3 minute read

Brett Davis provides exclusive Preview of Sha Tin races.

Rail - A Course
Awt - 3,10

Race 1

#1 JOYFUL PROSPERITY went through last season without a win and was subsequently handed a 4 pound relief during the off season break.After two runs back he's ready to peak, drawn perfectly and returning to the longer home straight of Sha Tin.He was excellent first up here from the wide draw and despite being unable to win at Happy Valley most recently, he lost nothing in defeat.There's a strong tempo expected in today's opening event so with Hugh Bowman sticking, we should follow suit.

#4 FRUITY WARRIOR draws awkwardly in gate 7 so it's highly possible he challenges early on for the outright lead.He hasn't won a race yet but was competitive at the bottom of class 4 last season before dropping in to class 5 first up at Happy Valley.In a trial over 1600m at Sha Tin prior to his return, he lead the field until the final 200m before switching off through the concluding stages.That's the precise manoeuvre expected from the outset this time around and he should thereafter fight hard to the wire.

#7 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 later stages to finish 3rd.He'll be greatly improved by the aforementioned encounter and should relish a return to the turf at Sha Tin.His record over this course and distance also confirms that he must be respected for the newish stable of Douglas Whyte.

#2 FURY AND GOLD put in a career best performance first up when closing in nicely from well back.He had plenty against him that afternoon with a wide draw, wet track and chequered passage to deal with.He also over raced during a portion of the event due to being heavily restrained at various points.With blinkers now on and a lower draw to exit from he's a runner of interest.

#5 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 Happy Valley over the longer distance of 1800m last start.He's drawn poorly out wide, and difficult to recommend with any confidence, but his sectional times recorded first up would have him almost winning.

Selections : 1,4,7,2,5

R2 - 2,4,1,6,9

R3 - 6,5,8,9,1

R4 - 3,1,8,5,12

Race 5

#2 MAJESTIC EXPRESS made significant improvement when racing second up after needing the hit out on opening day of the season at Sha Tin.The former Australian won his maiden at Kembla Grange, as a 3yo, before joining the powerhouse stable of John Size.He's also owned by the formidable and prudent Mr Larry Yung who hasn't had many duds over a long period of time.The rise to 1200m is exactly what he wants following a hard finishing second last start, with the draw and rider booking only complement his task.

#5 FUN N FUN TOGETHER has drawn awkwardly out in barrier 9 but as he demonstrated last start he possesses plenty of natural speed.The potential problem today however is there are multiple runners that can match his early toe, which could end up being detrimental to his finish.Nonetheless, his third placing at the end of last season rated high so with a run under the belt he's considered dangerous.

#1 LUCKY EIGHT hasn't won for the best part of 18 months but he is now becoming a runner of real interest.He enjoy a good summer break before resuming track work in August with his two lead up trials graded nice.Jerry Chau was aboard in the most recent of those heats with a comfortable no pressure win the end the result.He's only been in class 4 on one occasion previously and that was his first start, which he coincidentally won.

#10 MR GOOD VIBES won a 1200m class 5 at Sha Tin last season by powering home hard from down back.He repeated that style of performance first up in class 4 over 1000m where he ultimately finished third behind CHEVAL VALIANT and MAJESTIC EXPRESS.It's questionable whether he has the upside of MAJESTIC EXPRESS, and can turn the result around, but he's a model of consistency and certainly feeling well within himself.

#6 GOLD MASTER makes his career debut and based on pedigree alone shall be looking for more ground.With three trials incorporated into his overall preparation, the last of which he won with blinkers on, he arrives reasonably fit and ready to go.A good draw also entitles him to a comfortable run in transit so he's worthy of exotic inclusion.

Selections : 2,5,1,10,6

Race 6

#2 AEROINVINCIBLE has been the beaten favourite at both runs this term so there'll be plenty of punters out there that would have simply had enough.With another class 4 opportunity awaiting, and the champion jockey still behind the reins, there are a number of reasons to try and stay aboard.With barrier 2 to jump from on this occasion there are no reasons to restrain him early on, so the lead is his to savour this time around.With results going horribly wrong recently due to congestion and over racing they surely just let him jump an run.

#5 SOLID WIN returned to racing this campaign with a courageous effort in defeat behind HARMONY N HOME.He blundered at the start, which in retrospect cost him the win, but there was plenty else to like about the run.If he jumps well this time from the starting stalls and gets through the first half without incident from gate 10, then his closing speed should see him gather up the leaders and win.However, there are plenty of ifs and buts attached to that analysis which infers he's in need of further experience.

#6 FLYING LUCK is a big beast of a horse and definitely has races to win.The son of WRITTEN TYCOON was in desperate need of race experience at the end of last season and already appears a much improved horse.With two quite trials under his wing leading into his seasonal return he's ready to go back and compete, and I get the feeling he'll run an encouraging race.

#7 MARKWIN has completed a rigorous preparation for his racecourse debut including 5 trials at varying tracks.The owners paid a decent sum of money for him at the Hong Kong International Sale and he won't be going in underdone.He has tactical speed and is physically mature and it's expected he'll race well.But the market fluctuations closer to the start shall be making the final decision.

#11 GALLANT CROWN is at the other end of the spectrum with his ability well exposed, but alternatively well rated on his previous career best.His first up run when finishing 4th was a solid piece of work before excuses were justified at Happy Valley last start.If things go his way early on he's capable of running a decent race on speed, so consider him a sound exotics chance.

Selections : 2,5,6,7,12

R7 - 7,3,13,4,2

R8 - 2,5,1,4,11

R9 - 5,7,6,2,1

R10 - 10,11,5,7,12