3 minute read

Brett Davis provides exclusive Preview of Sha Tin races.

Race 1

#5 The Multiplier has been a disappointing purchase for connections after arriving on a rating of sixty nine. He began his Hong Kong career this time last year and today finds himself in the lowest possible grade. An improved and quite encouraging effort was noted at his most recent start and something similar gives him a genuine winning chance.
#8 General Trump hasn't been overly taxed this season and that's reflected by his honest and consistent performances. The gates a little awkward on paper today but wide can often be better over this course and distance, plus, the right man is in the saddle. He's yet to win this season but is still one of the toughest opponents to beat.
#6 Boys Party was taken back at the jump recently which brought about an improved performance. He would've gained much needed self confidence with that approach and his closing sectionals thereafter was good. I'm hopeful the low draw doesn't force a push early after what we saw last start, as that would defeat the purpose.
#3 Steel Win has drawn pole position and his natural speed can position him well in the run. He's a two time winner on the all weather over 1200m and today receives the drop in grade. His form in the second half of the season has only been fair but if he's going to turn that around it'll likely be today.
#10 Regency Gem was a beaten favourite last start but had excuses out the gates. With Moreira moving elsewhere he'll be overlooked by many but shouldn't be underestimated. His recent form had been quite good which is why Moreira got on in the first place.

Selections : 5,8,6,3,10

R2 - 1,3,13,6,4

R3 - 6,10,3,11,1

Race 4

#1 Happy Day is a progressive 3yo son of "Per Incanto" and should take plenty of beating. Genuine excuses in the stretch, and cushion in the track, brought about his defeat as favourite recently but he's ready to atone. I'd anticipate from the low draw he'll be asked to sit handier in the run this time. If he copes well with that decision his outstanding final sprint can take care of the rest.
#8 Gang Of Brothers has shown plenty of potentially and today makes the transition to Shatin. The rise in trip to 1400m is also expected to be beneficial allowing him extra time to find his feet and rhythm. Zac Purton's had a long association with these particular owner's and a finish without his presence is difficult to imagine.
#9 Kung Fu Tea had clear excuses at his first attempt over a mile and wet conditions weren't a great help either. Previous form over 1400m saw a pair of hearty wins recorded in class 5 and then class 4. The blinkers have had plenty to do with his recent improvement and he doesn't appear to be on his handicap mark just yet.
#10 Brave Dreams has been consistently powering to the line from down back and is suited by the rise in trip. He's extremely raw and has plenty to learn, especially out the gates, but is displaying encouraging signs for next season. Where he ends up in the run today from an awkward draw is anyones guess but he's got the gears to challenge for the win.
#6 Fiery Diamond is bred to excel on the dirt, however, the change of surface might be a blessing in disguise. With Moreira and Purton both riding elsewhere his price should push out. A number of prior efforts this preparation rate him competitive and he maybe overlooked.

Selections : 1,8,9,10,6

R5 - 9,10,6,5,3

R6 - 2,4,3,1,5

R7 - 3,9,1,5,8

Race 8

#1 Carroll Street is a straight track specialist who's perfectly prepared for this event. Two recent trials have topped him off superbly and the drop in class is ideal. Alexis Badel has enjoyed another excellent and prosperous season in the saddle and he'll be eager to notch up another win.
#8 Run Run Cool has produced strong finishing bursts on a regular basis this campaign and in the process won two races. Zac Purton has invested plenty of time in to the Frankie Lor trained runner and his winning doesn't appear over. Barrier twelve is the ideal gate to leave from and the market shall likely brand him favourite.
#7 Metro Warrior, as previously mentioned, is an almost faultless performer when racing down the straight 1000m at Shatin. With a jockey aboard thats familiar, an excellent draw plus a 5lb relief in weight, he's impossible to dismiss. It's true, he doesn't win out of turn, but under today's circumstances you'd be brave to leave him out your calculations.
#6 Seize The Moment has been in fantastic form at Happy Valley, but can he transitioned that to headquarters at Shatin? He's been here before on two occasions and was competitive.
The fact Moreira abandons him however is intriguing. He's still progressing and should run well but must lift if he's to again win.
#2 Atomic Force was a very smart 2yo in France winning three of four starts. With two of those wins at Group 3 and Group 2 level respectively the handicappers allotted him a rating of eighty four. He's yet to display all his talent but with Moreira atop, plus the straight 1000m at Shatin on offer , improvement is expected.

Selections : 1,8,7,6,2

R9 - 9,4,1,2,5

R10 - 10,7,2,3,12