3 minute read
Brett Davis provides exclusive Preview of Sha Tin races.
Rail - C+3 Course
Awt - 3,5
Race 1
#1 COUNTRY DANCER quickened up with real purpose to win at Happy Valley two runs back before again finding the line well last start down the Sha Tin straight. He now steps out to the longer journey of 1200m around Sha Tin and the advantage of lovely draw in gate 6 shall make him difficult to oppose. He's always possessed better than class 5 abilities and with confidence now flowing through his mind, he should be winning.
#4 SPEEDY FORTUNE is well exposed and a limited conveyance but being close to peak fitness, whilst in class 5, gives him a good hope of featuring in the finish.He's quite an honest type who generally applies himself mentally but recently struggled carrying the bigger weights.Therefore, connections have called in 10lb claiming apprentice Brittany Wong to ride and it should swing things back around.
#3 SILVER DESTINY is only having his second race start in class 5 and with Zac Purton jumping on for trainer Dennis Yip, you'd want to be keeping him safe. There was a sprinkle of ability on two occasions last season when he found the line nicely in class 4 but that's been it throughout his short career. He's must lift on what he's done so far this campaign but the champion jockey has allocated time in the past.
#5 SAME TO YOU was overpowered by COUNTRY DANCER the last time he raced and the wide barrier draw today looks horrid on paper. Conversely, he is built for speed and normally a faultless beginner so he can take catching if things roll his way. He's also recently trialled in preparation for this particular event with a strong unextended performance.
#6 WOODFIRE CHAMP got the money over this course and trip back in October and on that occasion also drew gate 7. He's now got the gist of what this racing caper is all about and I expect there'll be additional wins to come. With Vincent Ho not riding, Keith Yeung takes the steer and the pair gained valuable experience together last time out.
Selections : 1,4,3,5,6
R2 - 6,9,5,3,1
R3 - 1,3,5,7,2
R4 - 1,7,12,2,10
Race 5
#5 VIVA CHALEUR arrived to Hong Kong from France G1 placed in the Prix Mornay at Deauville in 2021.
The former Andre Fabre trained 2yo is still acclimatising to Hong Kong lifestyle but it's been evident recently that he's not far off hitting the back of the net.
His third placing at Happy Valley three back was the best he's gone in years and had he jumped better last start, he wins.The perfect draw labels him the horse to beat so let's hope for a fully focused and uncomplicated ride.
#3 RELIABLE PROFIT has put together a sensational season so far with 3 wins from 4 attempts on the all weather track.
How much higher he can go remains a mystery but you would think by the way he's finishing off whatever beats him wins.
Hugh Bowman did report after his recent defeat that he travelled only fairly during the run but he nevertheless wasn't beaten all that far after travelling wide.A few days off and plenty of swimming has him again working well.
#12 HAPPYDEARHAPPYDEER was punted last start after drawing gate 1 and nearly led all the way to landed the prize. With the same rider booked and another inside gate to exit from there shouldn't be any alterations to the tactical plan. His fitness is peaking and the all weather track, as we now know, suits his front running style so that'll make him difficult to overhaul, despite any amount of initial pressure up front.
#2 THESIS is trained by the longtime master of the all weather surface in Me Tsui and that'll count for plenty. He's a well rated runner following a long history of lameness to his left fore but was competitive at his most recent event. He's only had one gallop and light trotting since that outing which would suggest he's being kept in cotton wool. Nevertheless, he must go in on previous form and class incase he holds up.
#10 MANAGEMENT FOLKS produced excellent sectionals when he raced over 2200m at Happy Valley recently before another solid effort last start. Although debuting on the all weather appears risky, when considering his work and trials, I like the fact he comes back to the 1800m. He's ready to win and the re-booking of Mathew Poon is an excellent decision, but, it also appears as though he's in search of the easier opposition in class 5. A ruffy to certainly consider.
Selections : 5,3,12,2,10
R6 - 14,12,5,10,3
R7 - 3,4,6,9,7
R8 - 7,4,6,8,10
R9 - 4,2,1,10,11
Race 10
#2 KAHOLO ANGEL is reaching the peak of his racing career at start number twenty and he's ready to win another race.During the earlier moments of his education on the track he was often quite keen and raced predominantly on speed.That was all well and good until he reached the middle of class 3 when the stronger closer's began cutting him back.This campaign, the emphasis has been to focus on a conservative approach early, before closing in with a new higher level of sectional power.
#13 PACKING ANGEL despatched a handy class 4 field over this course and trip in December whilst under the guidance of Zac Purton.Conditions are close to similar this afternoon however he's drawn better in gate 6, but rises in grade.With a light weight to shoulder, the probable run of the race and a highly anticipated race speed, he's going to look the winner at some stage in the stretch.
#11 LIGHT YEARS CHARM did a bit wrong through the first half of his Hong Kong debut but got going nicely once clear over the final 200m.There was also plenty of money floating around to suggest he'd run well that day and you'd imagine it'll resurface again.He comes out of the same race as KAHOLO ANGEL, which reads well, so he can't be overlooked for a win.
#8 NEW FUTURE FOLKS is another convincing winner in class 4 company at his latest start and must be given a fair amount of respect.He has the tactical speed to lead if necessary, but it's more than likely he'll end up settling handy with cover, and probably one of the fence.That'll have him ready to strike when they turn in, so it'll ultimately come down to whether he has the adequate dash to match the hardened closers.
#6 KING OF FIGHTERS arrived in Hong Kong on a rating of 67 after being unable to win a race in Australia.That being said, he was placed in some strong form races over varying distances and some of the winners later went on to win bold black type events.Trainer Tony Cruz has him up and going with 2 excellent trials leading in, and the 4yo classic series would be definitely on the radar should he imminently progress.
Selections : 2,13,11,8,6
