3 minute read

Brett Davis provides exclusive preview of Sha Tin races.

Rail - A+3 Course

Race 1
#3 SPLENDID STAR put together a pair of encouraging performances to close out last season and has obviously come back well following a dominated win last start over 1800m.Trainer Douglas Whyte again calls upon former foe, Zac Purton, to take the reins and the extra 200m he'll be ask to travel shouldn't be a problem.Weights and measures suggest he remains the horse to beat, however, the extra 9lbs could way him down.
#4 FIERY FLING has kept improving since arriving in the stable of Tony Cruz and gives the impression that 2000m is what he wants.Karis Teetan remains in the saddle after a luckless first half last start and is aided by a low and ground saving draw.When push comes to shove he shouldn't have any excuses and likely stands tall in the run to the line.
#1 KYRUS UNICORN arrived to Hong Kong from Ireland on a rating of 85 so he's been a big big disappointment for connections.He won a race a couple of seasons back over the mile at Happy Valley when he steamed home from near last to score.He's got what it takes, but it's rarely seen, so it's up to Mr Bowman to extract his best.
#5 LOYAL AMBITION doesn't enjoy racing at Sha Tin as much as Happy Valley, according to his record, but hasn't been here for quite so time.He'll strip fitter for the two efforts at Happy Valley over 1800m where he did all the heavy lifting in front.With Ellis Wong now behind the wheel, and claiming 10lbs, he may prove difficult to catch.
#6 STARSHIP EIGHTY was good in defeat on the all weather last start and is more than likely to be suited to that surface going forward.That being said, the stable of Pierre Ng is off to a flying start this season and they've decided on a third run in four weeks.He was held up on the turf at vital stage first up but has certainly come back a better horse.
Selections : 3,4,1,5,6

R2 - 9,3,2,7,1

R3 - 5,2,8,11,14

R4 - 4,2,1,5,6

R5 - 8,11,3,13,5

R6 - 6,12,7,9,1

Race 7
Sha Tin Trophy
(Gp2 - 1600 - Hcp)
#3 BEAUTY ETERNAL following 7 wins last season is the talk of the town leading into the first Gp2 race of the term.The 5yo son of STARSPANGLEDBANNER record two outstanding wins at Gp3 level late last season before enjoying a much needed spell.With two nice fluent trials under the hatch he's ready to get back and compete.His body wait is up to 1205lbs so he's bigger than he's ever been, however, Zac Purton doesn't relinquish the ride making him difficult to beat.
#1 CALIFORNIA SPANGLE has also enjoyed 2 strong trials leading back into his seasonal return and is marked down as the race leader.Hugh Bowman takes over the ride from fellow Aussie Zac Purton and is fully aware of what's at stake.He's also up noticeably in body weight and could therefore be vulnerable in a close finish with the 135lbs.However, class and weight hasn't bothered this Gp 1 machine in the past.
#8 CIRCUIT STELLAR finished in the top 4 on 12 occasions last season from 15 starts highlighting his passion and commitment to the cause.The first Gp2 race of the season is a cracking edition of the Gp2 Sha Tin Trophy and tactics shall likely play a part.Under the handicap condition and first up status of the probable favourites, this fellow ends up with plenty of ticks.
#5 BEAUTY JOY is an established class runner off a rating of 116 and his mere presence makes him worthy of respect.The weight swing of 13lbs from his first up performance in the "Celebration Cup" is worthy of note and should be applied.Races later in the season are definitely on his radar but he won't be faraway in this.
#4 MONEY CATCHER is proven first up, plus over a mile and expected to battle hard for the lead.CALIFORNIA SPANGLE, needless to say, shall be intent on the top spot and won't be handing up with any ease.The two thereafter race handy and kick hard to the line with the later expected to be the stronger.
Selections : 3,1,8,5,4

R8 - 7,2,10,13,9

R9 - 6,2,12,4,11

Race 10
#1 PACKING TREADMILL was tough and hearty when getting the money first up and should receive the run of the race.With a career high rating of 98 he must carry an additional 7lbs, if he's to make it back to back, and I don't believe that's beyond him.He was definitely in need of his run first up and undefeated 2nd up, so expect him to improve like many in the race.
#3 BEAUTY CHARGE was certainly building on his curriculum vitae at the end of last season and returned to racing with a luckless defeat behind PACKING TREADMILL.The low draw appears a slight negative as he'll likely be pushed back on the rail with traffic then manoeuvre in the stretch.Conversely, with numerous speed runners contesting the front the pace shall suit, so his power at the end can be defining.
#12 REWARD SMILE ventures to Sha Tin 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 now behind him he should be almost cheery ripe and must be treated with some respect.
#9 BUNDLE OF CHARM draws ideally in barrier one and should position handy to the speed without burning gas.Karis Teetan can then attack the leaders approaching the home bend and dash hard at the line.He's only been in this grade for a short space of time, so he'll need a lift, but he'll enjoy all favours in the run.
#10 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 at the Sunshine Coast.Back on the Sha Tin turf today following a gutsy and torrid run last start he is rated a viable option for exotics.
Selections : 1,3,12,9,10