3 minute read
Brett Davis provides exclusive preview of Sha Tin races.
Rail - A+3 Position
Awt - 6,8
Race 1
#3 FAMILY JEWEL contested a race on opening day and should've gone close to getting the money.He'd had an excellent preparation leading into that event but over raced for a period and thereafter never got comfortable.
He was also held up on two occasions when searching for a run during the final stages of that event.The step up in distance to 1600m looks an excellent option today and with Hugh Bowman aboard he should atone.
#9 SPECIAL HEDGE got going towards the end of last season before a trip to Happy Valley went pear shaped.Returning back to Sha Tin looks the right option going forward and the excellent barrier draw can only assist his chance.A good looking trial victory recently on the all weather display him in excellent shape so he must be included in the top picks.
#5 MISTER DAPPER was hot and cold throughout last season but his best results have been accumulated over this exact course and trip.Karis Teetan hasn't ridden him in quite sometime but it's interesting to note that he's booked to ride.The pair got together a few weeks ago in a trial at Conghua, in which they won, and they've previously had success together on one occasion in the past.
#6 STAR LINE has the benefit of a run under the belt and has also dropped along way in the handicap ratings.He looks the leader on paper stepping up to the 1600m and there's a very good chance it'll be uncontested.It's the perfect opportunity for Hong Kong's newest young female apprentice Brittany Wong to utilise her 10lb claim, which shall make him hard to run down.
#7 SMART BEAUTY found excellent form during the final months of last season by winning two of his last three starts.Now that he's back in class 4 the pressure goes on because he's struggled to measure up in the past.Nonetheless, there are many in this race that haven't got much future looking at there form, so I'd be inclined to include him in the wider exotics.
Selections : 3,9,5,6,7
R2 - 6,12,8,5,1
R3 - 4,9,10,7,8
R4 - 4,13,2,6,11
Race 5
#2 AEROINVINCIBLE was the beaten favourite at two of his three final starts last season which may stick in the back of punters minds.With a drop in grade now gained, and the champion jockey taking over the reigns, there are a number of good reasons to jump back aboard.Combining all that information, along with two excellent victories at the trials leading in, and it's accurate to suggest he's back feeling well and ready to win.
#1 ENJOY GOLF is the main opponent to defeat following a solid and encouraging first campaign.He's displayed tactical versatility, along with a big lengthy stride, but the wide draw and weight make him slightly risky.Hugh Bowman knows him well and there's better still to come but the big question is where does he end up in the run.With decent pace forceable, drifting back might be the preferred option but that'll give AEROINVINCIBLE a big start.
#6 MIGHTY STRENGTH is only a little fella but he's got some power in his stride.He won the money as a 50/1 shot at the end of last season with a big hard core finishing burst from well back.It was an excellent performance on that occasion but it was the final 400m that impressed the most.A trial recently under Karis Teetan was encouraging and suggests he'll enjoy getting up to the mile.
#5 HANDSOME BOMB had to do things the hard way at the end of last campaign after sitting deep throughout the run.He was still good enough to record the win and connections would have gone back home feeling rather chuffed.A quite trial leading in hasn't branded him a good thing upon return, but you can expect he'll be competitive and run well.
#12 TEAM HAPPY is close to a drop in grade plus awkwardly drawn and therefore somewhat vulnerable to defeat.On the flip side, he's got plenty of natural gate speed and is to be ridden by an Apprentice with a claim.With a solid foundation of three trials absorbed he'll go in to this fit and could well cross to lead, thereafter in the mix.
Selections : 2,1,6,5,12
R6 - 3,11,1,4,12
R7 - 5,4,6,2,9
R8 - 3,6,5,1,2
R9 - 1,2,4,6,11
Race 10
#2 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 shall ensure the opposition is kept under the pump.He'll settle well back and maybe caught a fraction wide but it'll be better than being held up or hemmed in on the rail.
#10 THE HEIR was a model of consistency during his first Hong Kong campaign despite being unable to secure a win.It wasn't from a lack of trying but more so finding interference and bother at the most inappropriate times.He's in good shape for his seasonal return with a nice quiet trial keeping him poised.All he needs now is a touch of luck when it matters and the race is his to win.
#6 LO PAN SPIRIT was super impressive winning a class 4 over 1200m last campaign before being ridden to hard early on at his next start.He enjoyed a good break in the off season before appearing strong and controlled in a recent trial, where there looked to be plenty left in the tank.Stepping up in distance to 1400m could be just what he needs, so he's marked the x-factor runner in this race.
#8 MASSIVE ACTION is a two time winner over this course and trip and shall be desperate to find the lead.With Brittany Wong to take the ride the front running position shall be advantaged by the young apprentices 10lb claim.He's certainly close to his handicap mark but under these circumstances should be difficult to reign in.
#9 PRAY FOR MIR has plenty of scope to improve this season after three settling runs at the back end of last term.He was forward for most of his recent barrier trial before easing off towards the end to conserve.Mathew Chadwick has been working with him for quite a few weeks and from the low draw they'll be gifted the right run.
Selections : 2,10,6,8,9
