3 minute read
Brett Davis provides exclusive Preview of Sha Tin races.
Rail - C Course
Awt - 4,5,
Race 1
#10 SO AWESOME hasn't raced to often in the grade of class 5 because he's generally been a reliable contributor.He's an 8yo now who's starting to slow down but two solid efforts this campaign have displayed him feeling well.He maps to settle nicely in the run one of the fence with cover and his closing sectionals recently have been sound.A wide draw and awkward beginning pretty much cost him the win last, but I feel he can just about atone today.
#6 SUPER WISE DRAGON ran a nice race here first up for the new stable of Cody Mo and rates a viable option from the coveted inside barrier draw.Derek Leung was in the saddle on that occasion and today regains the ride after being bumped last start by Zac Purton.He has the ability to race handy, whilst positioning well through the first half, which shall go along way to helping him featuring in the finish.
#1 THE KHAN won a race similar to this two runs back courtesy of an almost perfect steer by jockey Hugh Bowman.Things didn't quite go to plan last start when he ventured to Happy Valley and dropped back in distance to the insufficient 1200m.It took him plenty of time to brake his maiden status, so the familiar surroundings are on his side, but the wide draw combined with 135lbs won't make it an easy watch.
#11 FIRE BALL lines up for his fiftieth race start today and on the basis of his lead up trial on November 12th, he's a chance.Karis Teetan took the reins that morning and he's now engaged for the ride but together they'll have to negotiate gate 14.He's not faraway from a forced retirement and he often struggles to find the line with any stamina, but he's a real chance of firing across the face of the field and taking up an uncontested lead.
#7 CHILLI BABA found the line well over the 1200m first up and was sent out the almost equal favourite on that occasion.He's since been back to the trials on two occasions following an issue with his right front leg and both efforts have come under notice.He's a previous winner in class 4 and a runner I'd entertain if your looking to get involved in the exotics.
Selections : 10,6,1,11,7
R2 - 1,11,14,2,3
R3 - 2,3,11,9,12
R4 - 3,1,6,7,5
R5 - 11,5,9,2,6
R6 - 12,9,6,3,7
Race 7
"CHEVALIER CUP"
(Class 2 - 1600m - Hcp)
#2 GREEN N WHITE suffered an injury to his right front fetlock in April which ultimately required surgery and then rest.He'd displayed class and a good turn of foot in most of his earlier runs and that was still the call during his two winning performances this campaign.During his forced time off he grew in strength, which was clearly evident by the increase in body weight on the scales.Stepping up to 1600m is yet to be tried but you wouldn't think it would be the solitary factor that gets him beat.
#7 KARMA put together a pair of high class victories last season over the 1600m and is a serious contender. He was certainly in need of his run first up but still found the line with power before producing a career best to win the HKJC Anniversary Cup.He then got too far back and over raced in the G3 SASA Ladies Purse last start before closing off well near the end. The return of experienced rider Vincent Ho is a big tick alongside his name, as is the drop back in trip to a mile.
#8 PATCH OF THETA couldn't get on the track in the Anniversary Cup but remained courageous in defeat nevertheless.He's yet to miss a place since his racing career began and a month between runs is the continued training trend.Derek Leung now takes the reins for the first time because Hugh Bowman can't make the weight, but he's prepared himself well by jumping aboard and riding his final two lead up gallops.
#9 YOUNG CHAMPION already boasts a win over GREEN N WHITE early in the year and the pair are well above average.The HKJC racing syndicate hasn't had a top line galloper in many years but that's probably about to change, provided he can remain internally sound.There was a long gap away from the race track following his exciting win in March, with a blood in the trachea concern following a disappointing return first up.The relaxed tempo of a mile however could be just what the doctor ordered, following a better run second up, so he is given the benefit of another chance.
#12 VOYAGE SAMURAI steps into the waters of a class 2 pool for the first time which is often a challenging hike.Nevertheless, with a front running profile and the advantage of the inside draw it's anticipated he'll lead this contest, or at worst settle behind the leaders back.The distance has been ticked off, the weight reduction is a huge relief and his times suggest he'll run a good race.
Selections : 2,7,8,9,12
R8 - 1,4,8,7,5
R9 - 7,2,5,11,4
Race 10
#6 FALLON is ready to win now he's had three runs back this preparation and the return of Keith Yeung to the saddle only enhances his chance.With a record of two rides for two wins it's difficult to overlook his claims despite the evenness of this competitive race.He'll require a good tempo throughout, which appears to be there, the gaps shall have to open when it's time to let rip and the timing spot on when it counts.But it's the same scenario for the opposition if there to claim the win.
#3 PRESTIGE ALWAYS is a northern hemisphere bred 3yo with plenty of scope and time on his side.The former Joseph O'Brien trained runner arrived on a rating of 70 points which may end up being a little kind.He's already performed at quite a high level so the step up in trip, booking of James McDonald and low advantageous draw, certainly create an environment where he can thrive.
#9 SKY TRUST is yet to run a bad race and certainly has the size and scope to appreciate the up in trip to a mile.In my opinion, he's better ridden with a touch of patience but connections have made a concerted effort to ride him for an early position with speed.The outside draw poses no issues, if that's the case from the 1600m start, so expect him thereafter to chug strongly to the line.
#11 STELLAR SWIFT hasn't fully reached his potential yet after arriving from the Hayes stable in Australia following a win down the Flemington straight.He's done very little wrong during his three runs this campaign and the good draw here allows him to box seat.He appears in need of the 1600m following a one paced effort to the line at his most recent start, and he'll be given that opportunity today.He'll also receive a seven figure private purchase bonus, should he win.
#12 AMAZING VICTORY has gradually shuffled down the ratings ladder with his last victory achieved of a mark of 68.He was definitely in need of his first up run but noticeably improved second up when rising in distance to 1600m.He'll require a touch of fortune early to secure a good position in the run, but he's certainly worthy of inclusion if your looking to play the odds and go wide.
Selections : 6,3,9,11,12