3 minute read
Brett Davis provides exclusive review of Sha Tin races.
RACE 1 - YUEN SHIN HANDICAP, HK $750,000
Class 5 – Rating 40-0 – 'B + 2' Course – Distance 1200m – Track Good
Time: 1:09.83 Standard Time: 1:09.90 Course/Class Record: 1:09.24
Winner: IRON KING (NZ 5yo g Ferlax – Gatestopper) jumped out of the pack at the 250m mark like he has just joined in and put the Class 5 gallopers away with ease. His second start in the grade and just his second start this season after he resumed off an eight-month break in late December when running twelfth over 1000m. Twice ridden by Zac Purton at the trials, a winning run followed by a quieter ride, this horse appeared to be well poised here if punters dug deep enough into the form. The result matched the progression away from race day. A nice way for trainer Dennis Yip to get his day underway.
Runner-up: REGENCY POET ran through the line strongly the final stages, his best in a while since last placing in April 2020 at Happy Valley. Class 5 is going to be his best friend, the longer he is there the longer he earns.
Run Of The Race: ONE STEP AHEAD drew wide, got a long way back and a real job ahead of him at the home turn. But a fine try from the Paul O'Sullivan-trained son of Tavistock who has been struggling to put the points on the board, placing in two of 15 starts before today. This indicates he can win at short notice in Class 5.
Disappointment: Class 5 specialist MONEYMORE right with them to the top of the straight but a battling run from him at $7.80.
Comparison: Looked a good solid run and the clock suggested that, under standard says the track is in a good order.
Market Mover: IRON KING $9.20 to $6.10 SPICY GRILL $27.00 to $11.00
RACE 2 - TAI PO MARKET HANDICAP, HK $1,000,000
Class 4 – Rating 60-40 – 'B + 2' Course – Distance 1000m – Track Good
Time: 0:56.88 Standard Time: 0:56.50 Course/Class Record: 0:55.07
Winner: SUMMIT CHEERS (AUS 3yo g Zoustar – Saffie Darling) sits just behind the three leaders and pounces at the right time under an in-form Matthew Poon to score a well-timed win on debut for trainer David Hall, and no real surprise given the gelding has shown good talent at the trials, including running second to a rather handy sprinter in Hot King Prawn last time he went around in mid-February. Zac Purton had ridden him in each of his trials but took the mount on Amazing Rocky who had more weight on his back, bit also well backed. A good career ahead, this looked quite natural to him to pin his ears back and try.
Runner-up: GOKO used his wide gate to advantage, the veteran sprinter loves a good scrap up the 1000m straight at Sha Tin and he regains form in sharing the speed on the outside rail only to go down late in the piece to a nice young horse.
Run Of The Race: BELLA BABY got well back again and ran through the line a bit better today into fourth. Close to grabbing a win, it may mean dropping back to Class 5 to achieve that.
Disappointment: AMAZING ROCKY shared the pace from gate 13 and had that good running wide out but he was first to puncture under pressure and a bit disappointing as a $4.60 chance. Vetted, substantial blood in the trachea.
Comparison: No fire, they jumped and settled into positions without adding any real pace into it.
Market Mover: FARIBAULT $91.00 to $20.00
RACE 3 - LAM TSUEN HANDICAP, HK $2,200,000
Class 2 – Rating 100-80 – 'B + 2' Course – Distance 1400m – Track Good
Time: 1:21.12 Standard Time: 1:21.35 Course/Class Record: 1:20.29
Winner: HIGHLY PROACTIVE (NZ 5yo g Coats Choice – Blue Blond) idles up to sit outside the leader and though a tad keen eventually found his rhythm. He took over soon after turning for home and booted away, his first real showing of form this season after six unsuccessful attempts. He did win a double over 1200m at Happy Valley last season and looked promising but he has spent the rest of his life in Class 2 and he has not found it that easy. He won two-from-two for South Island trainer Sabin Kirkland in New Zealand before export and arrived in a tough rating of 71 points which for an inexperienced horse can be difficult waters to negotiate.
