3 minute read

Brett Davis provides exclusive preview of Sha Tin races.

Rail - B Course
AWT - 2,5,

Race 1

#3 PERFECT PEACH finds his way in to class 5 for the first time following an average beginning to the season. A couple of outside draws have made it difficult at his past two starts and he found trouble in running at Happy Valley three runs back. The near inside draw and re-booking of Tony Cruz's apprentice Angus Chung are sure to be the contributing factors to a better outcome, and I won't be surprised if positions handier in the run.
#6 YOO YOO KNIGHT collected his first prize money cheque two start back when he found the line with purpose. He narrowly missed the win on that occasion 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, however, the addition of a one eyed blinker last start saw him over race. That gear has now been removed and a better performance is expected.
#5 NORDIC COMBINED return with a bang when he absolutely destroyed a similar field to this first up. He's one of multiple horses going around that was previously trained by the now departed Richard Gibson and it's likely he'll continue to improve. A 10lbs increase from the handicappers brought him back to the field last start, but a change of rider plus course and distance here can swing it back around.
#7 APEX TOP was first to the rail from the inside draw last start before going onto narrowly win. The barrier gave him the advantage over the majority on that occasion but it'll be a tougher assignment from gate ten. He does possess the gate speed to attempt a cross and is a winner in class 4 previously but there's risk involved with an abundance of alternative early speed.
#9 BEAT HOLLOW lead all the way to win two runs ago and in the process got his confidence up. The 10lbs claiming apprentice Ellis Wong was then booked to ride and they almost got it done before things got tight and tricky close to home. The increase in weight and a widish gate create some reservations but he's still tipped to run a good race.
Selections : 3,6,5,7,9

R2 - 9,11,7,1,2

R3 - 3,6,14,9,11

R4 - 1,2,4,3,12

Race 5

#3 SMOKEY BEAR is undefeated on the all weather track after charging home from well back to win at his first attempt. He then raced on speed most recently before putting the opposition away down the home stretch. With obvious tactically versatility, and fitness now nearing its peak, it's predicted he'll position handy from gate five before attempting to dash clear in the stretch. An 8lbs increase from the handicapping staff shall certainly bring him back to field but it mightn't be enough.
#2 VIVA CHALEUR is a much better horse than his form suggests and is on the "Ready To Improve" radar. The booking of James McDonald also catches the eye after they pair joined forces to win a dirt trial, in convincing fashion, at the end of November. They positioned well back on settling in the aforementioned trial before powering hard at the line to score.
#9 AMAZING DUCK had plenty go against him first up on turf before tiring over the later stages here on the dirt. He's trialled well on this surface twice 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. Interestingly, the owners generally like to purchased high on speed types, that are difficult to run down.
#7 TORNADO PHANTOM has his hoof on the till and is rated to win when you consider his last victory came off a rating of eighty handicap points. With seven runs under the belt this campaign he's fit and nicely placed for Zac Purton , who's won on him before. Finding a clear and unimpeded run to the judge however is the concern, because he normally gives away a start due to his casual and lay back demeanour.
#12 HAPPY FAT CAT has shown a liking for the all weather surface and from the low draw can run a race. Connection's have kept him at the top of class 4, carrying weight his past couple, but now take the option to go up in grade. Combining the aforementioned transition, good draw, light weight and reliable gate speed, I expect him to run well.
Selections : 3,2,9,7,12

R6 - 12,6,4,2,9

Race 7

LUKFOOK JEWELLERY CUP(Class 2 - 1000m - Hcp)

#6 CARROLL STREET appears right on target after three runs back this preparation and a return to the 1000m, at Sha Tin, confirms that trainer Douglas Whyte has him ready to win. Jockey booking, barrier draw and a current handicap rating of eighty six all tick the yes box and with just 120lbs, he's going to take beating. A class 2 race in Hong Kong is never easy to win but I'm prepared to put my faith in him today and suggest he can win.
#7 INVINCIBLE SAGE is the new kid on the block after posting back to back wins in class 3 over this course and distance. Zac Purton takes over the steering from the injured Hugh Bowman and with a 15lbs swing around at the weights he's sure to be light on his feet. Race times down the straight have been somewhat slower over the past few months, so it's difficult to get a clear gauge on how well he's actually doing, but I wouldn't dismiss his winning hopes.
#1 KURPANY won a very similar race to this first up this season and on that occasion Casper Fownes's apprentice Ellis Wong was on board. There aren't to many horses in Hong Kong quicker that this fellow through the first 400m, so expect him to lead, and potentially even cross to the outside rail. There were clear excuses at his last start on the dirt, and prior at the Valley from the near outside draw, so he'll run much better today.
#8 DREAM WINNER was a comprehensive winner first up this season in class 3 and gives every indication he'll be winning again shortly in the higher grade. I'm happy to overlook his last start disappointment , with excuse a justified, and work of his excellent form prior. The drop back to the straight 1000m is the clear positive but the low draw does create partial volatility.
#4 WE ARE HERO has lost his way this season and is on his final chance. He was extremely exciting last campaign winning four races over this course and trip but has seemingly lost interest. Either that, or he hasn't come back the same horse this time in. Whatever the case, if he rocks up anywhere near his best you'd be wanting him in your exotics.
Selections : 6,7,1,8,4

R8 - 3,2,1,11,8

R9 - 6,2,5,7,9

R10 - 10,11,7,4,8