3 minute read
Brett Davis provides exclusive preview of Sha Tin races.
RAIL - A Course
AWT - 1,2,6,7
Race 1
#3 ADEFILL was in superb form on the all weather track last season winning three races over 1200m. He then ventured to the longer journey's of 1650m and 1800m respectively, and handled the challenge well despite defeat. Trainer Ricky Yui has since prepared him perfectly for his first up assignment with two strong barrier trials. With regular rider Karis Teetan atop and the inside gate to leave from he's the runner all other's should fear most.
#5 SO WE JOY is in the later stages of his career but still racing with enthusiasm. With 3 of his 5 career victories achieved over this course and distance, and in this grade, he's a viable opponent. A quiet trial under race rider Vincent Ho was recently witnessing over 1200m, but be assured he's ready to roll. With his previous win off a rating of 78 he's very much handicapped to win.
#2 FIERY DIAMOND is an all weather specialist that rarely runs a bad race when competing on this surface. The 1650m is a distance that he's yet to win over, however, he's only tried the journey on one occasion. He's quite high in the ratings, on what he's achieved to this point, but at the same time relatively lightly raced for a 6yo. He'll settle on speed from the low draw and keep grinding to the line.
#6 BEAUTY CHAMP is the likely leader in the opening race of the day and we all know front runners take catching when in rhythm on the dirt. A recent spin at the trial track, where he lead for fun, was full of praise as he eased down through the line under a hold. He's yet to win of a rating this high but did arrive from Ireland 10 points higher than he is right now.
#7 PERFECT TEAM has the benefit of 2 runs under the belt which makes him worthy of consideration. He ran an excellent race on this surface back in June and in the process beat home fellow competitor SO WE JOY. With 112lbs to shoulder, courtesy of apprentice rider Ellis Wongs claim, he's attractive and difficult to fully oppose.
Selections : 3,5,2,6,7
R2 - 2,5,7,6,1
R3 - 6,4,9,1,8
R4 - 3,2,8,13,10
R5 - 10,1,8,14,2
R6 - 11,10,1,2,5
Race 7
#3 YOUTHFUL DEAL struggled with the class factor when he returned to turf racing at the end of last season but is a completely different animal on dirt. His 3 consecutive wins during the tail end of last term were visually outstanding and particularly potent on the clock. An additional trial on dirt was undertaken on the 26th September, in preparation for today, and he blew away the opposition when leading all the way.
#8 REWARD SMILE ventures onto the dirt for his first attempt in class 2 and is the query runner of the contest. He displayed excellent skills and ability at Happy Valley last campaign and it doesn't appear as though he's reached his mark. With 2 races behind him he'll be cheery ripe regarding fitness and should be treated with respect.
#5 CAMPIONE has only one gear and that's flat chat from the word go. He dropped along way down the rating ladder last season after only managing 3 thirds from a dozen starts. The handicappers then relieved him of an additional 5 points during the off season break, and he's since performed well in barrier trial. Add in 10lb claiming apprentice Ellis Wong to the race day mix and he surely runs a big race on speed.
#7 GOKO WIN has a patchy overall record since arriving from Brisbane/Australia but is more than capable at this level. He was only beaten once from his four starts down under, with two of those victories on the poly track surface at the Sunshine Coast. Back on the all weather today following a gutsy and torrid run last start appears a good option.
#9 SUPER WIN DRAGON has struggled to win since he began competing in class 2 but rarely runs a bad race. Mathew Chadwick enjoys a good association with the Chris So runner and they've built a formidable record together from a total of 5 starts. He's also proven in the past that he can deal with the longer distances so I wouldn't underestimate his strength.
Selections : 3,8,5,7,9
Race 8
#6 FIND MY LOVE took time acclimatising to Hong Kong's training lifestyle but came good during the closing meets last season. He's gifted with an exceptional turn of foot and the draw here looks extremely beneficial. He's a runner with rating points in hand and it's worth noting he recorded excellent sectional data at his most recent performance in defeat.
#2 THE GOLDEN SCENERY has returned to racing in excellent form and is a genuine contender, even back in class and up in weight. The key to his improvement is his fast exit from the barriers allowing him to find position early doors. He's always been blessed with a strong finishing burst, so when closer in the run he can real in opponents down the stretch.
#8 DANCING CODE makes the transition from 2 wins at Happy Valley in class 3, to the big open spaces of Sha Tin and class 2. The form around him suggests he'll be up to the task and he's nicely weight against the opposition. Combining that data with his first attempt at 1400m does however create further challenges. There's every chance he'll cope with it no problem, but I'd like to see it happen first.
#9 SUPREME LUCKY is in a similar category with scope and further improvement still to come. He also steps into the uncharted waters of 1400m and deeper depths of class 2. However, he's draw to receive the run of the race and the champion jockey gets down to a light weight to continue with the ride.
#3 SAUVESTRE can race handy to the speed, is proven under weight, and won't be concerned by any varying track conditions. It's envisage he'll hand up the lead early before taking a sit and enjoying the economical trail. He absorbed a refreshing time during the off season break and with a run under the belt is considered amongst the hopes.
Selections : 6,2,8,9,3
R9 - 2,8,1,9,5
R10 - 1,4,8,14,9
