3 minute read
Brett Davis provides exclusive preview of Sha Tin races.
All Weather Track
(All Races)
Race 1
#3 M M NEBULA has found some excellent form across his past couple of starts and a return to the dirt gives him a fantastic chance to win.He got back too far on this surface two runs ago before chiming in over the final 100m to finish an encouraging third.Zac Purton was aboard on that occasion and tonight he reunites from gate five.He's likely to get all favours in the run from that particular starting point and the distance of 1800m reads ideal.
#1 LEGION OF MERIT is a three time winner in the higher grades but has clearly lost his confidence and enthusiasm over the past twelve months.This surface and distance doesn't appear negative and the inside draw should only assist his position in the run.I'd be inclined to include him in all calculations now he's reached class 5 because he's better than most of the opposing runners, pound for pound.
#4 NICE BIRDIE has been extremely tough and honest all season despite the way his form may appear.He did his fair share of work during the middle stages last start but like always he was still there fighting hard at the end.He's a one paced grinder that shall be suited by a strong tempo here with speed drawn right across the gate.Hugh Bowman now jumps aboard for the first time, which is a major plus, and the all weather track surface is of no concern.
#5 HAPPY HERO is proven over this distance and even beyond but makes his career debut on the all weather track.He works on it regularly, and his mother was American bred, so you'd expect that it won't be of any real concern.However, most of his good trials and race day performances have come on the turf, so there is hesitation, so let's see now if there's any solid market support.
#8 PRECISION GOAL remains a Hong Kong maiden and recently switched stables from Benno Yung to David Hayes.He's got plenty of natural gate speed, to offset the wide barrier, and could cross this field whilst taking up the lead.He's already enjoyed two previous runs on this surface when finding the front so expect him to run well, however, the longer trip of 1800m is where thedoubt creeps in.
Selections : 3,1,4,5,8
R2 - 10,11,6,1,9
R3 - 3,5,10,6,11
Race 4
#2 SOLID SHALAA was in the horses to follow list at the start of the season so it's been a costly adventure so far.Nevertheless, he's found his mojo over the last few months and is now racing with fluency and great confidence.With a familiar rider aboard, on a familiar surface, they should prove difficult to beat, especially when you considering that he arrived on a rating of sixty eight.
#10 HIGH RISE POWER ran a much improved race on the dirt recently and exposed his engine in the process.He's only been engaged in four career starts to this point but from what he's recorded on the clock he's definitely on the way up.Inexperience could easily cost him the win again tonight if he makes a few mistakes, but if he doesn't, he'll be hard to hold out when they dash for the judge.
#1 MONTA FRUTTA now drops into the easier company of class 4 for the first time and is advantaged by a 5lb claim.He suffered a hearty irregularity in late January which unfortunately put a dampener on his progress as he was going nicely at the time.Trainer Tony Cruz has since been easy on him out of the barriers allowing him to work in to the race from down the back.However, I won't be surprised if tacticschange and he's ridden hard at the start.
#4 DIAMOND FLARE has been successful previously on this surface from a low draw but the key is he must start well.He's always been a noted jump and run type that can carve out time but if he doesn't lead he can easily fizzle out.With the 10lb claiming ride Ellis Wong booked to ride, and barrier one on their side, he remains rather difficult to ignore.
#3 FLYING DRAGON is a three time winner over this course and trip and certainly races at his best on this track.Hugh Bowman jumps back aboard for a third attempt but they'll need a touch of luck from the middle range draw.He's well enough rated and capable of improving on his past couple, therefore, worthy of including in your thoughts.
Selections : 2,10,1,4,3
R5 - 5,4,8,1,7
R6 - 5,1,2,4,8
R7 - 5,8,13,10,9
R8 - 7,8,13,4,6
