3 minute read

Brett Davis provides exclusive preview of Sha Tin races.

Rail - A+3 Course

Race 1
#2 NICHOLSON RETURNS is ready to find his best form now he's back in class 4 and should receive all favours from the nice draw.He probably should've won last start before crowding at a vital stage dampened his momentum in a field similar to this.Zac Purton retains the ride and it's difficult to envisage him out of the finish so he's therefore classified as the standout roving banker.
#7 WINNING STEPS is on the quick back up following a gallant performance on the dirt last Wednesday evening.He's a big unit with a massive gapping stride and generally struggles a turn of foot, however, conversely he can run at high speed for long periods of time.If he finds his way into a forward position early and is given plenty of room, he'll stay on better than most when push comes to shove.
#8 JUBILANTION is enjoying another prosperous season and coping well with the requirements of class 4 company.He rolled forward to lead, and win, over this course and trip two starts back and that's precisely what he'll be looking to do today.He is tactically versatile, so if he slightly misses the jump it's not all over, but he's be better positioned out in front.
#3 WONDER YEARS seems in a good space at the moment and that's evident by his recent powerful closing speed.Hugh Bowman takes over the reigns this afternoon for the first time and he would've surely done his homework.It's important to point out, this guy has a nasty habit of beginning like a turtle, and if you let him get the better of you he can switch off.
#10 LITTLE FAIRY is yet to win a race and is clearly being aimed at the easier assignments of the bottom grade.Nevertheless, he stayed on well after working hard in the run last outing courtesy of the wide barrier draw.With an economical run almost guaranteed from the inside draw he should be finishing closer.
Selections : 2,7,8,3,10

R2 - 5,8,1,6,2

R3 - 2,4,1,10,6

R4 - 5,12,6,1,8

R5 - 2,9,12,5,6

R6 - 13,2,1,6,8

Race 7
#9 GORGEOUS WIN is one of the more progressive 3yo sprinters on the circuit in Hong Kong and from the low gate he'll take beating.He possesses faultless gate speed which transitions into a high cruising motion and with more racing he can only improve on his strength.He bumped into RAGING BLIZZARD last start who narrowly beat him for a turn of foot but that's unlikely to happen today.
#4 ENTERPRISE ATTACK missed his opening run of the season in October due to a heart irregularity but he's back on track for a return.He's spent plenty of time at the Conghua training centre in China the past few months where he's trialled well without being over the top.He should position handy near the rail and run a good race but he'll likely need the outing.
#1 GOKO WIN is an inconsistent and generally unreliable galloper to say the least but he's more than capable in this grade.A change of rider and venue are in his favour here because mental stimulation and variety is something he thrives on.It's a poor draw and big weight to shoulder but with the size motor he's got he can certainly feature if he's in the right mood.
#11 EIGHTY LIGHT YEARS finds his way back in to class 3 company following an on pace victory last start.He enjoyed the comforts of a 10lbs claim on that occasion which assisted greatly in the sit and dash style of that event.He'll need a lift on what he's produced previously in this grade but has gained in strength according to the body weight scales.
#10 ORIENTAL SMOKE won three races during the early part of last season before losing all form at the end of last term.That better form has remained absent so far this campaign but there's signs around to suggest he's not far away.He's extremely well situated with his last win off a rating of eighty three, so with a senior rider back aboard and a return to 1200m I'd be definitely sneaking him in.
Selections : 9,4,1,11,10

Race 8
"CENTENARY SPRINT CUP"1st Leg Sprint Series(Gp 1 - 1200m - Set Weights)
#1 LUCKY SWEYNESSE was given ten day's off during the off season break but it's been business as usual ever since for the world's best sprinter.Admittedly, he was worked conservatively leading in to his seasonal return in September when unable to cut back VICTOR THE WINNER on a yielding track.He then tasted a narrow defeat second up behind SIGHT SUCCESS, in a tactical encounter, as the short price 1.40 favourite.After a sluggish beginning, he showed everyone who's boss in the Gp 2 Jockey Club Sprint with an awesome final 400m blitz.The Gp 1 Hong Kong International Sprint victory was the cherry on his cream pie as he atoned for the disappointments of the previous season.The champ draws well and there's been no regression, despite blood in the trachea after his last win, so what ever defeats him scores.
#2 WELLINGTON hasn't won since his memorable victory in the 2022 Gp 1 Hong Kong Sprint where he cut down SIGHT SUCCESS to score.It was his fourth Gp 1 victory and the highlight of an incredible career before an unsuccessful trip to Royal Ascot and lengthy spell followed.He then returned to racing under the care of new trainer Jamie Richards with an excellent chasing defeat, before another honest third in the 2023 Gp 1 Hong Kong International Sprint.He should be cheery ripe going in third up and if LUCKY SWEYNESSE blunders in any way, he'll be there to mop up the mess.
#5 LUCKY WITH YOU has gone to a new level since leaving David Hayes and joining Ricky Yui and with a clearer run, at a vital stage, would've caused a boil over in the December feature sprint.The question now on everybody's lips is can he back that up with another high quality pursuit.His recent trial down the straight in preparation was just as good as LUCKY SWEYNESSE on the eye, so it'll be interesting to see what he's got.
#6 VICTOR THE WINNER shall meet LUCKY SWEYNESSE worse off at the weights for his victory in the Chief Executive's Cup but remains a runner to cut back once they turn for home.Trainer Danny Shum left nothing to chance by giving his charger a thorough and rigorous preparation for the season's feature sprint last time out and again there'll be no excuses regarding fitness.The big weight and straight track racing didn't suit his style in the Gp 3 Bauhinia Sprint so he's worthy of a little leeway.
#8 TAJ DRAGON steps in to the group 1 galaxy for the first time following an outstanding season so far with three wins.The two big hurdles he must leap today are the set weights scale, and a return in trip to 1200m.He should however receive the strong pace he throughly enjoys, which shall give him the opportunity to launch his awesome swooping sprint.
Selections : 1,2,5,6,8

R9 - 5,3,7,8,11

R10 - 7,8,2,10,12