3 minute read
Brett Davis provides exclusive preview of Sha Tin races.
Rail - C Course
Griffin
(3yo/2yo - All Unraced - Set Weights)
Race 1
#7 LA FORZA is a talented and well educated 2yo that's enjoyed a solid preparation for his racing debut with three Hong Kong trials. He displayed plenty of natural speed in his first trial at Conghua before easing down through the final 100m. His latest trial down the straight at Sha Tin saw him lead comfortably throughout for race day rider Zac Purton, whilst recording a solid time on the clock. He's drawn the wrong side of the track but it shouldn't be to bigger concern.
#4 SANTORINI has also been involved in three Hong Kong trials and the best of them was without doubt his most recent. He really struggled with his first of two trials at Conghua before improving at his second when stepping up to 1000m. He then relocated to Sha Tin where he was seen closing in on LA FORZA over this exact course and distance. As a 3yo he'll carry more weight but should chase up nicely final stages.
#6 THUNDER BLINK has been a difficult colt to get motivated but he's starting to get the hang of what's going on. He's been in work since July 2023 but struggled to find the focus required to be competitive under race conditions. He's been apart of five separate Hong Kong trials and they've all been poor or unsatisfactory, however, something appeared to click in his most recent hit out where he got moving through the line.
#8 RUN YES RUN has the cheek pieces applied for his debut which is a sign that he'll be handy after the jump. He was right up there in his only Hong Kong trial before tiring and looking at other horses over the final 300m. I'd expect he'll stick on better for that experience and stay more in tune with the contest when they're pushing at the line.
#3 CALIFORNIA STAR has spent the majority of his time preparing at the Conghua training complex in china where he's gradually improved. He doesn't appear to be overly speedy but conversely has found the line with some purpose across four trials. He's difficult to rate, because with apprentice going on he may be hunted out the gates, which can improve him sharply.
Selections : 7,4,6,8,3
R2 - 3,4,11,1,5
R3 - 5,13,9,1,10
R4 - 4,3,2,5,1
R5 - 5,8,12,4,10
R6 - 5,2,9,1,6
R7 - 1,7,3,9,12
R8 - 4,8,1,3,6
R9 - 3,2,9,6,12
Race 10
#13 AEROINVINCIBLE won a class 4 race in strong fashion a couple of runs back then made mistakes stepping up in grade. He got warm prior to the jump last outing and subsequently over raced outside the leader at his first attempt in class 3. He's been back at the trials since where he dropped his head early on, before powering home well at the line to score. He's got plenty to improve on and remains some risk, but he's on an upward spiral and can certainly bounce back to win.
#8 ORIENTAL SMOKE has endured an up and down preparation after reaching a career high rating of 90 point last season. He then won his fifth race three starts ago of a rating of 59 points which underlines the fact he remains well rated. In general, he struggles to run out a solid 1400m but with the 10lb claiming apprentice booked to ride, and no other anticipated contestants for the lead, he should being trying to lead throughout.
#1 AMAZING VICTORY is almost back to his previous winning rating of 68 and Hugh Bowman would be well and truly aware of that statistic. He backs up for his 3rd ride in six weeks on this super honest gelding and they've draw a low gate, which is key. The near top weight does create some reservations because he's knot overly big, but he'll receive the right run in transit and be there when it counts.
#14 FOOLISH HEART is creeping closer to his first Hong Kong win and appears among the main chances following a luckless effort last start. Jockey Derek Leung has put in plenty of hours trying to secure his first Hong Kong victory and they went close to getting it done at the top of class 4. With his rating unchanged by the handicappers at 60 points connections have this time opted for a return to class 3, which reduces his weight and is seen as the potentially better option.
#4 KARMA has drawn the outside alley which shall force him to give away ground considering he generally settles back. The pace of this race also appears like it'll go against him which is another negative alongside his name. However, he's capable of winning more races in this grade and the drop back in trip could create a chance to close in, but for that to happen he'll need them to barbecue each other up front when there sorting out the early order.
Selections : 13,8,1,14,4
Race 11
#2 FLAGSHIP WARRIOR is as close to another win as he's ever been and the low draw gives him a great chance. He was a better than class 3 galloper in Australia but a win early made it difficult to keep climbing whilst acclimatisation issues began to kick in. It's been a much slower and calculated campaign adopted by trainer Casper Fownes this season and that approach should end up being rewarded soon.
#9 SUNSTRIDER cut loose with a real blast over the final furlong last start and in the process caught a few eyes. The former Australian showed good signs when winning two races in provincial Victoria and his pedigree confirms he'll be wanting further ground. Zac Purton spotted the recent effort and has now secured the ride, he's also jumped aboard for his last three morning gallops leading into this event.
#5 HOLY LAKE hasn't quite been up to class 3 company following a win in January at a lower level, but at the same time he's bumped into some pretty tough opposition along the way. His two recent runs over the longer distances shall definitely add some strength to his game as he returns to a race over the mile. Vincent Ho also jumps back aboard after returning from injury and their overall record together is supremely strong.
#13 WINNING DATA raced below his best last start where he jumped the race favourite after winning nicely in class 4. The stronger opponents seemed to soften him up a fraction during the first half, although, his sectional times don't suggest that's was entirely the case. It was an inconclusive result in retrospect, so he goes in fourth, but he could certainly run better and feature higher up.
#8 LOYAL BO BO should be finding the rail in front of FRANTANCK and the two could possibly cancel each other out. Both are in excellent form and if they can settle things quietly on the lead they'll both end up being a good chance. But it seems as though they'll be forced to race hard early on, plus one is carrying a bigger weight, and the other is up in trip.
Selections : 2,9,5,13,8
