3 minute read

Brett Davis provides exclusive Preview of Sha Tin races.

Rail - A+3 Course

Race 1

#1 PATCH OF COSMO was all about jump and run during his griffin days and on all three occasions was gradually overhauled.But a wide draw and awkward beginning first up this campaign forced him to race conservatively, and he instead flash home from down back to win with power.His father SUPER SETH was renowned for winning races in that exact exciting style, so expect him to go close, provided they take on board the winning formula.

#9 NORTHERN FIREBALL produced some quick first half sectionals on debut and it's highly likely he'll cross the field to lead.He's also quite a sizeable beast so his core strength should be improved greatly from the opening and debut bout.I'd expect he'll improve a good length or two on that opening and fast running performance, so if the chases make errors, or find themselves in traffic, that'll further enhance his chance.

#2 SANTORINI was disappointing as the beaten favourite first up after being asked to work hard through the initial stages.Hugh Bowman is the new replacement rider for today's assignment and the pair got together for a solid morning gallop last Thursday.With the inside gate to leave from he'll either lead or position leaders back, and in the process burn minimal energy in the race upto the home bend.

#3 RUN YES RUN made an error out the gates before accelerating quickly to recover first up so his run was better than it appears.He also found congestion approaching the home turn which dampened his closing sectionals and speed.However, he has a bit to find if he's going to step up to this class but a probable perfect run in transit is going to assist.

#6 ETALON OR ran a very similar race to PATCH OF COSMO first up and in the end only a slender margin separated them.The application of blinkers certainly improve his focus when running to the line and I would expect they'll dually improve his sharpness from the starting gates.Where he ends up early on from gate 13 is entirely in the hands of the jockey and owners, but whatever the case may be he's difficult to dismiss.

Selections : 1,9,2,3,6

R2 - 2,5,8,1,6

R3 - 2,4,1,7,3

Race 4

#6 CHARMANDER has returned to racing in similar form to how he closed off last season and realistically this is his race to lose.With a strong win first up over this course and distance he was then challenged over the 1600m second up.He found CASA LEGEND'S closing turn of foot to solid for him that day but the effort in defeat rated well.With a low draw to assist the champion jockey, and the return back to 1400m ideal, he's hard to tip against.

#14 MEDIC ELITE has the advantage of race fitness over every runner competing here following three runs this campaign.He'll receive another great opportunity with a light weight and wouldn't be the first lowest rated runner to take out an event of this description. Both he and Karis Teetan weren't that far away at their most recent run so it's advisable to include him in selections.

#1 JOYFUL LIFE chased home a subsequent winner at the end of last season and brought that form to the track first up at Happy Valley.He then went within a whisker of victory over this course and distance last start but was collared right at the end.
The wide draw looks horrid and Hugh Bowman has a challenging task ahead, but he's been ready to win for a while and can't be overlooked or dismissed.

#12 BEAT HOLLOW is generally reliable for natural pace and stuck on pretty well after leading for a long way first up.The up in distance to 1400m is without doubt the concerning component but he should be in a good rhythm throughout.Add to that the 10lbs claiming allowance of local apprentice Brittany Wong, and I'd expect him to stick on for a long way.

#3 YODA'S CHOICE ran an honest race first up from the inside draw which coincided with his first attempt in class 5.The outside draw on this occasion looks a tricky situation to deal with, but there'll should be an option to find cover, even if he's trapped out wide.That should entitle him to the necessary galloping room when they turn for the run to the line, which in itself gives him hope in this much easier grade.

Selections : 6,14,1,12,3

R5 - 11,14,2,3,1

R6 - 5,13,11,9,4

Race 7

SHA TIN TROPHY
(Gp2 - 1600m - Hcp)

#2 BEAUTY ETERNAL finally cracked it for a win at the highest level at his most recent start with an all the way victory in the Gp1 Champions Mile.On that occasion, Zac Purton took the bull by the horns early and crossed the field with speed from the outside draw.With the handicap conditions of this event somewhat against him first up I'd anticipate he'll make that choice again.If he finds the rail first, which he's likely to do, he can always hand up and take a sit behind any challenger.
His work and trials leading in are right upto scratch and he's clearly headed towards the big fish's in December.

#4 GALAXY PATCH has come along way from when I called him winning his maiden at Morphettville in 2023 and returns with four conservative trials under the belt.With a pair of Gp3 wins accumulated at the back end of last season he's now at a career high handicap mark.How much higher he can ultimately go is a fascinating question in itself, but he's definitely the type of galloper that could ping with a massive rush of speed first up.

#1 VOYAGE BUBBLE defeated BEAUTY ETERNAL at set weight in January before finishing an admirable third to him in the Gp1 Champions Mile.Like the majority of these top shelf thoroughbreds he's enjoyed a good rest during the off season break and appears refreshed and ready to go.With a lack of oppositional speed, and all the weight to carry, it's envisaged he'll also roll forward, in an effort to make those with the lighter weight chase hard all the way to the line.

#5 RED LION completed last season's campaign with a runner's up finish behind BEAUTY ETERNAL in the Gp1 Champions Mile on a yielding track.It was the first time he stood up at the highest level but potentially not the last with many of today's opponents finishing behind him that day.Was it just the cushion in the track that aided his performance, or has he now matured into a genuine top line player?We'll find out more again today but I'd be giving him some credit and respect.

#8 CHANCHENG GLORY shall look to cross the entire field from barrier 9 and ultimately take up the lead.He's another, like RED LION that's attempting to stand up with the big boys this preparation and the pull in the weights is hard to ignore.I'm unconvinced he'll match the finishing power and class of those at the top end but he'll no doubt give a bold sight.

Selections : 2,4,1,5,8

R8 - 7,1,5,11,10

R9 - 5,8,10,2,13

R10 - 6,8,12,2,4