3 minute read

Brett Davis provides exclusive preview of Sha Tin races.

Rail - C Course (Position)
AWT - 1,5,

Race 1

#1 ERIMO has enjoyed another prosperous season with three wins and two seconds so far. A recent transfer to the all weather surface has added another string to his bow and he's currently rating better than his best efforts on turf. The 1800m is an untried distance, which he must overcome, but on his victory two runs ago he's the horse they all have to beat, despite the weight.
#7 NORDIC STAR has produced inconsistencies with his early runs in Hong Kong but a sense of optimism is prevalent at the same time. The former Middle East trained runner is well traveled and extremely competent on the alternative surfaces and shouldn't be underestimated. Infact, his most recent closing 600m sectional was superior to that of any opponent, including ERIMO, and today he's much better off at the weights.
#6 ADEFILL has made a name for himself on the all weather over the past five months and should be in discussions. The draw and jockey booking are positive but the combination of class 3 company, mixed with a rise to 1800m, creates doubt. Nevertheless, he's entitled to the opportunity and time shall tell if he's good enough to win.
#2 TIANCHI MONSTER is chasing his first win for the season at start twelve. The rising 9yo has payed his way over many seasons and continues to race with incredible endeavour and durability. The fact he's being asked to race on dirt for only the second time in his career does suggest that he's gradually starting to tire.
#5 PERFECT TEAM is still settling in to Hong Kong lifestyle but can run a nice race from a much better draw. The former Australian had decent credentials before his arrival to Hong Kong but where yet to see that form. A drop of 9lb in the weights and further ground should improve his performance.

Selections : 1,7,6,2,5

Race 2

#9 STRATHPEFFER switched back to the minimum trip with blinkers added last start and almost got the money. It was a performance unexpected by most, as the starting price highlights, but I won't allow it to happen again. The owner's, Mr and Mrs Ian Bruce haven't had to many ordinary conveyance's, in a long ownership career, and the penny might have now dropped. Trainer Douglas Whyte should take plenty of plaudits and he'll be very keen to score a win for his long time associates.
#5 BEAUTY DESTINY was overhauled during the final stages of his race career debut, which was a hard pill to swallow for those who took the short quote of $1.40. With another trial victory under the belt since you'll be forced to take smalls again, if you want to get involved. He's a talented youngster with plenty of scope, and the straight track might be a plus, but he remains raw and green.
#1 AMAZING ROCKY hasn't won a race down the Sha Tin straight from twelve attempts but he has finished top four on eight separate occasions. Drawing gate three doesn't appear ideal but the booking of 10lb claimer Ellis Wong is a notable advantage. He'll be on pace from the outset and is expected to kick hard all the way to the line.
#6 MIDAS TOUCH jumped a narrow favourite on debut but tired over the final stages. He'll be better for the experience and is expected to improve, particularly after an excellent trial at Conghua in the interim. Zac Purton sticks with BEAUTY DESTINY, which is a clue in itself, but you'll loose nothing with Hugh Bowman jumping onboard.
#2 SPARKLING KNIGHT has recorded three career wins down the straight 1000m course and must be considered a chance. Drawing deep in gate ten is the right place to be and I'd rather him in the selections than out. His inconsistency is real concern but his best gives him a show.

Selections : 9,5,1,6,2

R3 - 2,5,6,1,3

R4 - 1,11,3,7,8

R5 - 10,11,1,2,3,9,7

R6 - 11,7,5,3,2,1

R7 - 2,12,5,1,11

R8 - 8,11,14,13,7,6

R9 - 6,8,7,9,3

Race 10

#1 TUCHEL has enjoyed a ripping season and accumulated over 14 million HKD in stake money for his work. With top four finishes in all three of the Hong Kong 4yo Classic Series events he's a ready made group horse for next season. John Size has as always placed his horses incredibly well and his presence in this particular field highlights the case.
#7 CHAMPION DRAGON is one of a handful that can potentially test TUCHEL for the win. He's got plenty to find on established criteria but a pull in the weights and front running profile creates opportunity. The 1800m is also in his favour provided he doesn't over race, but that'll be in the hands of jockey Mathew Chadwick.
#4 RISE BRETHREN has his third run for the new stable of Jamie Richards and appears close to his best and ready to strike. His last start on the dirt was excellent through the final furlong and it topped him off nicely for this today. An additional trial has also been witnessed, with Lyle Hewitson aboard, and the pair finished off comfortably behind an exciting and very talented young horse.
#3 BUTTERFIELD has enjoyed the taste of victory on only three occasions through his high class career with two of those recorded over this track and trip. He's generally quite honest, but at the same time a risky, so you must take him with a pinch of salt. He goes in today with three of his past efforts rating well and he should be included in exotics.
#11 SWEET ENCOUNTER maybe starting to tire as the season concludes but he'll adore the drop in weight to 120lbs. A soft but purposeful trial recently suggested there's a good run still to come and I'd be reluctant to leave him out. Brenton Avdulla has now had a feel and his confidence should be high after his long overdue first win on Wednesday night.

Selections : 1,7,4,3,11