3 minute read

Brett Davis provides exclusive preview of Sha Tin races.

"FWD CHAMPIONS DAY"

"Chairman's Sprint Prize"International Gp11200m - HKD $22 Million 

"Champions Mile"International Gp11600m - HKD $22 Million 

"Queen Elizabeth ll Cup"International Gp12000m - HKD $28 Million

Rail - A Course

R1 - 2,6,12,7,8

R2 - 7,1,11,6,2

R3 - 2,1,3,6,14

R4 - 1,4,5,2,13

Race 5

CHAIRMAN'S SPRINT PRIZE(Gp1 - 1200m - Set Weights)

#1 CALIFORNIA SPANGLE has made a successful transition over the past 12 months from Hong Kong miler to sprinter.He won the 2022 Hong Kong Mile at his peak before finishing 3rd in the FWD Champions Mile behind GOLDEN SIXTY this time last year.A loss of strength in a finish and overall form earlier this season forced trainer Tony Cruz to make adjustments and a drop back in distance was born.His recent win at Meydan in the Gp1 Alquoz Sprint was testament to his rejuvenated spirit and well being.

#3 VICTOR THE WINNER has lifted his game to the highest level this season and was rewarded with victory in the Gp1 Centenary Sprint Cup in January.He's also proven along the way he's a genuine 1200m circular competitor that is best when dictating and open to varying types of weather and ground.His recent trip to Japan was full of praise after leading at speed from a wide gate before being overrun in the concluding stages by Japanese rival MAD COOL.The return home, low barrier draw and possible sting out the track are all factors suggesting he can win.

#2 MAD COOL wasn't at his best when he ventured to Sha Tin in December for his first Gp1 attempt away from home.Connections have given the impression during the week that he's far more comfortable this time around and despite the wide draw rate him a strong chance.He remains a young sprinting colt on the rise, so immaturity remains a potential issue once he reaches the parade, however, its worth noting that both performances either side of the December blemish where top quality.

#8 FLYING ACE rises to the top echelon for just the second time and couldn't be better prepared for the task ahead.Zac Purton reacquainted himself to the David Hall trained runner back in February and has stayed loyal ever since.A near outside draw made things challenging for him in the Gp2 Sprint Cup as he was forced to race wide throughout.He maps to secure a better outcome today provided he holds a forward position through the crucial first half.

#5 INVINCIBLE SAGE has enjoyed an excellent season and with check pieces remaining on should be respected.Up until his recent 2nd place in the Gp2 Sprint Cup he'd only been recognised for his ability down the Sha Tin straight, but since then he's certainly showed there are wins to come if he can successfully transition to circle competition.He was solid at his first two attempts in group company and the draw here allows him to make his own luck, plus, with cushion in the track he'll only be further advantaged.

Selections : 1,3,2,8,5

R6 - 13,10,7,11,8

Race 7

FWD CHAMPIONS MILE(Gp1 - 1600m - Set Weights)

#1 GOLDEN SIXTY returns to the Sha Tin today for what could potentially be his final career start.Trainer Francis Lui has been non committal when asked about his future during the week leading up to the FWD Champions Mile and rightfully focused on the job at hand.However, there are loud whisper's around suggesting that win, lose or draw he'll find his way to Japan where a deserved and restful retirement awaits.Whatever the case maybe, with 26 wins from 30 starts, 10 of which hold Group 1 status, there is zero left to prove for the almighty "King Of Kong".With almost every credible Hong Kong record already attained it comes down to whether he's been prepared well enough to win, and that hasn't been under fire or question on to many occasions.

#9 GALAXY PATCH has come along way in a short time after winning a maiden in South Australia and now lines up in an International Group 1.He surprised many, including myself, with his adaptability to the longer distance of the Hong Kong Derby and was simply awesome and incredible in defeat.He now returns to the 1600m, whilst drawing barrier one, and shall therefore be poised to make his existence felt.It's going to be fascinating to see what he's got to offer if the opportunity to square off with GOLDEN SIXTY unfolds.

#2 VOYAGE BUBBLE finished fourth behind GOLDEN SIXTY in this precise event last year after winning the 2023 Hong Kong Derby in amazing fashion.His win in the Gp1 Stewards Cup in January then confirmed his elite status after he powered on for a comfortable win.A trip to Dubai in March however went pear shaped, after he failed to properly settle and then finished down the track.By all reports, he's happy being back home and working well so a positive outcome is again predicted.

#4 BEAUTY JOY hadn't won a race since June 2022 until he broke the ice last start but had been placed at the highest level on multiple occasions.He's an extremely quirky type who often takes the mickey out of his rider's by refusing to stay in touch the first half.He then gets motivated around the 600m, via an abundance of hard core riding, but it's generally too late.However, last time he competed he displayed a far more purposeful demeanour out the gates which produced a win, if he repeats that dose of enthusiasm here he'll be in the finish.

#3 BEAUTY ETERNAL had every opportunity to win a second race at Gp2 level last start but was beaten fair and square on the day.Whether the 1600m is his best journey, opposed to 1200m or 1400m, is a debatable subject but he has won over the distance three times before.Despite the strong opposition he faces and depth of class across the board he should be granted respect, even from a horror and unenviable draw.

Selections : 1,9,2,4,3

R8 - 4,1,5,11,3

Race 9

FWD QUEEN ELIZEBETH ll CUP(Gp1 - 2000m - Set Weights)

#4 PROGNOSIS is a lightly raced but extremely talented thoroughbred that's very much still on the rise.The Japanese galloper makes his third trip to Sha Tin following and 2nd in this event last year, and a luckless 5th in the Gp1 Hong Kong Cup in December.He's once again worked particularly well in the lead up to this fascinating event so it would be a real surprise in he didn't run well or ultimately win.There's been rain about in the days leading up which may has soften the track but none on the day would be preferred.

#1 ROMANTIC WARRIOR was far superior in this event last year when starting the 1.6 favourite after box seating throughout from the ideal draw.He's since won another 3 Gp1 1 races including a heart wrenching narrow victory in the Gp1 Cox Plate in Australia.He can challenge for a Hong Kong "Horses of the Year" title if he win this today and in the process notch up Gp1 win number 7.The obstacles he must overcome to achieved that however are the wide draw and Golden Sixty failing to win.

 #11 MASSIVE SOVEREIGN has really turned it on since his arrival from the north and now holds the coveted title of Hong Kong Derby winner.He's something very special, that's been clearly obvious to see, and Hong Kong Derby winners boast a forceful record when backing up into this event.He's draw to conserve energy before releasing his explosive turn of foot, so it'll be interesting to see how he measures up against those at the very top.The X-Factor component!!

#2 DUBAI HONOUR has ventured to Hong Kong on two occasions previously and both times been thereabouts.He went off the boil after his 3rd place in this race last year and was subsequently spelled during the winter up north.He returned with a comprehensive listed win on the polytrack at Kempsey before jumping on a plane to Hong Kong.He's settled in well and looks a happy horse, and we know he'll thrive on rain affected or cushioned surface.

#5 STRAIGHT ARRON has a few question marks hovering over his performance in Dubai but if he's anywhere near his best he'll just about win.He was spot on for his attempt at the Gp1 Hong Kong Cup in December and about to win before being untimely impeded in the home stretch.It was a bitter pill to swallow for returning rider Vincent Ho and I've got no doubt he'll be out to avenge.

Selections : 4,1,11,2,5

R9 - 9,8,7,10,5

R10 - 7,8,14,5,2