3 minute read
Brett Davis provides exclusive preview of Sha Tin races.
Rail - A+3 Course
Race 1
#14 TSUEN WAN GLORY is a revitalised animal this season and the evidence is in his recent results for all to see. As a youngster he endured a major pelvic stress injury and it's taken a long time for him to regain the confidence to fully let down when placed under pressure. He's enjoyed a nice quiet freshen up, and trial, since a pair of wins and there's no reason to suggest he wont make it three.
#8 YOUNG HORIZON changes course and distance following a hard finishing second at Happy Valley last start, and that'll be in his favour with his only career win right here over the 1400m at Sha Tin. Zac Purton jumps back aboard from what appears the ideal barrier so it's hard to imagine he won't be given his chance. The HKJC Racing Club also race this fellow so there'll be plenty of money on.
#3 BEAT HOLLOW has the right claiming jockey on board and is drawn ideally to lead this race from the outset. He's got stacks of natural pace and is twice a winner in this grade so the return to class 5 is a major plus. Despite the fact he's previously won over this distance the 1400m is the biggest hurdle to overcome. Had this event been 1200m he probably gets tipped, but the longer trip is testing.
#11 CHARMANDER was eased down over the final furlong last start by Zac Purton after racing on speed for the majority. His form prior was pointing in the direction of a win so he comes under notice now he's back racing with no abnormality. He's was sent back to the trials in between and went around quietly, out the back, under his own steam. He could easily bounce back to feature.
#5 HEARTY WISH has lost his confidence during the season following a number of heavy bumps out the gates. His rating has dropped significantly during this time and he now finds his way in to the bottom grade. He's a far better conveyance than the price suggests and with blinkers going back on he's certainly worth including.
Selections : 14,8,3,11,5
Race 2
#2 NOBLE ONE takes the option to race back in class 5 after testing the water in class 4 at his most recent start. He's only been victorious on one occasion in his career and it was with Zac Purton on board at the back end of last year. The 1200m has been a little on the sharp side generally throughout his career, so he'll need to do everything right, but the inside barrier draw can assist.
#1 E GLORY ran a career best at his latest attempt and it should be acknowledged that it coincided with the blinkers going on and a drop in grade. Conditions are almost identical today regarding jockey, barrier plus track and trip so I'd expect him to improve again. He's displayed enough tactical speed previously to suggest he can cross those drawn underneath, so if he finds some rhythm and comfort on the lead he could potentially run it all the way.
#10 GREAT DAYS has done very little in his thirteen start career but at the same time he's run a couple of solid races. He bounced forward looking to lead over the 1000m last start but couldn't cross and was found wanting the final stages. Returning to Sha Tin and 1200m appears positive and a nice draw can assist. Plus, with Karis Teetan taking back the reigns from Zac Purton you'll receive a much better price.
#7 SWEET DIAMOND ran a nice race to just go under behind HAPPY TANGO two start back and is worthy of consideration after another hearty effort last start. He's a winner in class 4 for this jockey Alexis Badel but unfortunately draws another ugly and awkward barrier. He's tactically adaptable and it's predicated he'll race forward, which means he'll need luck, but he's very consistent and close to another win.
#3 RATTAN WORLD was checked badly on the dirt four runs back, which warranted excuses, before Zac Purton backed up for another attempt on turf and got the prize. His performance was strong, considering the awkward draw and chequered passage, so it wasn't a surprise to see him run well again his following start. Anton Hamelin then made no use of the inside draw at all last effort so the result was graded a poor ride. He could easily atone and feature in the finish today despite the wide draw.
Selections : 2,1,10,7,3
R3 - 4,7,5,2,1
R4 - 7,14,1,3,5
R5 - 3,10,4,5,2
R6 - 3,5,1,9,8
R7 - 4,11,1,3,7
R8 - 2,6,10,4,1
R9 - 13,1,3,8,10
Race 10
#1 GORGEOUS WIN is on a steep climb up the ratings mountain after rising twenty eight points across his past four starts. With 135lb to shoulder today and a slightly tricky draw there are reasons to consider taking him on for the win. However, he remains in class 3 and continues to produce excellent sectionals so the question is what's going to beat him, or run him down.
#8 KAHOLO ANGEL has the speed and draw to push up and attempt to lead. Apprentice Ellis Wong has an excellent record atop this lightly raced improving type and with a 113lbs on his back he'll be difficult to cut down. He missed a run in January due to a blood abnormality but his work leading in has been very good.
If things don't go right for GORGEOUS WIN then he's the one to likely be on.
#13 GOLDEN LONG makes his Sha Tin debut and has come up with the perfect barrier draw in gate four. Like GORGEOUS WIN he's a 3yo taking on the older horses but has plenty of natural talent and scope. There's a chance he might find the back of GORGEOUS WIN during the run, which would be ideal for his opportunity to win.
#7 JAMES TAK is also a smart young 3yo and from the inside draw must be considered amongst the main chances. He's been mixing his distances and knows this track well, however there's a chance he gets caught up mid race on the rail. If that doesn't eventuate then he'll obtain the gun run, but I'm weary of where he'll be when the field swings for home.
#2 IMA SINGLE MAN was 91/1 two runs ago before being punted into 9/1 last start when he lead and got the money. The same tactics shall no doubt apply on this occasion, despite the wider draw, and with the claim being utilised once again he'll be somewhere near the lead. He remains well rated and should go well but we might've already missed the boat.
Selections : 1,8,13,7,2
