Brett Davis provides exclusive preview of Sha Tin races.
"SEASON FINALE"
(Race Meeting 88)
"CHAMPION AWARDS"
"Horse Of The Year"
ROMANTIC WARRIOR
"Champion Miler"
GOLDEN SIXTY
"Champion Sprinter"
CALIFORNIA SPANGLE
"Champion Jockey"
ZAC PURTON
"Champion Trainer"
(Pending)
PIERRE NG - 67 winners
FRANCIS LUI - 66 winners
Rail - A Course
Race 1
#9 RATTAN WORLD hasn't raced for 10 week's following a lameness problem to his left fore but has trialled with purpose since on two separate occasions.
Both trials were completed on the all weather track with blinkers applied and he found the line nicely both times.
Drawing the inside gate could be a slight disadvantage because he'll settle back in amongst traffic, but I expect him to emerge between runners when they run at the judge, and with a faultless or near perfect ride could just about get home.
#5 GOOD VIEW GLORY broke his maiden status over the minimum trip at Happy Valley last start which coincided with the blinkers being applied.
His form prior, here at Sha Tin, was inferring a win was imminent and he was able to get the job done after positioning awkwardly through the first half.
Jockey Andre Atzeni was behind the wheel on that occasion and he butters up again in search of another success.
#13 DRAGON KINGDOM is all about jump and run so a return to the shorter trip of 1200m is right up his alley.
With gate five to exit from he should secure the initial lead from those drawn underneath whilst setting a hefty pace.
His overall record and form does highlight the fact he'll tire at some point in the stretch, but the final 400m splits at his past two runs have been amongst the strongest he's ever produced.
#7 CHEERS FOR SOUTH hasn't been defeated by big spaces at his two attempts in class 5 and is worth considering, despite the widish gate.
He'll definitely need a clean getaway, if he's going to be any hope, and with Karis Teetan back on board I'm tipping that'll almost surely happen.
With the position outside the probable leader DRAGON KINGDOM thereafter secured, he should find the line as good as most competing.
#10 SUPER JOY is better know as an all weather competitor and has unfortunately drawn horribly out in gate 14.
However, he's enjoyed a far better season than most of his competitors and is reliable regarding attitude and approach.
Mathew Chadwick also knows him better than any other rider and the pair have trialled quietly on two occasions leading into this event.
Selections : 9,5,13,7,10
R2 - 5,3,7,6,1
R3 - 3,1,10,7,2
R4 - 9,10,8,4,3
R5 - 11,12,4,1,7
R6 - 7,13,4,1,12
R7 - 1,2,5,4,7
Race 8
Hong Kong Racehorse
Owners Association Trophy
(Class 1 - 1600m - Hcp)
#4 CHANCHENG GLORY has enjoyed an outstanding season and is showing no signs of duress or slowing down.
He recorded a comprehensive victory three runs back, coming away to win decisively over the longer distance, while prior to that, he'd performed well throughout the three legs of the Four Year Old Classic Series.
He's tactically versatile with the blinkers being replaced by a visor this time around, plus Zac Purton has phoned up for the ride.
Which ever way you analyse this event he's without doubt the hardest runner to defeat.
#1 MOMENTS IN TIME returns to Sha Tin following a gutsy performance at Happy Valley last start where he got going in the race along way from home .
The last time he was here at Sha Tin he raced much tougher opponents, and over 2400m, and in the process proved he was
all quality with bigger races to win.
Hugh Bowman now jumps in the seat and it's expected he'll be right in the finish, but the 130lbs to shoulder is a slight concern.
#7 ATULLIBIGEAL has enjoyed another fruitful season for connections and he can certainly add to that tally in this event.
He could have easily finished closer last start if it wasn't for a poor beginning and tightening at a crucial stage in the home straight.
He's capable of delivering a high quality final sectional, if everything goes right, and if that happens he can win.
#9 C P BRAVE won the first of three victories this season on International Day back in December and he's kept the ball rolling ever since.
Some would question whether he's reached his handicap mark, at this point in time, and it's a fair assessment and analysis all considered.
However, from barrier one he's going to get all the favours, which may provide an opportunity to win one more race before he's done.
#10 THE BEST PEACH blew C P BRAVE away in a class 3 contest back in March and that kind of effort has him amongst the hopes.
The problem is he's pretty much gone missing ever since, but there has been traffic excuses to take into consideration, on occasions.
There was money around for him late in betting last start and I'd predict it'll surface again.
Selections : 4,1,7,9,10
R9 - 12,2,7,5,10
R10 - 7,1,3,8,4
Race 11
#1 PATCH OF THETA has been flying along recently, winning three of his last five starts, including three victories over this particular course and trip.
He's trained by Francis Lui, who's having an excellent season, and is also fighting out the Trainer's Premiership with his former assistant and no doubt friend Pierre Ng.
He's a young, lightly raced, progressive type who'll rise in grade with optimism next season, whilst the booking of Hugh Bowman only creates further confidence.
#3 BEAUTY FIT has been a model of consistency lately and should get every chance in this event. He's a natural on pace galloper, and with the low draw shall be favoured by a likely trailing position.
With Hugh Bowman sticking to PATCH OF THETA, Brenton Avdulla now shits from BEAUTY CRESCENT to pick up the ride, which is all a little confusing when you take a closer look.
Nevertheless, he arrived in Hong Kong rated 83 and is still well below that rating on 75.
#5 AMAZING VICTORY hasn't been able to secure a victory this term but has been on the ready to win list for sometime.
He's well rated and well draw to secure the good run in transit and is definitely worthy of inclusion in the wider exotics.
He wasn't suited at all by the trip to Happy Valley at his most recent contest but the trip away should've freshened his mind.
#2 BEAUTY CRESCENT remains a Hong Kong maiden after seventeen attempts but went as close as he's ever gone last time out.
With Zac Purton aboard, for the final race of this season, he's going to be in the market for sure.
He's definitely starting to come right, after what would be classified as a frustrating campaign, and therefore must be included in the hopes.
#9 LOST CHILD displayed some positive signs early in the season before a heart irregularity in March broke up his consistent form.
He overcame that set back quickly following a short break and has since recaptured his ability to find the line well.
The wide gate shouldn't be seen as negative, because he generally settles back, but he'll need them to run along up front if he's to pounce through the final 100m.
Selections : 1,3,5,2,9
