3 minute read
Brett Davis provides exclusive preview of Sha Tin races.
Rail - B+2 Course
AWT - 1,6,8
Race 1
#10 SUPER JOY was heading towards retirement at the end of last season if he didn't pick up his game, and with that in mind connections opted for a change of trainer and racing surface.The cross over nose band was also added and results are now there for all to see.With a good draw and similar opposition to defeat he only has to step away on terms and hold a position to win.
#5 BEAT HOLLOW lead all the way to win four 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 the money before things got tight and tricky close to home.
He's since continually displayed faultless gate speed and proven if he's given the opportunity to lead, he'll run you a race.Therefore, a race back on to the all weather surface should suit perfectly.
#6 CHARMING STEED hasn't had a great deal of exposure to the dirt under race conditions but when he has he's run well.With multiple gear changes taking place and an experienced rider jumping back on he should be placed to advantage.He's going better than his form currently reads and is a solid option.
#4 VAMOS is a long standing twenty six start maiden but continues to race well.His effort on the dirt two runs back when finishing third was the clear run of the race, but if you've been backing him to win you're a long way behind.Nevertheless, with the blinkers removed and a lameness issue behind him he's right amongst the exotic chances.
#1 ISLAND SURPRISE finds himself back in class 5 and should be genuinely respected on his class alone.He's never raced on the all weather track, and is ideally looking for a race at Happy Valley, but with Hugh Bowman booked for the ride he'll be given every chance.Recent efforts have been sound without inspiring but he can he thereabouts.
Selections : 10,5,6,4,1
R2 - 5,8,1,9,10
R3 - 4,3,2,7,1
R4 - 2,10,11,12,1
Race 5
#1 FLYING HIGH draw's perfectly for a straight 1000m event and is knocking on the door for another win.The 6yo was in excellent form near the conclusion of last season but unfortunately bled in May.His win the start prior, over this course and trip, suggested better was to come and that appears the case now.With three runs now under the belt, two of which rated highly, he's a viable proposition even with the weight.
#6 NORTHERN BEACHES is a good looking scopey type with wins up his sleeve and difficult to take on.He's produced outstanding mid race sectionals on two seperate occasions and the straight 1000m races are seemingly suiting his action.With only two extra pounds to shoulder following a last start win in this grade he's a must to include.
#9 CALIFORNIA TOUCH was sent out a 50/1 chance at his second Hong Kong start and nearly caused a huge boil over.The former Australian galloper won a Hawkesbury maiden and then a Wyong Bm64 before his shipment to Asia.He's drawn the wrong part of the track but it's only a smallish field so barriers perhaps aren't as important.If he finds another length or two or what he produced recently, he'll win.
#2 O'LINER remains relatively unexposed to this point and has recently displayed consistent form at Happy Valley.
Hugh Bowman jumps aboard for the first time with Zac Purton absent and from the inside draw either leads, or sits in behind.
If he delivers something similar to what he's dished out at two of his past four starts, he'll be right in it for the win.A race down the Sha Tin straight is however a perplexing decision considering his lack of strength.
#3 PLEASANT ENDEAVOUR has made a career out of running in races similar to this and can be included in calculations.He's only saluted the judge on one occasion in this class but is advantaged today by the 10lb claim.His form behind FLYING HIGH back in May would have him right in the finish but it's vital he begins without hesitation.
Selections : 1,6,9,2,3
R6 - 2,4,10,11,3
Race 7
Bauhinia Sprint Trophy
(Gp 3 - 1000m - Hcp)
#10 WE ARE HERO had lost his way until last start where a lack of space, at a critical stage near the 200m, cost him certain victory when he was checked.We mentioned prior to the event that he was an exciting galloper last campaign, winning four races over this course and trip, so it was great to see him back.If he rocks up in that frame of mind again, and finds a clearer path, then he can crunch the leaders for a potential win.
#8 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 then took over the steering from Hugh Bowman last start and with a 15lbs swing at the weights, went on to defy all opponents with strength.
Race times down the straight have been somewhat slower over the past few months, so it's difficult to get a clear picture on how well he's actually doing, but he's going to be tough to beat.
#7 FLYING ACE is engaged for his first attempt at a straight race and it could be just what he requires.The lightly raced son of SWISS ACE has an excellent turn of foot and should be aided by the straight line contest.Mathew Poon also reunites with this exciting prospect and their record together speaks for itself.A light weight tops things off perfectly and it'll be intriguing to see how he runs.
#1 VICTOR THE WINNER drops back in trip following his gutsy fourth placing in the Gp 1 Hong Kong International Sprint.He has all the class, but the weight to go with it, which ultimately favours those horses on the way up.He'll be up on speed and therefore make his presence felt.What he's got to offer under the heavy load when whips are cracking however, is still yet to be answered.
#2 SUPER WEALTHY is a course and distance specialist and two time winner in the class but recently declared roarer.He's also lining up for just his second run in nine months but it'll be for the hottest stable in town.Trainer Pierre Ng has given him two additional trials since a disappointing return and he's appeared in good shape.He's a big chance, if anywhere near right, so market movements are required.
Selections : 10,8,7,1,2
R8 - 6,3,5,9,1
R9 - 8,4,1,5,13
R10 - 5,8,7,1,12
