Brett Davis provides exclusive Preview of Sha Tin races.
Rail - C+3
Awt - 2,3
"PURVES QUAICH PLATE"
(Griffin - 1200m - Set Weights/Penalties)
Race 1
#4 MOTOR didn't appear to be underdone going into his April debut following sixbarrier trials but in review he was still in need of a few race day hit outs.He's taken time grasping exactly what's going on but you can now witness him becoming wiser and more curious with every experience and gallop. It was extremely encouraging how he began and then performed two starts back over this exact course and trip, before being narrowly denied last start after untimely traffic hindrance.He continues to progress into an accountable conveyance and it'll take a supreme effort to defeat him.
#12 WINNING CHAMPION is progressing nicely through his first campaign of racing and can further improve his finishing position now he's back at 1200m.He's a fluent mover with a daisy cutter action but needs to lift on his opening 400m so he can stay in contact through the important first half.He possesses a strong late turn of foot and should develop into a more than handy 1200-1600m type in time, so it would be ill advised to leave him out.
#1 LIGHT YEARS GLORY was sent around at 44/1 on debut and quickly reminded us of the difference between morning trial and race day pressure.Now his ability to find under the heat of battle has been exposed he must be treated with respect and caution.However, his personal sectionals on debut rated only medium on the data meter for griffin company, but, he's going to naturally further improve.Nonetheless, the weight penalty of 7lb received is an unknown region of concern.
#9 FIELD MARSHALL warranted respect at his debut following some eye catching track work and three solid trials.He possesses reliable barrier manners along with good natural speed and should attempt to lead this race throughout.He'll need to lift on what he's produced so far when the hard core pressure kicks in but he's fitter for two runs and the inside barrier is a huge help.
#11 SUPER DRAGON is extremely raw and shall need time to mature but there's an engine hidden away.He's made plenty of mistakes exiting the stalls and remains unaware about how all four legs are meant to work but he's getting better with every gallop.It wouldn't surprise if he struggled with the outing, but on the flip side he could also be the surprise packet.
Selections : 4,12,1,9,11
R2 - 11,1,7,12,9
R3 - 11,2,1,6,5
R4 - 6,11,1,5,8
R5 - 10,1,2,11,12
R6 - 3,10,4,2,7,12
Race 7
"THE STEVENSON CUP"
(Class 4 - 1200m - Hcp)
#2 SZERYNG has always shown potential and delivered a handy result to punters who dived in late stages last start.The key was transferring from Happy Valley to the wide open spaces of Sha Tin 3rd up and I'd be expecting him to front up with a strong performance again.The owners have enjoyed a plethora of success over many years with trainer John Size, so I'd be surprised if he doesn't work his way through the grades.
#7 SEA SAPPHIRE can fire out fast and potentially straight to the front with blinkers on and be in it for a long way.Trainer David Eustace has also accessed the 5lb claim available via the booking of apprentice Ellis Wong which can only enhance his closing power.Finishing strength is the area in which he's been deficient so far but the low draw should enable him to improve.
#1 IGOR STRAVINSKY appreciated the drop in distance and class recently and got himself into the finish at a huge price.Zac Purton now takes the opportunity to jump aboard for the first time so it's likeky you'll be forced to take under the odds.The former Aiden O'Brien trainer runner was only minimally exposed before being shipped to Hong Kong, therefore we still have plenty to learn.
#3 TOURBILLON GOLFER ran a nice race out in the lead at his first start and from the inside draw must be rated a hope.However, as a declared roarer before he even began his racing career there'll always be weariness around his potential to breathe, despite the fact he underwent laser surgery in December 2024.Nevertheless, his track work leading in has been fluent and sound so he's given the benefit of doubt.
#9 WISEMAN is the runner I'd be including in the wider exotics following three runs into his first campaign.It's been a slow process getting him to the track fit and in the right frame of mind but he was much better in a trial recently with the blinkers going on.Those blinkers are now applied to his race day costume for the first time, so it's advisable to include him in the exotics.
Selections : 2,7,1,3,9
R8 - 3,6,8,1,4
R9 - 6,4,1,5,3
R10 - 3,6,2,7,5
Race 11
"CHAIRMAN'S DAY HANDICAP"
(Class 3 - 1400m - Hcp)
#1 PATCH OF STARS is developing into an exciting and high quality conveyance following three smart wins at 1400m.His performance last start in class 3 was a dominant display whilst highlighting his potential to eventually get over ground.He's being kept at 1400m for what should be another win, despite the tricky barrier and additional 14lbs.Nevertheless, put him in the black book for next season, all being equal, because a sizeable amount of handicap rating points remains clearly in hand.
#3 ANOTHER WORLD did not cope with his first trip to Happy Valley at all well and should be forgiven for that performance.His effort prior behind LIGHT YEARS CHARM however, over this course and trip, now reads as one of the hottest form references going around.The draw is sticky, but it's the same for the other fancied hopes, so he must be given respect with an undefeated jockey back on board.
#10 VICTORY SKY has been chasing a Private Purchase bonus of 1.5 million HKD all season and gone frustratingly close to securing the cash multiple times.He'll probably have to settle for another minor prize behind PATCH OF STARS, it would seem, however if something goes wrong with the favourite, he can win.Drawing gate 13 doesn't create any extra incentives but he did jump from the same draw last start.
#14 THE ABSOLUTE has found plenty of bother in most outings this campaign and is worthy of inclusion amongst the tips.He also underwent laser surgery this time last year to correct a breathing issue but has since been declared a roarer again.Connections, have now opted for a change of rider to hopefully bring about a change of luck, so keep him in.
#8 ENDEARED has consistently applied himself to the task at hand this campaign and is worthy of consideration.He's a three time winner over this course and distance but found bother in the home straight two runs back when commencing to let down.He maps to secure a position wide and away from the fence, but his regular final 400m output would have him a chance of finishing in the frame.
Selections : 1,3,10,14,8
