your peril.
#5 Amazing One Plus is a former Irish galloper who won twice at a mile prior to his import. I'm knot quite sure how he fits in yet but his debut last season was quite impressive and he's had time to settle in to his new lifestyle. I'll be watching his parade and the market very closely.
Selections : 10,2,6,4,5