3 minute read
Brett Davis provides exclusive Preview of Sha Tin races.
Rail A+3 Course
Race 1
#6 CASA LEGEND has an excellent record under the conditions of today's event and is worthy of serious consideration despite a disappointing run last start.Mathew Poon continues his long association in the saddle and the pair warmed up with a terrific hard closing trial recently on the dirt.The tempo of the race appears only fair but they can often run along when it comes to class 5, so I'm happy to have a good crack at him win/place.
#2 SPECIAL HEDGE finds his way back down into class 5 after spending most of last season racing in class 4.His first up 2nd behind FAMILY JEWEL over this course and distance rates extremely high for a race of this calibre, so a performance even close to that level of output would see him win.The combination of top weight and a wide barrier don't help his prospects but the booking of Zac Purton does.
#5 KASA PAPA remains a maiden following a 28 start career so he's difficult to recommend for the win.Nonetheless, he's been in reasonable form, all considered, with two minor placings recorded at his past three starts.A change of scenery to Sha Tin, and rider to Brenton Avdulla, might be just what he needs so he's worthy of including in to the wider exotics.
#10 INVINCIBLE MISSILE has been on the verge of retirement for a while but has suddenly found some competitive form.With two runner-up finishes at Happy Valley recent recorded another crack at the Sha Tin mile takes place.He hasn't won a race for many seasons, and that could remain the case until he retires, but he's been a solid contributor for most of his career so a win would be fitting before he unwinds.
#3 CHARMANDER finds his way back to the races after a solid performance last weekend and is again a must include.A probable lack of race speed doesn't complement his overall winning prospects but James McDonald now jumps aboard.I wouldn't want to take short odds about him winning but at the same time he remains a solid chance, with the rise up to a mile of no concern.
Selections : 6,2,5,10,3
Race 2
#3 ETALON OR is a quality youngster with plenty of natural ability and the rise up to 1400m here looks ideal.He'll give away a start to a couple of previous opponents but appears advantaged by the longer distance.Trainer Ricky Yui has a handful of lightly raced and progressive types circulating in his stable and this guy is one of them.If closing sectionals are a guide to his future then he'll end up winning plenty.
#2 JUNEAU PRIDE could easily be undefeated from just the two starts but a pair of narrow defeats is currently how his score card reads.He's only a tiny beast, who weighs in at 990lbs, so the rise in weight to shoulder may create some concern.The near outside barrier draw is also going to make things tough but he's does possess the gate speed to push across in an attempt to lead.
#1 KA YING ATTACK is another handy young horse on the upward spiral and it's again expected that he'll feature somewhere in the finish.His reliable gate speed should see him cross over the field and if given an easy time on speed he could take plenty of running down.However, there is a potential speed battle via some of the other newcomers which may create some stamina doubts.
#5 LUCKY STATEMENT has the services of champion jockey Zac Purton aboard for his Hong Kong debut and he's seemingly well prepared.The inside barrier is a definite advantage for horses on debut as it gives them the opportunity to be guided by the rail.With four satisfying trials now under his skin he's primed and ready to run well.
#14 CALIFORNIA MOXIE has participated in a total of 6 races so far this season so he won't be going in underdone.The blinkers were also applied in October for the first time and he's since gradually continued to improve.What he's got to offer under hard core pressure at the end of this contest remains to be seen but he's worthy of including due to his lead up.
Selections : 3,2,1,5,14
R3 - 2,1,3,10,7
R4 - 11,13,5,14,12
R5 - 4,2,1,3,11
Race 6
#1 CHARITY GAIN is a different horse now he's under the care of David Eustace and has plenty of rating points in hand.He did it tough recently at Happy Valley over 2200m after being caught wide throughout the entire race.A good draw over 2000m is vital at Sha Tin, which is precisely what he's got, and it's thereafter anticipated he'll race close to the lead before pushing hard to win.
#11 MANAGEMENT FOLKS produced excellent sectionals last time he raced and in the process went down narrowly in a blanket finish to AFFORDABLE.He'll be given all favours in the run today from the low inside draw, and if a clear crack at them down the home stretch unfolds he can arrive in time to win.The re-booking of Mathew Poon is also an excellent decision, because the small 2lb claim received might be the difference.
#2 JOYFUL PROSPERITY showed an abundance of potential in the early days of his career and is now beginning to furnish.With two hard closing finishes, he's recently notched up a class 5 and class 4 win with style, and may not be done yet.He requires the speed to be solid throughout to give him his best chance and that is likely to unfold.
#8 JUBILATION is another runner of serious interest in this strong contest and you'd be brave to right him off.He's enjoyed another consistent start to the season with three competitive runs and he didn't enjoy the kick back last outing on the dirt.Keith Yeung pinches the ride back from James McDonald and the pair have combined for 5 victories in the past.
#5 AFFORDABLE has given the impression he's a genuine stayer at his past two starts by finishing hard via a long sustained run.He'll have his work cut out today returning to Sha Tin and exiting from barrier 12 but he probably still has more races to win.A new rider goes on and he's up in weight but I wouldn't be penning him from any exotic plays.
Selections : 1,11,2,8,5
R7 - 7,2,5,13,11
R8 - 5,1,13,9,10
R9 - 3,11,2,4,6
R10 - 10,2,13,12,7
