3 minute read
Brett Davis provides exclusive Preview of Sha Tin races.
All Weather Track
(All Races)
Race 1
#4 FRUITY WARRIOR draws awkwardly in gate 8 so it's highly probable he challenges for the lead.
He hasn't won a race yet and it's his first official attempt on the all weather surface but his race pattern and style should suit.
If he receives some luck through the first 400m and manages to lead or slot in, then it's envisaged he'll again run well.After two runs back from a spell he's certainly close to a win and it's a win that connections have been patiently awaiting.
#1 GO GO GO found himself in class 5 towards the end of last term after failing to win a race last season.Zac Purton went desperately close to winning on numerous occasions during that period before eventually getting the money first up at Sha Tin.Now he turns his attention back to the all weather track where his record is sound and the 1800m shouldn't be a problem.However, the 135lbs has slightly anchored him at his two previous events so it'll take a perfect ride to secure the win.
#9 COLOURFUL BARON ran an honest race first up on the all weather where conditions were challenging following some hefty showers of rain.He did a stack of work whilst racing handy to the speed before eventually capitulating to finish 3rd.His record over this course and distance is solid, without winning, but it confirms he should be respected for the newish stable of Douglas Whyte.The wide draw looks horrid on paper but from the 1800 start point it's a long beneficial run down the home stretch.
#8 SUNNY BABY was sent out at a big price first up and only found one better on the opening day of racing at Sha Tin.
He got all the favours that afternoon before failing at his next two runs over the longer journey of 1800.However, the two aforementioned failures were actually better performances than they read with this stable currently leading the Trainers Premiership.The decision to debut on the all weather tonight could end up being prosperous, especially considering the American pedigree on the dam side.
#11 JOYFUL CHAMPION bolted up in a race similar to this in April last season but hasn't been able to win since.Like all class 5 gallopers, he's untrustworthy and risky, but with a good set of credentials and no weight to carry I'd rather him in, than out.Furthermore, Vincent Ho doesn't often ride for the Michael Chang stable but when he does they often run well.
Selections : 4,1,9,8,11
R2 - 5,8,11,7,12
R3 - 6,2,7,11,3
Race 4
#5 EXCEL WONGCHOY ran his best HongKong race at the end of last season and that effort , along with the two solid runs so far this campaign, give him an excellent chance of winning.
He spent most of his off season in the relaxed environment of Conghua, which has greatly assisted in furthering his acclimatisation to a Hong Kong lifestyle.
He's starting looking confident and comfortable now on the all weather track at Sha Tin, which may line up with his only victory in Ireland, where he won on the polytrack at Dundalk.
#1 GALVANIC has a formidable record over this course and trip and from the low draw is expected to race well.He won two races last season off similar handicap marks but the later was achieved via a hefty 7lbs apprentice claim.There's no claim tonight, with Hugh Bowman to ride, so the weight maybe of some minor concern, however, his lead up runs have been sound and in a higher grade.
#11 RELIABLE PROFIT produced a hearty effort to win in class 5 recently after covering ground throughout.The track was on the muddy side that night and staying off the fence was a good place to travel.The dryer conditions on offer tonight shouldn't be a problem, and the inside draw entitles him to do no work, but he'll have to raise his output level to a new high if he's to back up for another win.
#2 FOREVER FOLKS has return to racing full of energy and spark this campaign and is still competitively rated on his best.The gates a bit sticky, so he'll need luck through the first half to get in, but the 4lbs increase shouldn't be of concern.The jockey knows him exceptionally well, and the trainers also had an excellent start to the season, so it's hard to fault him in any particular way.
#4 SNOWALOT has proven in the past he's generally better over the 1200m.He's also having his first race start on the all weather track following a solid trial result on the surface in preparation.With two runs under his skin and the leading jockey jumping back on board, the arrows are pointing in the direction of a competitive and positive display.Therefore, it would be unwise to leave him out of any calculations.
Selections : 5,1,11,2,4
R5 - 3,4,8,1,10
R6 - 4,2,5,11,8
R7 - 5,4,2,1,8
R8 - 4,1,10,5,9