Brett Davis provides exclusive Preview of Sha Tin races.
"HONG KONG"REUNIFICATION RACEDAY
Rail - C Course
Race 1
#11 GOLD TACK rocks up to Sha Tin for his 30th career start and to hopefully put an end to his maiden status.The money has certainly been about for him at his past couple of starts and if it wasn't for average steering, he'd have arguably won them both.Nevertheless, Zac Purton now steps in to try and end the frustration for all concerned, and despite the unders quote you'll probably have to take, I fancy they'll get it done.
#9 TRADITION has gone close to notching up his first victory in the past few months and is definitely worthy of inclusion in a challenging opening race.His two most recent runs have both been honest with excuse and tonight he'll travel first class in the run from the perfect starting position in gate 5.Furthermore, jockey Dylan Mo was recently advised by the club that his career is in jeopardy, with just 4 wins for the season, so you can guarantee he'll be on a mission to win.
#10 MR ALADDIN hasn't had much joy with barriers of late and nothing changes here after drawing awkwardly in gate 13.Nevertheless, efforts in defeat recently have displayed strength and consistency overall and the long straight run to the first bend can certainly help.Furthermore, with Zac Purton and Hugh Bowman the two previous jockey's to ride him he's likely to drift in the betting and run around at an each way price.
#7 SUPER HONG KONG hasn't managed to win a race since July 2023 and on that occasion he was rated 52 points.Now on a rating of 31 points he's found his way back into an 1800m race at Sha Tin whilst coming up with a low draw.Karis Teetan back aboard for a third consecutive attempt also creates confidence as the pair boast an excellent record of two previous wins.
#3 LEATHER MASTER began improving on the training track earlier in the year and recently registered two successes at Happy Valley.He remains in class 5 and had excuses last start after covering excessive ground throughout the event.The odds are against him here dropping back in trip but he's racing with great enthusiasm and shouldn't be dismissed.
Selections : 11,9,10,7,3
R2 - 3,13,8,1,7
R3 - 2,1,4,6,12
R4 - 11,1,2,7,4
Race 5
"HONG KONG REUNIFICATION CUP"( Class 2 - 1400m - Hcp)
#4 LIGHT YEARS CHARM has been exceptional in victory at his past two both visually and sectionally on the clock.Trainer David Eustace has enjoyed a stellar opening season with 35 wins so far and there'll be more to come from this big guy going forward.The 8lbs rise doesn't appear enough to stop him winning again, particularly over the same course and trip, therefore, it should end up being money in and out.
#5 SOLEIL FIGHTER has finished top 3 on eleven occasions from fourteen starts this season which is an outstanding return for trainer David Hayes and connections.Interestingly, blinkers go on for the first time as he returns to Sha Tin after being narrowly beaten at his last four.Happy Valley has been his preferred and most raced track to this point so it'll be fascinating to see if he can adapt.
#3 YOUNG CHAMPION has been thereabouts all season in events similar and must be include from the low draw.He meets LIGHT YEARS CHARM 9lbs better at the weights for a two length defeat which implies he can reduce the margin between the pair at the end.However, he does meet a young and more progressive galloper which more than likely goes against him at the end.
#11 BRILLIANT EXPRESS has done a power of work in many races this campaign and on two occasions still been good enough to win.Another ugly draw, in gate 12, doesn't exactly ignite the fire of faith when looking at the form, but the rise into class 2 brings about a big reduction in weight.He's yet to reach his ceiling despite an excellent season so far and must be given respect on his unique tactical prowess.
#1 TAJ DRAGON hasn't been able to conjure up much of a report card this season after winning four races during the season prior.Nonetheless, an inkling of better form was spotted at two of his past three runs and the apprentice claim being utilised today flicker's the algorithm.He'll be a runner to follow more confidently during his next preparation but can run well at a price.
Selections : 4,5,3,11,1
R6 - 12,9,11,2,1
Race 7
GUANGDONG-HONG KONG CUP(Class 3 - 1000m - Hcp)
#6 MAJESTIC EXPRESS took the best part of a year to fully settle into Hong Kong lifestyle but is now beginning to blossom.Trainer John Size tweaked a few things along the way, whilst matching his required time, and everything has since worked itself together.It remains unestablished as to what his best distance might actually be, but there are no doubts he holds the votes when it comes to superior engine capacity.
#1 WHIZZ KID hasn't missed a top 3 finish when previously relegated into this grade so be mindful of his class and depth.He's no doubt looking towards a prosperous season next campaign but has been effective in stronger races down the Sha Tin straight in the past.The lack of furious initial pace should also suit because he appreciates settling close to the speed.
#7 SUPER FORTUNE has the sectional speed to lead this race through the first 300m and set up camp running solo.He should also position hard up against the outside running rail under regular rider Angus Chung and together that'll ensure they take running down.Conversely, his own closing sectional data rates him at only medium to high, which suggests he'll be most likely vulnerable to a superior turn of foot.
#3 LA FORZA clearly has his best racing ahead and is entitled to some leway following an average beginning last start.He then recovered nicely to settle just behind the speed before running into traffic issues through the final 200m.The low draw won't make it easy to navigate the win but it's hard to be dismissive of his natural raw talent.
#8 SUNNY DA BEST made a good fist of his first attempt down the Sha Tin straight which is an optimistic sign going in.Unfortunately, the barrier draw swings things right around but that doesn't mean he can't feature in any way.It does throw caution to the wind because he'll be all at sea down the middle of the track but I'd be keeping him safe incase he copes with it well.
Selections : 6,1,7,3,8
R8 - 5,14,11,9,1
R9 - 10,12,2,3,6
R10 - 5,4,10,11,2