Runner-up: CALIFORNIADEEPSHOT gave a good kick as one of the outsiders in the race, a bold effort as he steps up to 1400m and arguably a better trip for him even though his 12-start career has been over 1200m. He would seem to enjoy that break in tempo the extra furlong gives him.
Run Of The Race: From third line inner the pushed back at the wrong time going past the 550m BEAUTY SMILE was powerful through the pack late to dash into third money. Any luck and he should have pushing for the win here.
Disappointment: Not the best rides on WINNING METHOD or THE CROWN, they got cracking at the 700m and poured it on, found us with a line of five across the track at the bend and it soon became obvious some would have to relent. It was that pair, disappointing tactics.
Comparison: Under the standard and in a smaller field a nice solid clip set from go to whoa.
Market Mover: HIGHLY PROACTIVE $13.40 to $9.40
RACE 4 - WU KAU TANG HANDICAP, HK $1,000,000
Class 4 – Rating 60-40 – 'B + 2' Course – Distance 1400m – Track Good
Time: 1:22.13 Standard Time: 1:21.85 Course/Class Record: 1:20.80
Winner: ZONE D (GB 4yo g Holy Roman Emperor – Marasima) only needed a clear go at them when he found himself in a pocket coming through the 300m mark, Blake Shinn able to ease his way outward off leaders heels to make his bid four wide and it was all over from there. No real surprise here, this horses has shown some handy ability in two runs at 1200m and a nice step to 1400m last time when he made good ground from well back. A good draw helps, he leaves from barrier two on this occasion after jumping from gates 9 and 12 in his first two outings. Dam scored twice in France at 1600m so he will get further yet.
Runner-up: STUNNING IMPACT sizzled home strongly to grab second in a blanket finish for the minors, he drew well and got back but was a real eye-catcher in his late endeavours. Another runner from a hot Paul O'Sullivan stable, the Kiwi trainer had a quiet time of it last term, but he is upped the firepower this season and has several really talented gallopers in his care.
Run Of The Race: SWOT TROOPERS WIND was dashing at them; he needed another 100 yards. Just second up for the season after resuming on February 6, the Smart Missile gelding steps from 1200m to 1400m in good style, beaten by the draw, he would have taken all sorts of beating had he been closer to the inside rail than the outside one. Horse to follow out of the David Hall barn. EL JEFE was superb in third from a way back, too. Some will profit rising further in trip from this.
Disappointment: A bit of support for CIGAR BUDDIES, he got a handy run in transit but the flame went out some way from the business end.
Comparison: A small margin outside of standard in a race lacking genuine tempo.
Market Mover: STUNNING IMPACT $7.50 to $5.50
RACE 5 - TING KOK HANDICAP, HK $1,000,000
Class 4 – Rating 60-40 – 'B + 2' Course – Distance 1200m – Track Good
Time: 1:09.55 Standard Time: 1:09.25 Course/Class Record: 1:08.45
Winner: SIMPLY SPECTACULAR (AUS 5yo g I Am Invincible – Speedy Bell) won on debut in November 2019 and was not seen again until he resumed January 31, 2021. That for new trainer Michael Chang who took over the training post a front tendon injury that required plenty of time. He steps up after one run back to sit outside the leader and grind out a big win, never seeming that likely but put his head down at the right time to score under Antoine Hamelin.
Runner-up: COPARTNER AMBITION flew home in super impressive style on debut. One to put high in the priority list for next time. Very impressive at the trials leading in and on this performance he should have won with any average luck in running.
Run Of The Race: COPARTNER AMBITION a mile ahead of them, such a black bookers run. Clearly next best sectionally was XPONENTIAL who made up a lot of ground.
Disappointment: BEAUTY CHEERS had his chance close to the pace and though close at the finish not up to it today.
Comparison: Muddling speed up front. This led to it being run well above standard.
Market Mover: COPARTNER AMBITION $13.50 to $8.40
Fined & Suspended: Vagner Borges (FIRE BALL) $22,500 and two days for careless riding at the 1100m.
