3 minute read
Brett Davis provides exclusive Preview of Sha Tin races.
Rail - C+3 Course
Race 1
#3 CHATEAU LE PECHE showed noticeable improvement last start when finding the line nicely behind JOYFUL PROSPERITY.
Jerry Chau has been working with him for sometime now and the pair are edging closer to a winning day.
The wide draw shall force him to settle back and look for cover as they sort there order out, but he's been finding the line well and is expected to close in solidly.
#2 PAKISTAN FRIEND as a 10yo, commenced his final season of racing recently and the champion jockey is again booked to ride.
With two rides for one win the score sheet reads formidable however we must remember that this is class 5.
A pair or trials prior to his last start second saw him find the line well and that's precisely what he produced first up.
#1 CASA LEGEND produced another solid and consistent effort recently behind YOUTH POWER to almost get it done.
Conditions are quite similar here as he lines up for his third win in six starts and there's a chance he'll be good enough.
The 7lbs increase last start appeared the only area of concern but he coped with it well running an honest race.
He'll need a few favours in the run but he should can entertained win/place.
#5 INVINCIBLE MISSILE hasn't won't for a long time but with 9 million HKD in prize money in the bank he doesn't owe much.
With two solid efforts this campaign completed and good draw and claiming jockey booked to ride, he's as well placed as he's ever been.
If the old legs run similarly to what they did first up this preparation he should go close to winning, and perhaps retirement should then ultimately follow.
#10 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 1800m and then last start on the dirt.
He's drawn nicely down low and his sectional times recorded first up would almost have him winning this event.
Selections : 3,2,1,5,10
R2 - 1,10,8,3,11
R3 - 9,11,4,5,3
R4 - 8,1,5,2,12
Race 5
#4 MARKWIN completed a rigorous preparation before his racecourse debut, including 5 trials at varying tracks, and it nearly paid off with a full dividend.
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 that was evident in the way he powered home on debut.
I expected him to race well again and off the back of his first start, should win.
#11 MASTER OF ALL has been super consistent since reaching class 4 and he appears the main danger.
With regular rider Keith Yeung aboard from a low draw he can position handy to the speed before launching his final assault after turning for home.
If the favourite MARKWIN makes any slight errors in the run then this guy should pick up the pieces.
#13 TAKE ACTION hasn't displayed anywhere near his potential at this point but he's a runner you'd won't to include.
John Size has been training horse for this owner for many years and there haven't been to many that don't end up paying their way.
His run first up was an excellent performance on the clock and he then found bother close to home last start.
#1 THRIVING BROTHERS has only been in this grade for the one run and he did a fine job to finish in third.
He's still a youngster with plenty of time and scope and I'd be surprised if he wasn't somewhere in the result.
He should be racing handy to the speed throughout and from that position he'll be ready to strike the leaders.
#14 YODA'S CHOICE drew a horror outside gate last start, and did it tough, but was brave enough to still be there fighting for the win at the end.
He'll have to overcome the same scenario today, but I get the impression he likes racing room.
It's difficult to tip him to win but he could certainly find a minor slice of the prize.
Selections : 4,11,13,1,14
R6 - 6,8,5,2,10
Race 7
THE SASA LADIES PURSE
(Gp3 - 1800m - Hcp)
#13 KARMA put together a pair of high class rating victories last season over the 1600m and is a serious contender.
He was certainly in need of the run first up but found the line with power before producing a career best to win the HKJC Anniversary Cup last start.
He's yet to conqueror a race group calibre but if he continues in the direction he's headed, it's only a matter of time before he reaches the top echelon.
The 1800m is no concern and
the 7lb reduction in weight is gold.
#3 MASSIVE SOVEREIGN won the Hong Kong Derby last season and there is plenty of excitement surrounding his return to the track.
He's enjoyed a solid foundation of work, with two excellent trials completed over 1700m and 1600m respectively, so he's ready to rock and roll.
Zac Purton has partnered him the entire way and he hasn't allowed any other rider to get in his way.
#4 CHANCHENG GLORY shall look to cross the entire field from barrier 7 and ultimately take up the lead.
He's attempting to stand up with the big boys this preparation and the return of Vincent Ho to the saddle is a plus.
I'm unconvinced he'll match the finishing power and class of those at the top end but he continues to surprise and shall no doubt give a bold sight.
#7 SWORD POINT has a sound record over the course and distance and shouldn't be underestimated in this grade.
He obliterated a class 2 field on the all weather track last start and achieved it by a big margin, and with weight.
The last time he competed under these circumstances he wasn't far behind GALAXY PATCH, and that form is arguably the best going around.
#2 NIMBLE NIMBUS was a revelation last season when he consistently competed at the highest level.
I'm not sure what to expect first up but he's been working well and the inside draw gives him a great run throughout.
I'm tipping he'll probably need the
outing first up, but he's the type that could ping with a blast and finish thereabouts.
Selections : 13,3,4,7,2
R8 - 9,1,6,10,2
R9 - 9,2,8,6,11
R10 - 11,10,7,1,4