3 minute read
Brett Davis provides exclusive preview of Sha Tin races.
Rail - C+3 Position
Race 1
#10 TSUEN WAN GLORY won two races over this course and trip last season and almost replicated one of those first up.The wide barrier once again throw's caution to the wind because he maybe asked to work quite hard to cross.However, if he happens to skirt over with relative ease then all of a sudden he becomes a genuine contender.With the only rider to have won on him now jumping back aboard taking him on could end up being unwise.
#2 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.Both efforts came in class 5 following a drop in to the lowest grade whilst also highlighting his positive approach.He's is well exposed and still yet to win a race from 11 career starts, however the two aforementioned performances strongly suggest he can win shortly.The 1400m poses no risk and in fact is likely to assist his one paced style.
#4 AROMATIC closed out last season with three minor placings recorded under jockey Harry Bentley.Fast forward to now, and he's well draw and ready to win first up with Zac Purton taking over the reigns and it's expected whatever beats him wins.His lead in trial at Happy Valley was conservative but he also found the line nicely under his own steam, with Zac Purton riding the winner VIEW OF THE WORLD in that particular heat.
#5 THE KHAN hasn't set the world on fire from his short career of 10 starts but does possess the benefit of a run recently over this exact course and trip.He's another runner to find his way into class 5 prior to the off season break and with Hugh Bowman sticking fat in the saddle you can expect he'll run well.He's clearly more effective when ridden with patience early on and barrier 7 gives him the opportunity to race that way, without settling too far back.
#3 NOBLE WIN shall be the first Hong Kong runner to race under the care of new trainer David Eustace.He was transferred from John Size during the off season break following a down the track finish at his last start, where he was once again declared a roarer.He has the engine and mindset to win a race of this nature but it all comes down to whether he can properly breathe.
Selections : 10,2,4,5,3
R2 - 3,8,1,7,9
R3 - 7,10,2,5,9
R4 - 2,4,1,10,7
R5 - 1,11,12,5,4
R6 - 7,1,11,4,10
Race 7
"NATIONAL DAY CUP"
(Gp3 - 1000m - Hcp)
#5 NERVOUS WITNESS pound for pound is the fastest runner competing through the first 400m which should see him find the outside rail and lead.He's yet to win of a rating of higher than 94 points but he's a specialist over this particular course and trip.With two solid conditioning trials absorbed leading in and a feather weight on his back he's going to jump and run, whilst being difficult to real in.
#8 MAGIC CONTROL is a long way out of the handicap so he'll need to produce something dazzling to win.That being said, the former Australian galloper won a listed and Gp3 race against smart opposition before his import to Hong Kong and he's settled in well.His win first up with a big weight was against moderate stock, compared to what he faces here, but he was able to do it quite comfortably whilst recording fast time over 1000m on the clock.
#1 INVINCIBLE SAGE elevated himself to Gp1 status last campaign with a comprehensive win in the Gp1 Chairman's Sprint Prize over 1200m.With that achievement placing his rating to an all time high of 118 points he's poorly placed in this at the weights.Nevertheless, he cut his teeth and has a formidable record down the straight track at Sha Tin, with a recent trial win with Hugh Bowman atop achieved.
#6 BEAUTY WAVES recorded excellent sectionals over the 1200m in the Chief Executive's Cup first up where he chased KA YING RISING to the line.Whether he has the brilliance and the poise to deal with the conditions of a Gp3 straight 1000m race is yet to be determined, but he's entitled to the opportunity and arrives extremely fit.There'll be a huge amount of speed on early which shall see him settle back but I'm optimistic he can run home well.
#2 STOLZ has only raced once in the past 12 months which in itself is some concern.There are no issues regarding the course and distance, class of race and jockey booking, but where's he been all this time! Records off multiple right fore lameness issues are present when you search through his veterinary certificates, however his two trials in the lead up were noted as sound.The draw and weight are also against so I'm prepared to just watch him go around.
Select : 5,8,1,6,2
Race 8
#8 SUNLIGHT POWER went from winning a class 4 to winning a class 3 last season in the space of just a few runs.He's highly progressive and capable of producing a devastating turn of speed which is exactly what we witnessed first up when he toyed with the opposition.He'll again settle back, but this time maybe amongst the rail, which is a fraction of concern.However, with the weight relief received from the rise up into class 2 he should be able to accelerate out of trouble.
#5 PATCH OF THETA is a good looking son of ZOUSTAR and this big bulky chestnut has better still to come.He won 4 out of 10 during his first preparation of racing last season and didn't miss a place the other 6 starts.His trial leading in to his seasonal reappearance was excellent down the Sha Tin straight behind multiple Gp1 winner CALIFORNIA SPANGLE.He's also had the better of SUNLIGHT POWER on one occasion, but today that opponent has the benefit of a run.
#1 COPARTNER PRANCE built an incredibly impressive record during his first campaign of racing by winning 6 consecutive races from 10 starts.He's largely considered a potential group horse and it's difficult to suggest he can't win with the right run.However, the off season break can often stall momentum, which was evident first up, and the transition from Happy Valley racing to Sha Tin is something he's still to completely grasp.
#7 DANCING CODE hasn't raced since March after losing his best form and seemingly finding his handicap mark.His first up record however is excellent and he's entitled to a cushy trip in behind the pace when analysing the map.With the two barrier trials under his belt appearing superb, in all areas of his game, I'd be reluctant to suggest he can't race well fresh and potentially even win.
#4 DROMBEG BANNER led all the way first up last season in a class 3 contest over this exact course and trip.He then went on to win again up in class after box seating all the way before his winning run came to an end.He's been prepared in a similar manner by trainer Pierre Ng and is drawn to find the rail first and lead.However, it must be acknowledged that he is rated higher this time around.
Selections : 8,5,1,7,4
R9 - 5,7,6,4,9
R10 - 6,11,9,5,2