3 minute read
Brett Davis provides exclusive Preview of Sha Tin races.
Rail - C+3 Course
Awt - 1,3,6
Race 1
#7 EXCELLENT DADDY has found a new lease of life this season with his past three runs on the all weather being terrific. On each occasion, he's given away ground through the early stages before powering home with purpose from well back. With regular rider Luke Ferraris again behind the wheel and the perfect barrier to exit from in gate 6, he only has to rock up with the same level of form to win.
#5 FLYING DRAGON has been a genuine dirt horse throughout his career and getting back on to this surface today definitely enhances his chance. He's a rising 8yo these days but with three career wins over this course and trip in class 4 he's a dangerous runner to oppose. He maps to position handy to the speed and jockey Derek Leung knows how to get him over the line.
#6 FUNG found his way in to a class 5 for the first time in December last year and lead that contest for a long way. He's been freshened for his return to racing this afternoon but was seen trialling quietly on this surface two weeks ago. The leading rider jumps atop from a low advantageous gate and that'll assure he's in the hunt all the way.
#2 SMART LEADER is an old timer these days but continues to race with plenty of heart and enthusiasm. The last time he won was October 2024 and conditions on that day were almost identical to what's on offer here. He remains somewhat risky however because of his ripening older age, but he lucklessly found the line strongly at Happy Valley last start after being earlier held up.
#9 DIAMOND SOARS is an on speed runner with good experience and ability on the all weather track. His three efforts over 1000m at Happy Valley prior to his last start third on dirt were much better than they appear on paper. He's drawn wide, and must shoulder weight, but if he gets across to lead he's capable of running you a decent race.
Selections : 7,5,6,2,9
R2 - 8,1,6,3,2
R3 - 3,6,2,10,1
R4 - 8,1,11,2,7
R5 - 12,5,2,10,8
R6 - 12,9,6,5,8
Race 7
"THE RACING CLUB CUP"
(Class 2 - 1400m - Hcp)
#6 RUBYLOT has been on the above average ability radar from day one and continues to improve this campaign. His effort in defeat recently behind PACKING HERMOD was another exceptional display of his tactical versatility and large sized engine. With the rail out a long way today you can expect him to position handier to the speed from gate 2, before pushing through the gaps under the undefeated drive of Brenton Avdulla.
#4 YOUNG CHAMPION has suffered setbacks this campaign and was also extremely unlucky behind PACKING HERMOD last start. With Zac PURTON now entrusted with the riding roll you'd expect there'll be minimal mistakes made. The Hong Kong Racing Club have an extremely talented thoroughbred under their ownership care and they'd no doubt be chuffed to win their own race.
#8 SUNLIGHT POWER is yet to win a race of class 2 calibre but it won't be long. The strong tempo on offer here, along with the return of Jerry Chau to ride, should see him thundering home in to the picture at the appropriate time. The drop back from 1600m to 1400m is another notable plus as it'll allow him to ping with venom of the back of speed. A potential negative however is the ability to make enough ground with the rail out.
#12 JOHANNES BRAHMS won with something in hand over this exact course and trip last start but shall find this tougher stepping up in grade. Conversely, the former Aiden O'Brien trained youngster displayed encouraging signs in his homeland so I'm certainly weary of his capable presence. A secured starting position in the upcoming 4yo series is what he's looking to achieve and for that to come to fruition he must be in the finish.
#1 PACKING HERMOD has only tasted defeat on one occasion to this point and therefore must be genuinely respected. Nevertheless, the rise in weight to 130lbs and widish draw won't make the job of Lyle Hewitson an enviable one as there's no room for error in this grade. He's certainly an outstanding type who can continue to raise the bar, but there maybe a touch of vulnerability surrounding his chance today due to the lay out and structure of this quality race.
Selections : 6,4,8,12,1
R8 - 6,1,4,11,2
R9 - 6,1,2,14,11
Race 10
#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 two runs back this campaign but noticeably improved third up, during his second attempt over the Sha Tin mile. He'll likely secure the prime position in the run today early on, and we've witnessed recently that his closing sectionals are up to scratch, so despite being in the second half of his overall career he's a solid option to play via win/place.
#7 FALLON is ready to win and the return of Mathew Chadwick to the saddle is a good indication that he thinks so as well. He'll require a good tempo throughout, which is likely, and the gaps shall have to open when it's time to dash, but drawing low should allow him to trail the expected speed up to the bend. Finding the line with precise timing is the trickiest part of him securing success but you'd be brave to take him on.
#11 GLORIOUS SUCCESS draws poorly in gate 13 but on the flip side it's a lengthy run down the back stretch. It's highly likely Zac Purton opts to travel forward through the initial meters whilst looking to secure the position outside CHARMING LEGEND in the lead. Both starts in Hong Kong have indicated he can win in this class, and shortly, so he's another to strongly consider.
#14 EMBRACES rises in grade to class 3 whilst returning to Sha Tin following a comprehensive win at Happy Valley. A change of stable and rise in trip appear the primary reasons for victory and the solid tempo expected today shall suit. They don't close off and win to often in the fashion that he did last start, so a decent sized engine appears beneath.
#2 CHARMING LEGEND is the anticipated leader and the rise in trip to 1600m should allow him some early space. The former Australian galloper was undefeated from two starts in Sydney and is already proven over the mile. It's a typical challenging class 3 contest to close out the 10 race card but with the rail out wide he'll be the one to catch.
Selections : 10,7,11,14,2