3 minute read
Brett Davis provides exclusive preview of Sha Tin races.
Race 1
#9 Sweetly Baby is one of many young progressive horses prepared by Hong Kong's current leading trainer Casper Fownes. This son of Unencumbered has taken a decent amount of time to work things out after starting his racing career back in March, at a ruffies price of 163/1. During last off season he was kept in work ticking over with plenty of trotting and swimming and that extra conditioning is now starting to pay off. He's a big unit and weighs in around the 1200lbs so getting him fit was quite a process. His win in class 5 under lights and over this course and distance was fantastic and he was guided through the process brilliantly by jockey Vincent Ho. The manner in which the pair found the line that evening suggests he's right up to this grade and there should be plenty more to come going forward.
#7 Crown Avenue hasn't won since early last season but the four efforts produced this current campaign have been super competitive. He's classified as a veteran nowadays and the cagey 8yo has won races on every track in Hong Kong, but the 1800m on the all weather is his favourite. He's gifted with natural tactical speed, is now fit, and from the good barrier shall race handy before kicking hard to the line.
#3 London Luckystar was a winner on the Tapeta at Newcastle in the United Kingdom as a 2yo and despite his hot and cold form in Hong Kong is capable of featuring. He produced an extremely high rating when finishing second on this surface last season in a class 3 carrying a very light weight. The tempo on that occasion was furious and he launched onto the scene through the final 200m with great intent. There's a strong chance he'll receive a similar trail in running today with the pace to his liking, if that scenario unfolds he's very much a runner of interest.
#10 California Legend is on the cusp of class 4/5 and could have easily accepted to run in race 4 should connections have wished. Had the stable opted in that direction he'd be lugging 133lbs but instead he'll step up in class and carry only 116lbs. The draw and speed map say he'll lead or box seat and with two wins already in the class, and some handy efforts on the surface, he's rather difficult to dismiss.
#6 Double Take put in a strong effort last outing when narrowly beaten and on that occasion Vincent Ho was in the saddle. It may appear that Joao Moreira has bumped Vincent Ho for the ride here, however, if you scope through the form closely that does not appear to be the case at all.
Selections : 9,7,3,10,6
R2 - 4,5,3,10,11
R3 - 2,9,4,3,1
R4 - 7,3,2,5,9
Race 5
#2 Excellent Chariot commenced the season with a terrific win on debut at shatin under the guidance of the "Ironb Man" Neil Callan. Neil had committed time in the mornings prior to that victory and the same format has been followed leading in to today. This event does carry more depth with four debutants, another last start winner in Soaring Tower, and a beaten short priced favourite last start in My Ecstatic all contesting. Based on what's been witnessed under race pressure so far, it does appears like there'll be good speed through the opening sectionals. If it unfolds in that direction he'll secure the box seat to the bend and thereafter launch a run once they've swung for home. He's a progressive young horse that I expect to win or go at least go very close.
#1 Soaring Tower was also impressive in victory at shatin and that win was accomplished on debut. He settled back from the jump and did meet with interference near the 600m before opening up in the straight with a strong sprint to the line. The win came in good time and he gave the impression he's well above average. My only query is the rail in the C+3 position as the track can favour those closer to the lead. It that is not the case then he'll most likely be winning again.
#5 My Ecstatic started 2.1 favourite on debut but unfortunately only beat home one other runner. Following the race it was established he became unbalanced at the 800m before over racing. Upon scope after the event it was also revealed he was found to have blood in the trachea. Those excuses aside there was plenty to like about his trials prior to that debut so with Moreira taking over the reigns for the suspended Purton, he's best kept safe.
#7 Sight Hero is a very interesting newcomer that's completed a decent portion of his preparations at Conghua. In total he's had six trials and has kept improving as he's ticked along. The owner Tam Wing Kun has had plenty of decent stock over the years including Sight Winner who developed in to a genuine Group 1 galloper. I'm confident this fellow shall receive a wrap from the paddock so he definitely goes in.
#11 Vigor Champ is well exposed now and he's likely to hover around this grade for most of his career. His win at the end of last season however was encouraging and it came off the back of a hot tempo up front. He'll receive that race pattern again today dropping back to the 1200m and he's a runner at odds that creates interest.
Selections : 2,1,5,7,11
R6 - 4,1,13,7,6
R7 - 2,1,13,10,12
R8 - 12,4,3,5,6
Race 9
#9 Party Everyday is a typically hardened trained galloper from the Tony Cruz yard that keeps rocking up to the races on a regular basis. The son of Snitzel came with a hefty price tag and is coping well with the rigorous endurance training that most horses deal with when residing in this particular yard. He finds himself tackling class 3 opposition today for the first time and with a good barrier, lighter weight, and the Tony Cruz toughness in check, should handle the task well. He'll settle midfield and from approximately the 700m commence grinding the opposition down one by one.
#14 Skyey Supreme is also testing the waters of class 3 company and possess arguably the perfect race style for the all weather surface. He's a high speed horse from the gate that positions himself accordingly up front, then offers high resistance in the building process to the line. At this point however he has not tasted any real hard core pressure along way from home so there are areas in question. But he'll glide along on speed from the word go and when it gets tough we are going to learn much about him.
#3 World Famous has his first attempt under race conditions on the all weather and he's given every indication it won't be an issue. He's come up with the visitors draw in gate 13 but that can be offset with a quick begging and I'm expect him to lead for at least a portion of the first 300m. He's a good hearty galloper that's returned well this campaign and I'd be surprised if he's not competitive right to the line.
#6 Ping Hai Treasure is drawn perfectly, well rated and boasts a sound record on the all weather track. It's also likely he'll receive plenty of favours in running and in this very competitive contest is difficult to overlook. The one question mark along side his name is the lack of race fitness as he goes in second up to the longer trip. John Size however is in charge of that area for a very good reason and I trust his placement every step of the way.
#5 Great Treasure is an absolute warrior that fronts up time and time again giving his all for the love of the race. As a 9yo you'd think he'd be slowing down but that is inapparent every time I watch his replays. It's almost assured he'll go around at double figures in betting and with an excellent jockey doing the steering, I'm throwing him in to all of the playable exotics.
Selections : 9,14,3,6,5
R10 - 5,1,2,3,8