RACE 6 - YUEN CHAU TSAI HANDICAP, HK $1,000,000
Class 4 – Rating 60-40 – 'B + 2' Course – Distance 1600m – Track Good
Time: 1:34.58 Standard Time: 1:34.70 Course/Class Record: 1:33.78
Winner: ALL FOR ST PAUL'S (AUS 4yo g Magnus – So Enticing) is back doing what he does best – rolling them along in front and giving them plenty to chase. He was on his game again today, coasting through his middle sectionals in a breeze and too quick hard up against the Inside rail all the way home. He will go to Class 3 now after three wins in Class 4 this season, all at Sha Tin, two at a mile and once at 1400m. He will keep them busy up in class.
Runner-up: BRIGHT KID got a fair way back as is his usual pattern and got home strongly, as he invariably does. Chris So steps him out to a mile for the first time in a while, he is regarded more a 1200m horse, to 1400m if he goes further. An encouraging run at the mile with Purton likely to given that a tick of approval afterwards.
Run Of The Race: ULTRA EXPRESS was never closer than three-deep from barrier nine and did plenty of extra work others did not. He still rushed up to make a strong challenge at the 300m and fought gamely into third, a particularly good run. His first try at a mile a success. He won his previous start at 1400m.
Disappointment: GREEN ENVY was well backed to win this off some great form but he lacked that final blow this time, handy on speed and wide the turn he did not see it out.
Comparison: Matthew Poon mixed the pace beautifully on the leader and winner, outside standard all down to him riding his mount to perfection.
Market Mover: ULTRA EXPRESS $6.90 to $4.80
RACE 7 - TAI PO KAU HANDICAP, HK $1,500,000
Class 3 – Rating 80-60 – 'B + 2' Course – Distance 1800m – Track Good
Time: 1:46.63 Standard Time: 1:47.35 Course/Class Record: 1:46.18
Winner: VINCY (IRE 7yo g Elzaam – Instant Memories) finally breaks through in Hong Kong, it had been a long time coming for the Irish seven-year-old who won two-from-three in Ireland, his last win in August 2017. Some 28 starts it has taken hm to win in Hong Kong, frustratingly close on occasions and seven times second. Tony Piccone the man for the job today, he settled back off a swift pace and that played into his hands later as the leaders came back to him Piccone was out wide and had Vincy charging. Reward for patience comes to those who wait.
Runner-up: LOOKING GREAT shared the speed and gave a good kick at the top of the straight, a very brave performance to never stop trying to the winning post. A two-time winner in Queensland, he has been sound in four runs so far in Hong Kong and looking likely o break through, the rise to 1800m today certainly within his range.
Run Of The Race: VINCY came from last and ran straight past the entire field. A well-deserved victory and he did it in grand style. CALIFORNIA TEN was strong late into third, a nice show of form from the former Irish two-time winner who looked at home rising in distance.
Disappointment: Favourite CHARITY FUN was a bit plain in the run for the cash though given the work some had done early, and he was in that group, he paid the price. Vetted, no findings.
Comparison: Very slick, they charged through that like they had a train to catch and it played into the good old stayer's hands late.
Market Mover: AWE $12.50 to $5.80
RACE 8 - PAT SIN LENG HANDICAP, HK $1,500,000
Class 3 – Rating 80-60 – 'B + 2' Course – Distance 1200m – Track Good
Time: 1:09.22 Standard Time: 1:09.05 Course/Class Record: 1:08.31
Winner: FANTASTIC WAY (NZ 3yo g Swiss Ace – Funhouse) proves his class in overcoming gate 13 and a wide run throughout to contest to speed away and win like an odds-on chance should, retaining his unbeaten run after a brilliant Class 4 win to kick things off on January 31. Joao Moreira tucked him in for some cover out wide and made his move at the turn, showed him the clear air but did not ask him to run until half-way home. There was plenty left in the locker out of this one. John Size has a smart type on his hands.
