3 minute read

Brett Davis provides exclusive preview of Sha Tin races.

Rail - C CourseAWT - 3,4

Race 1
#3 RATTAN WORLD has a bad habit of leaving the barrier stalls in slow motion and its been costing him wins for a while.The rise to 1400m, along with a return to Sha Tin, can however favour him today when the race is there to be won.His first attempt in class 5 at Happy Valley recently was an excellent run in defeat, so with plenty of ticks alongside his name the balls back in his court to jump on time.#14 COMPULSORY has been slow to jump at both starts also this campaign before thundering home over the final stages.A stable change in the off season break has done him the world of good and he should be winning races shortly.The change of environment and new training regime is working well and a first win could even be achieved today.#6 YOO YOO DASH collected his first prize money cheque for connections last start when he found the line with purpose.He narrowly missed the win but it was a step in the right direction and a similar performance today has him going close.A change in stable over the last six months has encouraged some better results and the addition of a one eyed blinker should help to keep him straight.#10 APEX TOP can be first to the rail from the inside draw and secure the lead in the process by pushing up hard.Once in front, he'll have to deal with pressure coming over from wider out which should generate race speed.That'll give the advantage to those nestled in behind when they eventually turn for the judge, but he is a winner in class 4 so he's likely to stick on.#9 BEAT HOLLOW lead all the way to win recently so his confidence shall be up.The 10lbs claiming apprentice Ellis Wong has now been booked to ride so the alleviation of weight is a real plus.It won't be easy to cross from the wide barrier, with pace drawn either side, but if he gets it easy enough during the initial stages he'll run another good race.
Selections : 3,14,6,10,9

R2 - 2,7,5,11,6

R3 - 4,7,1,3,2

Race 4
#4 PACKING BOLE appears a decent purchase following two comprehensive wins on both the turf and all weather.It was an unknown stepping on to the dirt last start after a disappointing effort first up when tiring out.The addition of a tongue tie has seemingly corrected that inadequacy and the low draw suits perfectly.If the same horse, with blistering speed and strength, rocks up again then the opposition shall be hard pressed to get in his way.#6 SELF IMPROVEMENT chased PACKING BOLE to the line last start but was along way back in the dust.The swing in the weights and better draw should see him close the gap but he'll need to find more if he's going to win.There's plenty to like about his approach so it'll be interesting to see how much closer he gets.#2 ADEFILL is an established all weather performer and rarely makes mistakes.He's been freshened since his last run over the 1650m and now reverts back to the dash of 1200m.The blinkers are back on, to sharpen him up out the gates, and the now residing James McDonald jumps aboard.#9 SMOKEY BEAR is undefeated on the all weather track after charging home from well back to win his only attempt.His two runs at Happy Valley, leading in to today's event, have been both adequate and encouraging from the wide and challenging draws.With tactically versatility and fitness nearing its peak I'd predict he positions up nicely before running well.#10 AMAZING DUCK had plenty go against him first up on turf and is worthy of another opportunity now he arrives onto the dirt.He's trialled well on this surface on two occasions and in both performances led at pace before going onto score.He was a one time winner in Australia before his importation and therefore remains unexposed, and interestingly, the owners have generally purchased high speed runners that can often be quite difficult to run down.
Selections : 4,6,2,9,10

R5 - 3,14,5,6,10

R6 - 5,2,4,1,7

Race 7
CHEVALIER CUP(Class 1 - 1600m - Hcp)
#5 SUPER SUNNY SING didn't do himself any favours by beginning poorly last start but in reflection was in need of the run.With Vincent Ho jumping back aboard and a switch back to the mile you can be assured they'll bounce back.He's undefeated over 1600m and normally affective third up, so unless he's found his mark, or knot come back as well, he should go close to securing the win.#11 HAPPY TOGETHER is another horse to have grown a leg since leaving the Richard Gibson yard which is evident by his two campaign wins.With a big bounding finish and feather weight to shoulder he maybe capable of dishing it out again.Sectional and overall times however are a little below the class 1 mark, but he's a revelation this season which indicates he can continue to rise.#1 RED LION adapted quickly to the rigorous landscape of Hong Kong racing by winning four races over 1400m during his initial campaign.With three trials under his belt leading into his seasonal return he performed admirably and with courage in defeat.The draw and rider booking entitles him to the favours here today, so it's the mile and additional weight he now must overcome.#2 CIRCUIT STELLAR finished top four on twelve occasions last season which highlights his commitment to a race.His effort in two group races earlier this season were gutsy on speed displays.He then struggled last start to put the race away under the big imposing weight, which is why the claiming apprentice has now been booked.
He's rock hard fit, drawn to receive a good run and with Zac Purton aborting you'll be receiving an inflated price.#9 ATULLIBIGEAL I felt was a risk second up but he almost got home to win.He gave me the impression he might struggle this season, due to continuing inconsistency and the level of play, but its actually going the other way.The 1600m has only been tried on one occasion, for a win, so he's dangerous to leave out at this point.
Selections : 5,11,1,2,9

R8 - 4,2,1,5,3

R9 - 12,7,2,10,6

R10 - 7,10,9,1,5