3 minute read
Brett Davis provides exclusive Preview of Sha Tin races.
Rail - C+3 Course
Race 1
#9 SO AWESOME hasn't raced to often in the grade of class 5 because he's generally been a reliable contributor. He's an 8yo now who's starting to slow down but three solid efforts this campaign have displayed him feeling well. He maps to settle nicely in the run, one off the fence with cover, and his closing sectionals have recently been strong. A wide draw and awkward beginning cost him a win two back but he's a solid chance of atoning for that here.
#3 GALLANT CROWN enters the realms of class 5 today for the very first time. He's an ageing galloper with his best behind him but he'll most likely end up getting favours in the run. With a clear lack of leadership speed, it's envisaged he'll cross the field early from barrier 8 and take up the lead, before pushing home hard down to the post. With sectionals in his favour and a 7lbs claim kicking in he should take catching.
#1 GANGNAM STAR hasn't finished any further back than 2nd at his two class 5 attempts with his only win coming over this exact course and trip. It's questionable as to whether he's going as good as he can, when analysing his season form, but he's had a couple of excuses along the way. The top weight and wide gate, plus, lack of mid-race speed definitely create some doubt but he possesses to bigger turn of foot to leave him out.
#2 CHARMANDER finds his way back in to a race over the right course and distance which labels him a must include. A probable lack of race speed and wide draw don't complement his overall winning prospects but Zac Purtons record aboard is exemplary. I wouldn't want to take short odds about him winning, but at the same time he definitely can, so he's best just kept safe.
#7 HOSS had lost all interest in racing until a stable change during the off season brake turned his mindset around. The benefits of that relocation are now starting to emerge as his form and interest in competing start to pick up. He's extremely well rated and although his overall form at Sha Tim reads poor, you'd be brave leaving him out, because he's now heading in the direction of a win.
Selections : 9,3,1,2,7
Race 2
#2 THE KHAN won a race similar to this three runs back courtesy of an almost perfect steer by jockey Hugh Bowman. Things didn't quite go to plan at his next start when venturing to Happy Valley and the same can be said most recently. It took him plenty of time to brake his maiden status but familiar surroundings today are on his side, along with the low barrier drawn and anticipated high mid-race tempo he requires.
#3 YODA'S CHOICE is in the right grade and should take plenty of catching judged on his latest performance. All 3 previous efforts in class 5 have been solid in defeat and it could certainly be a case of going one better today. With Zac Purton back behind the wheel there'll be minimal mistakes made and the rail in its widest position should help. What potentially brings him undone however, is a plethora of opposing early speed attackers.
#5 AROMATICA has faired exceptionally well with the barrier draws at his past four runs so it's the same old record playing. He was sent out favourite first up but unfortunately lost focus after a severe bump midway upset his rhythm. He's since been back to the trials for three reasonable pieces of work, but, Zac Purton was aboard in two of them but doesn't take the ride.
#4 SUPER CHARIZZARD won nicely after receiving a cushy run on speed at Happy Valley recently but the race landscape is way different this time around. With a change of track, distance and barrier a completely new challenge and set of rules are to be absorbed. He'll certainly push forward from the wide gate in an attempt to settle on speed, which may bring him undone, however, he's in good form and deserves respect.
#12 TSUEN WAN GLORY ran a good hearty race first up before being gassed on speed at his most recent attempt. When he performs well, he generally secures a forward position in the run without having to burn tickets to get there. With superior early gate speed on those drawn immediately underneath him he's likely to get preferred conditions.
Selections : 2,3,5,4,12
R3 - 5,1,8,9,3
R4 - 4,6,3,13,14
R5 - 4,6,3,11,8
R6 - 8,1,4,3,7
R7 - 4,8,7,3,9
R8 - 1,6,14,2,4
R9 - 1,12,7,6,4
Race 10
#5 FALLON is now ready to win and the return of Keith Yeung to the saddle was a good indication of that last start. With a record of three rides for two wins and a close up fourth it's difficult to overlook his prospects, despite the evenness of this competitive final race. He'll require a good tempo throughout and the gaps shall have to open when it's time to dash, however, drawing wider could help to alleviate those concerns.
#4 SKY TRUST is yet to run a bad race and certainly has the size and scope to appreciate the up in weight. In my opinion, he's better ridden with a touch of patience but connections have made a concerted effort to ride him for position with speed, and it's working. The inside draw poses no issue so expect him to chug through on the rail in an attempt to lead, or settle leaders back.
#9 STELLAR SWIFT hasn't fully reached his potential yet after arriving from the Hayes stable in Australia following a win down the Flemington straight. He's done very little wrong during his four runs this campaign and a good draw entitles him to position well. He'll also receive a seven figure private purchase bonus should he win so expect him to be somewhere thereabouts.
#10 AMAZING VICTORY has gradually shuffled down the ratings ladder with his last victory achieved of a mark of 68. He was definitely in need of his first up run but noticeably improved second up when rising to a mile. He'll require a touch of good fortune early to secure a prominent position in the run, but he's certainly ready to win and we witnessed that last start.
#6 SILVERY BREEZE displayed encouraging signs as an Australian 3yo before being sent to Hong Kong to continue his career. It got off to the perfect start with a nice win first up over 1400m but it wasn't dually expected by the coinciding market. Nevertheless, he remains in the class whilst rising in distance to 1600m, which should suit, but the negative of the equation is he's drawn the outside gate.
Selections : 5,4,9,10,6