3 minute read
Brett Davis provides exclusive preview of Sha Tin races.
Rail - B Course
Race 1
#7 DRAGON AIR FORCE draws perfectly in gate 10 for his career debut and is expected to settle just behind the speed. With 3 wins from 7 total trials behind him he's well and truly physically prepared, whilst along the way displaying glimpses of improving maturity and track sense. Karis Teetan jumps aboard for his first start and was also behind the wheel at two of his three most recent trials.
#9 PERFECT GENERAL hasn't been helped by the low barrier draw for his race debut but I won't be letting that concern me to much.He's displayed encouraging natural gate speed in preparation whilst also showing depth in a finish at both pre race trials. Connections paid a large amount of money for him at the Hong Kong International Sale but he's a good chance of getting some of that back right away.
#8 LOVING VIBES has also draw the right part of the track for his career debut which shall place him in a striking position. The way he's trialled, and moves, suggests he's going to be better over further ground but that doesn't mean he won't be effective down the straight. The Sha Tin 1000m can often race equivalent to a 1200m circle event which is what I reckon he needs.
#2 CHEVAL VALIANT has done all his money making down the Sha Tin straight track which is information hard to ignore. Despite the fact there are many talented young horses on debut, that remain unexposed to race pressure, with this guy you know what you'll get. He's only recently returned to the easier grade of class 4 and he'll have the speedy SUPER AXIOM to drag him into the race.
#13 SUPER AXIOM is an aging campaigner who'll be best suited back in class 5 but at the same time shall lead this race with frantic speed. With the outside draw and light weight, via a claim, he's going to exert plenty of initial pressure on the new stock and race debutants throughout the first half. Some shall cope, but there'll be those that don't so he's best kept in the mix for all your exotic plays.
Selections : 7,9,8,2,13
R2 - 5,11,9,10,3
R3 - 2,4,13,11,10
R4 - 1,3,10,6,2
R5 - 5,6,2,1,7
Race 6
HONG KONG
REUNIFICATION CUP
(Class 2 - 1400m - Hcp)
#4 WONDER KIT has been a model of consistency throughout the season and shall again be given his chance from an excellent draw to rack up another win. Although he's yet to win a race at Sha Tin his efforts in defeat since transferring to the bigger track, from Happy Valley, have been admirable and courageous. With Vincent Ho now back riding winners, after a patchy season due to injury, he may well be giving the ride that enables him to find the line at the precise time.
#7 SUPER BOY can mix his output from time to time but in retrospect there's generally been a legitimate excuse. Zac Purton won on him as a young up and comer and today regains the steering wheel off a light weight.
He prefers to race handy or may even attempt to lead, but there's a definite chance he'll be forced to sit further back and look for cover.He's difficult to recommend with confidence but at the same time dangerous to lay for the win.
#6 KEEFY defeated SUPER BOY and WONDER KIT by a slender margin recently and there shouldn't be much in it again. Despite the rise of 4lbs, it is worth remembering that he's won previously off a rating of 91 points. He'd certainly lost his way for a long period of time prior to his last start win, but the market suggested he was going to run well, and he did. Therefore he must be respected.
#9 GORGEOUS WIN has his back against the wall as a 3yo rising in trip but it's a distance that remains untried to this point. The initial events of his first campaign had him a jump and run competitor who was often too slick for the rest. Now he's reached class 2 he's been forced to become more versatile and he's handling that challenge with style. I won't be at all surprised, provided he's not barbecued through the initial meters, if he runs above his rating and even takes the prize.
#2 FLAMING RABBIT is at his best when rated to suit himself so the inside gate is going to assist his attempt to lead. The big weight to carry and opposing pace are concerning factors but the pace on paper may not end being as crushing as it potentially reads. If that ends up being the case, then he kicks hard down the stretch and makes it a swift dash for the judge.
Selections : 4,7,6,9,2
R7 - 9,1,2,5,12
Race 8
#8 FORERUNNER has his hoof on the till following two narrow defeats over this course and trip and must be included in all betting calculations. He's been a slow maturing type that's unlikely to reach the heights connections would've hoped, nevertheless, this is definitely a race he can win. Hugh Bowman has put in plenty of time, both on and off the track, to further his development and from a good draw won't be making to many mistakes.
#7 GRAND BOSS has already suffered a number of set backs in his career including surgery for a roaring condition. With that behind him, and a far more encouraging effort last start, he now becomes a runner of interest. His own personal data rated high from his most recent assignment so if he butters up with no breathing concerns, then he can run well enough to win.
#5 SOLID WIN was definitely in need of the outing first up and shall be clearly benefited by the rise in trip to 1400m. Trainer Ricky Yui, in the interim, sent him back to the trials earlier this week where he closed off under riding for third. He's still got plenty to learn and gives the impression he's somewhat lazy, but there's a nice size engine under the hood.
#1 MY FLYING ANGEL has again unfortunately drawn poorly in gate 13 so luck shall be require to get him home. On the flip side, Zac Purton jumps aboard for the first time and it's just his second contest in the easier grade of class 4. There's also the chance of him crossing the field alongside the speedy GALLANT CROWN early on, which may place him into a comfortable and striking position.
#2 MARADO looks hard to have on overall form this campaign but he's extremely well rated on his best. A number of his opponents shall be better horses next season where as he's an established runner, but out of form. With blinkers back on and a low draw to help position he's worth keeping safe. His effort three runs back, when first up in this grade, would be good enough to have him somewhere thereabouts at the end.
Selections : 8,7,5,1,2
R9 - 3,2,1,5,11
R10 - 5,4,6,3,1
R11 - 4,6,1,9,10
