Brett Davis provides exclusive Preview of Sha Tin races.
Rail - C+3 Course
Awt - 1,3,4,6,7,8
Race 1
#1 YODA'S CHOICE is back in the right grade today and should take plenty of beating from the low draw.His previous two efforts in class 5 have both been solid in defeat and it could certainly be a case of third time lucky.It's also his official debut on the all weather track but that won't be a concern considering his American pedigree and excellent track work.It's also a fantastic opportunity for new French jockey Alexis Pouchin to kick off his Hong Kong career with a perfect start.
#9 JOYFUL CHAMPION has only saluted the judge on one occasion in his thirty start career but is knocking loudly on the door for win number two.He's fit, drawn well and more than capable at this level but the key to victory is staying in contact with the early speedsters through the first half.That'll be in the capable hands of jockey Mathew Poon to sort out but a solid warm up on the way to the gates would help.
#5 PRECISION GOAL retains the services of Zac Purton and on this occasion they've draw much better in gate 6.From there, he should have no issues in crossing the field to lead as they race out of the stretch and in to the back.Conversely, he's well noted for his one paced style in the run to the line, so despite a potential soft lead he'll be most likely vulnerable to an opponent with a superior turn of foot.
#4 VERBIER has been on the radar of victory for sometime now but unfortunately is yet to get it done.At his last two outings at Happy Valley over 1200m he's suffered costly interference, so a decision has now been made to step him up in trip.He also shifts to the all weather track for his first official start and has shown a real likening for it during his morning work.
#2 FAMILY FORTUNE makes his class 5 debut and although his form reads poor, he did run a reasonable race on this surface first up over 1200m.Throw James McDonald into ride from a favourable barrier draw and there are a ticks alongside his name.The check pieces being added are another reason to think he'll further improve, so he's a must included to the wider exotics.
Selections : 1,9,5,4,2
R2 - 3,2,5,8,12
R3 - 5,12,1,8,3
R4 - 4,3,11,1,10
Race 5
#5 STELLAR EXPRESS remains a Hong Kong maiden to this point but I rate him a solid and strong win/place chance today.Although his past couple have been disappointing the addition of blinkers can rectify any focus deficiency and I like the re-booking of rider Brenton Avdulla.The draws isn't ideal, and creates another small element of risk, but if he finds the level of output he found first up when finishing second, then he wins.
#4 KA YING VICTORY returns to racing following a 3 month spell and is forward enough to give this race a decent shake.He's had plenty of ups and downs in his short career including blood in trachea at the end of last campaign, but his preparation this time around has been seemingly smooth.He's was nice and focused on the job at hand in both his lead up trials and physically he's noticeably improved.
#13 SUPER FORTUNE has the right barrier to make his presence felt and could easily dispute and ultimately win the lead.After a good start to the season he's now at a handicap mark where it's getting tougher to win, but the lighter weight here is certainly going to help.There's a couple of debutants that could potentially test him for early speed, but if they don't rock up then he'll be joy riding in front, and in a winnable rhythm.
#8 POWER KOEPP is extremely well rated on his previous best and has a good record down the Sha Tin straight.He's desperately looking for the drop in grade but might be a dangerous runner to leave out if you're going wide.He should have finished a lot closer last start at Happy Valley over the 1200m and the strong tempo expected here shall suit his closing style.
#3 CARROLL STREET last won off a rating of 85 points two seasons ago so he's extremely well rated right now.His last start 6th was better than it looks on paper after missing the jump badly before closing in well at the end.He's close to peak fitness, he remains a 1000m straight course specialist, and is certainly capable of adding additional value to exotics if ridden well.
Selections : 5,4,13,8,3
R6 - 10,8,2,3,6
R7 - 12,5,4,7,3
R8 - 10,6,2,4,5
Race 9
#6 DRAGON JOY is a sizeable beast with ample ability and mentally he's quite well advanced from just the five starts.Hugh Bowman took him for a spin last start and the pair, after crossing over from out wide to race handy, did everything bar win when push came to shove.A tongue tie has been applied, which should help with any breathing or bit issues, and it's the best barrier he's drawn since he began racing.His ideal distance and preferred racing style are still to be determined but he appears a genuine and keen racer with multiple wins in store.
#5 MASTER OF ALL has handled the transition from class 5 to class 4 with ease, and should he win today he'll probably end up in class 3 next start.He's a natural front runner with a solid turn of speed and it's anticipated he'll find the rail first with an uncontested lead.The 5lbs increase puts him into an area of slight vulnerability but with a well judged ride he'll take plenty of running down.
#1 MIGHTY STEED draws off the track and must carry's top weight now he's been relegated to the top of class 4 and neither factor is going to make it easy.On the flip side, he's already shown overseas, and this current preparation, that a win in class 4 is within his range.He'll have to be ridden cold, despite the fact the speed he'll require is probably not there, but he's a dangerous runner to dismiss if the tempo lifts mid race.
#4 FASHION LEGEND changed stables during the off season break and definitely had excuses first up.He then produced an honest third at his second run back and he'll be given every chance from the good draw.He's still yet to win in Hong Kong following a 12 start career, but he's responding nicely to the recent change of training and living environment.
#13 YOUNG HORIZON is well exposed after a 35 start career but his current output is as strong as it's ever been.With no wins from 25 starts in this class tipping him to get the money with confidence is a risky declaration.The low draw does however mean he'll secure the economical run, and the last time he raced over this exact course and distance, he won.
Selections : 6,5,1,4,13
R10 - 4,3,11,8,2