Runner-up: DUBLIN STAR charged home wide to impress again a good horse this guy, raced further back than expected here after jumping a little slowly, making up for that late with a huge sprint clocked in 22.46 the final 400m which was rather rapid.
Run Of The Race: LET'S DO IT dashed home in a race best 22.32 which was outstanding work versus the field. At 140/1 not fancied at all after one run previously in Hong Kong but not so long since he won two from three for Mick Price in Victoria as 'Dane Zelek'. Keep him onside next time.
Disappointment: MIGHTY VALOR got to the front easily and seemed to have his chance but the two-time winner here was off his game, drifting out. Vetted, lame in right front.
Comparison: No speed, just outside standard but no spark injected into it.
Market Mover: FANTASTIC WAY $2.30 to $1.80
RACE 9 - NAM WAN HANDICAP, HK $1,500,000
Class 3 – Rating 80-60 – 'B + 2' Course – Distance 1000m – Track Good
Time: 0:55.98 Standard Time: 0:56.35 Course/Class Record: 0:54.89
Winner: WINNER METHOD (AUS 3yo g Deep Field – Magical Belle) scorches up the straight at Sha Tin in wonderful style, the unbeaten gelding taking the big step forward from a Class 4 debut victory in easy fashion to be just as impressive taking the Class 3 gallopers on and a another beating. He may be quick, but his strength seems to be his capacity to maintain a strong gallop for longer than most. A powerfully built son of Deep Field, his physical strength seems likely to hold him in good steed moving forward. Doubtful he is just a 1000m jump and run type, he should get a lovely 1200m at least. Danny Shum will be excited about his prospects.
Runner-up: VALIANT DREAM just terrific chasing from the low side of the track, down in gate two and always in that front six after jumping well. When the pressure went on he dug in further to chase the winner home, a superb effort. Three consecutive seconds and five consecutive placings since December, he is in rare form just unbale to get his nose there first at present. None as deserving as he would be to win one.
Run Of The Race: VALIANT DREAMS did a power of work and nearly best of the field. LUCKY QUALITY had to gallop home in 22.10 the final 400m at 125/1 to rattle into third and he runs the former close for the best run. An unliked outsider the Caspar Fownes trained gelding was trying the 1000m for the first time having been kept to 1200m in most appearances.
Disappointment: JOYFUL FORTUNE had the advantage wide out and could not hold them out after leading. He was a bit better under pressure to fight into fourth.
Comparison: Some way under standard, they were not messing around here, some quality horses were ticking along in rapid fashion.
Market Mover: WINNER METHOD $5.80 to $3.00
RACE 10 - TAI MEI TUK HANDICAP, HK $1,500,000
Class 3 – Rating 80-60 – 'B + 2' Course – Distance 1400m – Track Good
Time: 1:21.18 Standard Time: 1:21.65 Course/Class Record: 1:20.62
Winner: SILVER EXPRESS (AUS 4yo Canford Cliffs – Rechichi) made it a one-horse affair, straight to the front and straight for the winning post without giving the opposition any chance whatsoever. An impressive gallop, he smashed standard time and did it on his ear under Joao Moreira who must have enjoyed that one, carrying the 133lb this gelding made it look like he had a feather on his back. Win one rom start three in Hong Kong for John Size, the Australian-bred the winner of three-from-four as 'Jolly Sailor' for Henry Dwyer in Victoria before he made his way offshore. Straight to Class 2 and he will be inning in that grade too.
Runner-up: UNCLE STEVE was brave in the chase, up wide the turn to challenge and he never relented, another honest run from the French gelding who has been consistent without winning this season. He had to carry his weight this time after getting the benefit of Jerry Chau's 7lb allowance his two previous starts.
Run Of The Race: SILVER EXPRESS is a minute better than these, the most dominant win on the card and a smart performance from a particularly good horse. PURE LEGEND did well to rattle into third from some way back.
Disappointment: REGENCY BO had a good trip tracking the speed but could not go on with it today. He has been better than that lately.
Comparison: Well under standard with head on the chest. A smart performance.
Market Mover: UNCLE STEVE $9.00 to $5.90