3 minute read
Brett Davis provides exclusive preview of Sha Tin races.
Race 1
#1 Branding Power hit the line well recently at Happy Valley and he'll be much better suited to the bigger spacious track at Shatin. The first event is a testing race for form students with a number of youngsters placed under race pressure for the first time. Branding Power openly demonstrated at his second outing he can respond under pressure, with further improvement now expected. He's by no means a certainty with barrier manners and mustering skills below average at present, but I expect him to be right in the finish.
#8 One Excel Star jumped well from the gates before racing greenly on debut but eventually found the line in third. He's was sidelined for fifteen months following with multiple suspensory issues arising but resumes today after completing pre training soundly, along with satisfactory trials. There's no doubt he'll return matured both mentally and physically after such a long lay off which makes him a runner of real interest.
#4 Lucky Fun showed encouraging signs prior to his debut but unfortunately it all went horribly wrong when he check off heels mid race, an subsequently lost the rider. A lack of self confidence could have easily followed but that does not appear the case. His morning gallops continue strong and Zac Purton is once again booked to do the steering. It's also worth reminding ourselves Zac Purton completed the majority of his lead up work and trials, prior to that forgetful debut.
#2 Zone D was originally a reserve standby starter for this race with Moreira fully booked in opposed to a guaranteed ride. He completely missed the start at his most recent of five total trials but thereafter made up good territory down the stretch.
There's plenty still to learn but it does appear he's blessed with a reasonable engine to work with.
#10 Comfort Life is the veteran of the field and despite only winning once in his entire career should be considered. The effort produced down the straight two runs back would see him competitive in this and its not the strongest race I've ever seen.
Selections : 1,8,4,2,10
R2 - 1,5,4,2,10
R3 - 5,1,4,11,9
R4 - 13,3,2,4,8
Race 5
#1 Like That looked quite smart when winning two griffin races as a 2yo before landing in class 3 where he's just found things a little tough. Throughout his campaign this season he's been competitive without winning so the drop to easier opposition, along with the excellent draw, make him an attractive proposition.
#5 Amazing Rocky had legitimate excuses behind the impressive Super Axiom this track and trip when last at the races. He's a progressive son of Bel Esprit with size and scope and shall only get better with racing. The 7lb claim he's entitled to today brings him right in to calculations, however conversely, the poor barrier could be his undoing.
#3 Cantstopthefeeling hasn't been able to recover the consistent and high quality 3yo form he once produced in New Zealand, but I do feel today he's a runner at value. It's his first appearance down the straight course at Shatin and judged on recent and earlier trials, he may deal with it nicely. You can expect a price and he could add the value to exotics. If he fails again a stable change in my opinion is required.
#2 Moeraki arrived to Hong Kong a maiden from New Zealand and to this point has not shown a great deal. However, despite looking lethargic from the outset at his most recent performance he did keep up a strong gallop to the wire after being forced to change course. In the end he finished just over a length behind Like That and was in the wrong part of the track. He's some hope of winning should he remain focused from the gates.
#11 Sight Hero made steady improvement from his debut when stepping back in trip to the straight 1000m. David Hayes has a young giant on his hands with this lad weighing in at over 1250lbs. It's not surprising he again tackles a straight race and Im expecting him to hover around those in the finish.
Selections : 1,5,3,2,11
R6 - 4,1,3,2,10
R7 - 11,3,2,9,6
R8 - 5,6,9,3,1
R9 - 7,6,5,2,12
Race 10
#2 Excellent Proposal resumes and like numerous runners in this event is Classic Mile bound with the Hong Kong 4yo series commencing at the end of January. The biggest attribute this emerging star possesses is his debilitating turn of acceleration and it's highly likely he's a Group 1 horse in the making. It's worth remembering however he only just got the job done first up over 1400m in September, so perhaps against this line up he maybe slightly vulnerable, but I highly doubt it.
#11 Lucky Patch has hit the ground running with two wins from three starts since his arrival from Brisbane/Australia where he was unbeaten. Today is the biggest test he's faced thus far and the depth and class present cuts deep. What is in his favour though is natural speed and a consistent approach which should allow him to race handy then kick.
#5 Enrich Delight I felt was underdone going in first up and how wrong I turned out to be. I wasn't against his ability or potential but felt he may have needed the run. With all that water now under the bridge it's going to be an interesting watch second up. Can he produce that again plus more, or does he perhaps flatten out second up? Either way he's got some class.
#13 Beauty Smile is one of three runners representing the famous Kwok Family and he's well and truly on the up. The son of Free Eagle displays similar attributes to his sensational father and is well placed at the weights and draw. He'll need a career best to feature and the direction his form is heading suggests he can deliver.
#6 Russian Emperor won the Group 3 Hampton Court Stakes at Royal Ascot before finishing seventh in the Epsom Derby last year. The ultimate goal is the Hong Kong Derby scheduled in March and that's where he'll be at his best. He's far from ready but a classy individual who could easily cut fresh with a good final sectional.
Selections : 2,11,5,13,6