3 minute read

Brett Davis provides exclusive preview of Sha Tin races.

Rail - A Course

Race 1
#6 PANDA wasn't quite ready when he debuted in a restricted race in November but gained plenty from the experience.He's since tightened up noticeably and was quite professional in a straight 1000m trial in which he won.Karis Teetan hasn't allowed to many other riders to jump aboard for a spin so I'm confident he'll go close to getting it done.
#1 EIGHTY LIGHT YEARS has the race exposure on his side and is a free flowing jump and run conveyance.Therefore, with the inside gate to leave from and the 10lbs claiming rider aboard he's going to lead and give a big site.Returning to the shorter trip of 1200m is also in his favour, but, it depends on the strength of the chasers as to whether he can go all the way.
#3 GOLDEN LUCK has completed most of his racing at Happy Valley to this point but appears ready to switch back to Sha Tin.Hugh Bowman takes over the reigns from Brenton Avdulla, and Zac Purton prior to that, so it's assumed that his ability is up to this grade.Most maps have him settling on speed, and potential outside the leader, which creates his opportunity to run well.
#13 CHAMPION INSTINCT is edging closer and closer to a drop in grade but he can certainly win in class 4.He was mediocre first up in September but his following four efforts have been solid with justified excuses.A recent barrier trial portrayed him in very good shape and the light weight and nice draw are going to help.
#9 GANGNAM STAR has shown plenty of ability in the mornings, and at the barrier trials, but I get the feeling he thinks racing is just a big game.He's clearly a buzzed up brained, with plenty to learn, but there's an oversized engine imbedded in there somewhere.What he produces at his third career start is something yet to be determined, but I'd be keeping him safe in case he arrives.
Selections : 6,1,3,13,9

R2 - 9,8,2,5,4

R3 - 1,8,9,5,4

Race 4
#1 NORDIC COMBINED return with a bang when he absolutely destroyed a similar field to this first up at Happy Valley.
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 at his next start, before he bounced back with a narrow defeat here at Sha Tin.The wide draw today is hopefully advantageous because he appreciates plenty of galloping room to unwind.
#4 STARSHIP EIGHTY is approaching three consecutive wins and I'm not about to declare it can't be done.However, a return in trip to 1400m and an increase of 6lbs are the hurdles to overcome, but the good draw does assist.The stable is on fire and Hugh Bowman takes over the ride, from a very stiff and unlucky Karis Teetan, but he's nevertheless in the hunt again.
#3 PERFECT PEACH finds his way in to class 5 for the second time following an average beginning to the season.A couple of outside draws have made it difficult at two of his past three and he found trouble in running at Happy Valley four runs back.
A poor beginning from the near inside draw, and traffic issues turning for home last start, cost him plenty of momentum so he's capable of turning it around.
#5 APEX TOP was first to the rail from the inside draw two starts ago before going onto narrowly win.The low barrier gave him the advantage over the majority on that occasion and that'll be in his favour again today.
He possess the speed to cross those drawn underneath and therefore should lead and run a strong race, remembering that he's a winner in the higher grades.
#11 FIRE BALL has shown signs of better form recently and is particularly well rated on his career best form.The wide draw looks awkward on paper, but he is tactically versatile, and is therefore a big chance of rolling forward in search of a position on speed.Zac Purton has previously won on him and when he rides for the Yip stable, they generally go close to a win.
Selections : 1,4,3,5,11

R5 - 7,9,8,12,5

R6 - 3,2,5,12,7

Race 7
CHINESE CLUB CHALLENGE CUP(Gp 3 - 1400m - Hcp)
#4 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.He then resented an increase to the mile and subsequently finished down the track.The draw and rider booking today entitle him to some economical favours and a recent trial under Zac Purton, who can't ride this weight, say's he bounces back.
#1 CALIFORNIA SPANGLE enjoyed two strong trials leading into his seasonal return where he ran the opposition completely into the ground.He worked early from the wide draw, carried the big weight and was still tenacious enough to win.A similar scenario unfolded in the Gp 1 Hong Kong Mile recently so he's worthy of another chance.However, two ordinary efforts from a horse of this calibre combined with a huge weight don't have the confidence bells ringing.
#3 HEALTHY HAPPY was unable to win a race from eight attempts last season and in the process came down a few handicap points to a mark of 107.
A well earned rest during the off season break certainly rejuvenated his spirit because he was excellent in winning the Gp 3 Celebration Cup.
The draw today is awkward, and he'll probably struggle to lead, but the return to 1400m is a positive decision.I'd expect the winner of this very race two years ago to run particularly well.
#2 BEAUTY JOY is an established and respected high class galloper and his mere presence in any contest makes him worthy of respect.
The weight swing of 12lbs from his first up fourth in the Gp 3 Celebration Cup is worthy of note.A poor beginning in the Gp 2 Sha Tin Trophy then put and end to his winning prospects, however his last 800m was gritty, considering the race shape.He then ran BEAUTY ETERNAL to within a lip of defeat in the Gp 2 Jockey Club Cup, before running courageously on the big day in December.He's an enigmatic type but with James McDonald to ride he should probably go close to a winning.
#8 TAJ DRAGON I felt was a risk second up in class 2 but he threw an egg at me and hit me square in the face.He gave me the impression he might struggle this season, due to continuing inconsistency and the level of play, but it's actually going the other way.Now he rises to Gp 3 and shall need to raise the bar again but he'll adore the free feeling of a light weight.
Selections : 4,1,3,2,8

R8 - 1,4,9,6,5

R9 - 13,1,7,11,2

R10 - 5,9,11,10,2