Brett Davis provides exclusive Preview of Sha Tin races.
Rail - C Course
Awt - 4,8
Race 1
#8 MR ALADDIN bounded home out wide with a terrific run first up at Sha Tin after drawing wide and covering extra ground.His form was rock solid at the end of last season and it's quite surprising that he's yet to break through for a deserved win. Perhaps the fact he's hasn't draw inside barrier 9 since his run at Happy Valley in March is the reason he's been unlucky, well today he draws perfectly in gate 4 creating his best opportunity to win.
#3 HAKKA RADIANCE began fairly, then over raced to find the lead first up before eventually tiring through the final 200m. He'll be better prepared this time around with race fitness under the saddle and the slightly longer trip allows him to slowly cross the field instead of scurry. Provided he and #2 GOLDEN FAIRY don't cut each other to piece's for the outright lead then he'll stick on better this time.
#1 STORM RUNNER was given further relief by the handicapper during the offseason break and class 5 is where he can make his initial mark. He's previously proven he's good enough to be competitive at the bottom of class 4 and in time shall be back in that grade with winning form. Zac Purton took him for a spin in a trial on the all weather on September 9 and the pair cruised around comfortably without being tested to the line.
#6 SMASHING EXPRESS provided enough evidence last season to suggest he can win a race at Sha Tin over 1800m. Trainer John Size has persisted with this lowly rated galloper for longer than normal which indicates a win is achievable. The 1600m first up was on the short side for jockey Mathew Poon but a switch to Brenton Avdulla, and a rise to 1800m, puts him right in amongst the hopes.
#5 CHATEAU LE PECHE picked up a win in April last season when he drew low and finished best after an economical run. That's been his style from the beginning of time and with regular rider Jerry Chau back aboard he can be entertained. He'd ideally prefer the 2000m or 2200m at Happy Valley according to his record and profile but he's going to save ground throughout from the good draw.
Selections : 8,3,1,6,5
Race 2
#2 MOTOR showed enough in his first preparation as a griffin to suggest he can pay his way this season. He tired over the final 150m of the feature Griffin final last season but was likely feeling the effects of a big weight and fifth run of his first campaign. The blinkers went on during his most recent barrier trial at Conghua where he eased out of the speed early on before working home to win well.
#1 FIELD MARSHAL is a natural jump and run conveyance on what we saw last season and I'd be surprised if he's not taken directly to the front. That was the case in a Conghua barrier trial over 1000m on the 8th September where the winner recorded solid time whilst overhauling him final stages. The rail in the C position can often make leaders harder to run down so he's the opponent they all have to catch.
#4 JUST FOLLOW ME made his career debut in the Griffin final last season after being scratched from his first intended start due to a lame right hind. He displayed a strong turn of foot down the Sha Tin home stretch in that opening performance, and actually produced the fastest final 800m of the entire event. A quiet trial down the 1000m Sha Tin straight was encouraging to watch leading in, and he might just be to good if he's able to stay in touch early doors.
#5 WINNING CHAMPION showed solid closing speed at his first two attempts before connections rolled the dice at his final run by pushing him hard early. He was unable to burn the candle at both ends following the initial hunt and subsequently weakened out over the races final furlong. Nevertheless, he looked comfortable finding the line in an all weather trial recently when also ridden for speed.
#10 YOUNG FIGHTER has shown glimpses of improvement across the off-season break and can settle one away from the fence around mid-field. That should allow him to move freely and unimpeded turning into the home stretch before making a sustained straight line dash at the post. The benefit of two trials leading in is another advantage over many opposition but he'll have to improve massively if he's to threaten this race for the win.
Selections : 2,1,4,5,10
R3 - 4,2,1,10,5
R4 - 3,4,13,9,1
R5 - 11,10,3,7,9
Race 6
"KPMG 80th ANNIVERSARY CUP"
(Class 3 - 1200m - Handicap)
#4 WONDERSTAR is reunited with previously successful jockey James Orman and together they'll be out to claim a Private Purchase bonus of 1.5 million HKD, should they win. The opportunity to carve across the field with GIANT LEAP when the starter says go is how the race should unfold. Once establishing a forward position, I expect he'll take the lead clear cut turning for home and thereafter make a focused and fluent dash to the post.
#10 THOUSAND SPIRIT ran well on two occasions down the Sha Tin straight last season by closing in hard during the important second half. He returns first up this campaign at 1200m following a quite trial behind WONDERSTAR, where he was well beaten, but never really let off the chain. He's a lovely fluent mover with a quickening daisy cutter action and I expect him to ping with freshness first up.
#6 VICTORY SKY finished behind some handy and very much inform gallopers at the end of last season before an untimely epiglottic entrapment literally stopped him in his tracks. Throat surgery to release that issue took place in July and he thereafter passed a barrier trial to the satisfaction of stewards in early September. A tongue tie has now been added for his seasonal return and if he stays sound he's no doubt got the ability to win.
#3 STANLEY EXPESS won a rich 2yo race in Australia at his career debut before suffering a heart irregularity at his only other start. He's been well prepared by trainer Pierre Ng completing 5 trials in total, two of which he's won. The ugly and unenviable outside barrier draw over the 1200m for his Hong Kong debut doesn't read well, but as already hinted, the speed map is predicting that might end up being in his favour. He's the unexposed x-factor in the race and late fluctuations shall be key.
#2 GIANT LEAP was completely gassed as the joint leader first up at Happy Valley after a thunderous pace was set. He'd displayed reasonable form in his lead up barrier trials and is definitely worthy of including, despite the wide draw. All the pace in this event is drawn wide, and alongside each other, so there's a realistic chance they all cross together whilst controlling the first half sectionals. If that comes to fruition he can stick on better than most expect.
Selections : 4,10,6,3,2
R7 - 1,4,7,6,11
R8 - 4,6,3,7,9
R9 - 2,3,6,11,1
R10 - 1,3,11,8,5
