3 minute read
Brett Davis provides exclusive preview of Sha Tin races.
Race 1
#2 Cheerful Star finds himself back at the scene of his only career win, the 1800m at Shatin. He's under achieved after arriving on a rating of eighty following his two wins and two listed placings in France. However his most recent effort over 2000m from an awkward draw was competitive producing a strong closing final 400m. He'd only have to find cover and a comfortable rhythm to let down well enough to win and I rate him one of the top chances.
#1 Lucky Missile doesn't have a strong record at Shatin but is worth considering with this being his first race in the grade. It's predictable Purton shall jump and roll forward from the deep gate and look to settle somewhere on speed, if not lead. They dont chase to hard from back in the field in this class so from that position early I'd expect a bold sight.
#5 Amazing Agility is close to retirement but his passion and enthusiasm for racing remains intact. He's picked up prize money at his last four starts and must be entertained once again. He and Karis Teetan have a formidable relationship on the track which can't be underestimated, plus they'll do no work from the nice draw.
#8 Apolar Warrior wasn't suited on the dirt recently finding plenty of bother but ran a competitive race in defeat. His form prior on turf suggested he wasn't faraway from a win and I fancy the extra journey today is perfect. Neil Callan takes the ride and you can guarantee he'll be as hungry as a to win.
#3 Exaltation has now found his way in to the bottom class and if he's ever going to win this is his level. Earlier in the season he was runner up on three occasions in class 4 but his form has since noticeably regressed. A good draw, claiming rider and the easier race are reasons to give him a chance but he's been super costly in the past.
Selections : 2,1,5,8,3
R2 - 1,4,6,2,11
Race 3
"The Lion Rock Trophy"
#2 More Than This is his own worst enemy in some respects with his lack of instantaneous acceleration at vital stages proving costly. We highlighted his sectional capabilities in this column recently suggesting he could test the mighty "Golden Sixty" in the "Gp1 Champions Mile", and that's exactly what he did. The owner has since transferred the horse from the Francis Lui stable to trainer Danny Shum with Karis Teetan, who's three from four, again on the saddle. It's possible the acceleration deficiency could again be the difference but I'd expect Karis Teetan to be hard at work a long way from home.
#6 Sky Darci returns to the races today with a huge reputation to defend as this years "Hong Kong Derby" champion. He's been kept in work since that career defining victory but at the same time enjoyed the tranquil surroundings of the Conghua Training Complex. There's been two sharp trials witnessed since his return and he looks in mighty fine order.
#1 Ka Ying Star holds the top rating in today's feature and despite the 133lbs he shoulders should be given respect. We've established he's best leading at a strong pace and uncontested and from barrier 2 he only has two cross "Champions Way" and he'll be on the fence. I'd expect pressure to arrive from "Healthy Happy" through the first 400m and the pair should match strides for a portion. They'll both be vulnerable to a better turn of foot particularly if they cut each other apart but if they don't they'll take some catching.
#5 Healthy Happy has held his form following a 6th in the "Hong Kong Derby" and 4th in the "Champions Mile" and looks better placed under the handicap conditions. It's envisaged he'll settle outside the lead with this years "Classic Cup" winner wanting a sit and dash. The slower they go the better for this galloper but a lack class may have the final say.
#3 Champion's Way has a respectable record in Group 3 handicaps and it should be remembered he put a number of these to the sword including "Sky Darci" on New Years Day. That event was 1400m and his two efforts following we're below par. He was freshened up briefly thereafter with pacifiers applied and his form since has been sound.
Selections : 2,6,1,5,3
R4 - 3,5,6,2,10
R5 - 1,6,5,3,2
R6 - 4,5,12,6,14
R7 - 11,9,2,6,8
R8 - 12,8,4,1,11
R9 - 11,14,3,9,10
Race 10
#1 Lucky Patch is running out of races to pick up a million dollar high achievement bonus which expires at the end of the season. But another fantastic opportunity awaits today with his tremendous tactical gate speed matching perfectly to the allotted drawn in barrier five. It's worth remembering, when scoping the form, that half a dozen others are in the same boat regarding a bonus so a cracking betting race is on the cards. I expect Zac Purton to make the most of his draw receiving all favours and despite the talented opposition he should finally get the job done.
#13 Sight Success looked a real machine when winning his first three starts in Hong Kong and the son of Magnus has plenty still to offer. He was given a break after returning with mucus behind the all conquering "Wellington" back in mid February but is now ready to go again. He's a super fast animal early with a kick to match and is well prepared for the return.
#8 Trillion Win arrives in class 2 following some hearty efforts recently over today's course and distance. He won his first race in Hong Kong down the straight 1000m and appeared a galloper with plenty of class. He then followed up to get within half a length of the undefeated "Courier Wonder" which is certainly reading well. However, he's drawn a fraction tricky and I'm nervously taking him on to win but there's no denying he's got more to give.
#7 Naboo Attack arrives to Hong Kong with a sparkling record winning 5 from 7 in Queensland/Australia. He possess strong tactical speed and has trialled particular well and the whispers around say he's smart. It's also worth acknowledging he's the size of a house and weighs in at a massive 1360lbs. Im weary of his presence but feel he might need the run so I'm putting him in the winner's fridge for another day.
#10 Green Aeon has proven to be an unreliable customer but there's a very big engine quietly bubbling away. He's difficult to tip with any real confidence as he's constantly making mistakes but if your playing the exotics you'd be brave to leave him out.
Selections : 1,13,8,7,10