3 minute read

Brett Davis provides exclusive Preview of Sha Tin races.

Rail - C+3 Position

Race 1

#13 TSUEN WAN GLORY is a nineteen start maiden and one of the lowest rated runners on the program but this is his chance to win.
He's been extremely honest at his two previous attempts when finding the line purposely over this very course and trip.
He draw's ideally in gate five, has the tactical speed to position handy and in the process secure a striking position.
If that unfolds, he only has to repeat his recent output data to win.

#2 DRAGON DELIGHT found the line quite nicely at his first attempt in class 5 and now drops back in trip to 1400m.
He'll secure a good run in the race with Hugh Bowman aboard but the negative is he's up significantly in weight.
Nevertheless, he continues to work well during morning gallops and has been competitive in much harder races.

#5 FIRE BALL had recently shown signs of better form so it was no surprise to see him notch up a fourth career win.
Conditions are not dissimilar today with
the same jockey, class and distance being utilised, however, there's a 6lbs increase in weight he must shoulder.
With that in mind it's anticipated Zac Purton might want the lead on his own which has him hard to catch.

#14 SMART BEAUTY is the lowest rated galloper on the entire program but has been recently threatening to win.
With a low draw, tactical versatility and claiming rider aboard he's never been more advantaged over the opposition.
He's another low grade galloper that's struggling to save his career but he's in good company, which gives him a chance.

#4 TACTICAL COMMAND has shown glimpses of ability and is worthy of inclusion at a decent price.
When finishing third at Happy Valley in late November 2023 he recorded a reasonable rating on the clock.
That event was in class 4, against superior opposition, with his two following runs offering excuses, if you look at the overall picture hard enough.
With check pieces added and a potential strong tempo to run at he can race well.

Selections : 13,2,5,14,4

R2 - 1,10,8,9,2

R3 - 3,1,8,12,11

Race 4

#1 JAMES TAK chased a pair of very speedy customers through the first half of his win last start which showcased his ability to find under pressure.
Now at the top of class 4, connections have rightfully called upon 10lbs claiming apprentice Ellis Wong to jump aboard, which allows him to effectively compete as a winner with minimal penalty.
There are additional speed opponents he'll have to deal with but if he doesn't win he'll go close.

#9 LIFELINE EXPRESS was sent out at a big price on debut but put the lack of confidence to bed quickly with an encouraging third place.
It's worth remembering John Size doesn't
have, or keep, any mediocre gallopers, he only receives the best coming through.
With that in mind, plus the fact jockey ANDREA ATZENI continues his association, it's difficult to envisaging anything but an improved result.

#2 METRO WARRIOR lines up for his thirty fifth start down the Sha Tin straight and this is where he loves to race.
Zac Purton has ridden him ten times for just the one win but there's been six minor placings to go with it.
The draw is good and he's only been a few lengths away at his most outings this campaign, which can hold in good stead.
The key however, is the drop into class 4 which creates an unprecedented opportunistic chance.

#11 CHILLI BABA won his first race start over this course and distance last season but has struggled to back it up with another victory since.
On the flip side, four runs over the 1400m this campaign have now increased his overall strength as he returns to the scene of the crime.
An excellent draw complemented by a 5lbs claim have him attractively placed so I'd be surprised if he didn't run a race.

#6 DEEP PURSUIT finally makes his debut for the Casper Fownes yard after being in work for over a year.
There's hasn't been any recorded veterinary issues so it appears as though he's just needed time.
His most recent trial, and there's been seven in total, was a win over the 1000m at Conghua in mid December.
It was a noted improvement on what he been earlier producing and he won't be going around underdone.

Selections : 1,9,2,11,6

R5 - 10,12,14,2,5

R6 - 10,3,7,1,11

Race 7

POK OI CUP
(Class 2 - 1200m - Hcp)

#6 GALAXY PATCH is emerging as a top line sprinter the way he's chugging along and today chases his first trophy win.
Those who moved him on from South Australia would never have thought he'd end as good as he is, so it's turned out to be a very prudent and astute purchase.
The jump between class 2/3 in Hong Kong is not overly huge when your winning with authority, so with a 12lb relief on the scales he's the one to beat.

#5 BUNDLE OF CHARM has been extremely honest this campaign and is drawn to run another good race.
All wins have been accumulated over this course and trip, however, a win in class 2 company eludes him at this point.
Recently signed/extended for the entire season Brendan Avdulla now gets the call up, and he'll be keen to make it count.

#7 LUCKY ENCOUNTER is another astute purchase that's made an immediate impact on the Hong Kong scene.
He was defeated last start, after tiring in the run to the line, but was thereafter scoped to find blood.
He's trialled satisfactorily since and is ready to jump up in grade, however, Karis Teetan sticks with GALAXY PATCH and hands over the ride to someone else.

#8 GUMMY GUMMY has registered some impressive victories on the all weather track recently so he arrives in super form.
The challenge he faces today is stepping from dirt to turf, whilst jumping up in grade, which is a hole next galaxy in itself.
A new rider atop is another reason for hesitation, along with the fact that he's never been aboard, but winning form is good form so it'll be interesting to see where he finishes up.

#3 KEEFY is the intriguing runner coming back in trip to 1200m, at Sha Tin, following two recents runs over the Valley mile.
Where his early excellent form has disappeared too is a question for the racing gods, because he's been uncompetitive in all events contested for quite sometime.
With fitness peaking, an apprentice claim, blinkers first time and a low rating of 91, there's plenty in his favour if he rocks up.

Selections : 6,5,7,8,3

R8 - 10,5,4,2,3

R9 - 2,6,5,13,11

R10 - 3,1,4,11,8