3 minute read
Brett Davis provides exclusive preview of Sha Tin races.
RAIL - A Course
AWT - 2,3
Race 1
#11 YEUN LONG ELITE wasn't given much hope according to the betting when making his debut but things are likely to be different this time around.There was plenty to like about the way he closed behind all the way winner DIVANO and the experience he gained should serve him well second up.With the inside barrier draw guiding him onto the rail through the initial stages he can trail the pace with comfort, before launching his claim for the prize.
#1 BEAUTY MISSILE remains a Hong Kong maiden after almost twenty starts but must be strongly respected in this grade.He hasn't been beaten big distances on multiple occasions this campaign and with Zac Purton now atop he's a chance.What they decide to do from the wide draw early on shall be an interesting decision but it's expect he'll be forced to settle back, but that's subject to change.
#10 MY WISH didn't set the world on fire with his debut down the straight 1000m but there were encouraging signs exhibited over the final furlong.With a final 400m registered of 22.14, whilst being unable to run in a straight line, he showed he's got a nice size engine to work with going forward.Stepping to a circle race now over 1200m may cause further greenness concerns but if it goes the other way he can win.
#7 DRAGON JOY was honest in defeat on debut after racing close to the speed.He would've gained ample fitness from that effort where he only tired late and could potentially improve many lengths.He's better drawn to again race handy and may even have the speed to cross the field and lead.I'd be wanting him in all exotics plays.
#8 FOXHUNTER GO has displayed plenty of natural gate speed in his lead up trials and coupled with a low barrier draw can push up in search of the lead.What he's got to offer under race pressure remains unanswered at this point but he'll at least be rolling in a trouble free zone.He's enjoyed three trials and appears fit to run well with Vincent Ho aboard.
Selections : 11,1,10,7,8
R2 - 4,1,9,2,7
R3 - 13,14,2,8,11
R4 - 6,1,7,5,8
R5 - 4,14,8,1,7
R6 - 2,5,10,6,1
R7 - 6,9,8,5,11
Race 8
"THE PREMIER CUP"
(Gp3 - 1400m - Hcp)
#1 CALIFORNIA SPANGLE has enjoyed an incredibly prosperous season for connections and despite a minor glitch in form half way through, takes home two G1 races, one of which was achieved at home and the other abroad in Dubai.The final G3 sprint race of the season isn't in his favour with the up and comers having their hefty pull in the weights, but his overall strength and class is going to take him a long way.Many good judges suggest weight in sprint races is overrated and easily overcome and on this occasion I'm going to agree.
#2 TAJ DRAGON got up to win narrowly over this course and trip two runs back and wasn't far behind the likes of GALAXY PATCH and BEAUTY JOY in the G1 Champions Mile. He's well in at the weights due to CALIFORNIA SPANGLES monster rating of 126 and is entitled to finish somewhere around the mark.He had the better of the aforementioned top weight earlier in the season when he was at his best, so I'd anticipate a hard chase all the way to the line which creates his chance to overhaul.
#5 MUGEN put in a huge performance to finish third in the G1 Chairman's Sprint Prize two runs back when it wasn't easy to make up ground. After trying him over 1600m prior, his trainer Pierre Ng has realised that he's a get back, run on sprinter and has publicly declared that he has further group one goals in mind.He's consistent, progressive and a well weighted individual on this occasion so If he obtains a suitable tempo, and clear running, then he may be able to challenge for the win.
#4 FLYING ACE is an incredibly honest campaigner who put in terrific performances in the G2 Sprint Cup and G1 Chairman's Sprint Prize before dashing home hard in the G3 Sha Tin Vase to grab second place.Like Mugen, he's made up good ground against the pattern in strong races of late and is favoured by the conditions of this event. Given his overall body of work, he might be advantaged stepping up to the 1400m for just the second time and therefore appears an option.
#6 PACKING TREADMILL was in a good space and on the verge of another win until last start when he pulled up with blood in the trachea.He's had almost a month to recover and despite the fact he doesn't win out of turn can be considered from the inside draw.He's rarely beaten far and a rise in trip to 1400m should help regarding his quickness and slow building turn of foot.
Selections - 1,2,5,4,6
Race 9
"THE PREMIER PLATE"
(Gp3 - 1800m - Hcp)
#8 CHANCHENG GLORY has enjoyed an outstanding season and is showing no signs of duress or slowing down.He recorded a comprehensive victory two runs back, coming away to win decisively over the longer distance, while prior to that, he'd performed well throughout the three legs of the Four Year Old Classic Series. He's tactically versatile, he can take a sit or lead like last time before finishing off a race with strength and power.Lyle Hewitson will have a number of options up his sleeve from barrier six, while he's also got the advantage of another lightweight.
#2 GALAXY PATCH is one of the class runners in this field, thanks to a win last start, plus a runner up performances in the G1 Queen's Silver Jubilee Cup and Hong Kong Derby.He also got to the line well in the G1 Champions Mile where the winner BEAUTY ETERNAL controlled the race from the front on a day where it was difficult to make up ground. The 9lb increase is a slight concern under the handicap conditions but he's a genuine top liner and shall be hard to hold off.
#1 BEAUTY JOY is another classy runner in the field, having won three times at group level in Hong Kong, the most recent of those victories coming in the G2 Chairman's Trophy. Like GALAXY PATCH he wasn't suited by the way the race was run in the G1 Champions Mile and the more favourable track conditions, a quicker tempo and a weaker line up here means he should be finishing closer.The concern is the top weight of 135 pounds, along with his quirky disposition which can often see him settle along way behind.
#5 FIVE G PATCH isn't a prolific winner but he's an honest campaigner who can mix his distances and rarely runs a bad race.He's got a reasonably light weight, plus excellent form behind the outstanding G1 International winner REBEL'S ROMANCE, and therefore must be given respect.The return to 1800m combined with an awkward draw are the concerning factors, but the way he's performing he's impossible to leave out.
#6 LA CITY BLANCHE is also disadvantaged by a reduction in distance from 2400m to 1800m but rates highly on class following a last start third at the highest level.His overall record this track and trip would entice you to leave him out but his form has gone to a new level in recent weeks. A fast tempo and good surface is what he needs to perform and both are a chance of rocking up.
Selections : 8,2,1,5,6
R10 - 5,2,1,12,8
R11 - 6,9,12,2,4
