Brett Davis provides exclusive Preview of Sha Tin races.
Rail - C+3 Course
Awt - 1,4
R1 - 8,12,10,3,7
R2 - 2,1,9,13,7
Race 3
#10 FAMILY FORTUNE had the blinkers removed for his seasonal return after they back fired in his final run last campaign.He then ended up settling a long way out of his ground first up before working into the race with real endeavour at the end.The ground he made up on the eventually winner PERFECT PEACH was significant considering there respective efforts, so expect him to likely turning that around.
#3 PERFECT PEACH was superbly ridden by Zac Purton on opening day of the new season and despite the weight increase for the victory should be in the finish.Class 5 gallopers do however have the inclination to vary there level of output so he becomes somewhat risky regarding back to back wins.Nevertheless, he's trained on well and the stable has begun in excellent form so he remains difficult to fully take on.
#12 MR GOOD VIBES can only boast the one solitary win which occurred over the Sha Tin 1200m in March 2024.It was a lean run thereafter for the David Hall trained galloper as he struggled with a lack of confidence in the higher grade.However, a 2 week rest during the off season break, followed by plenty of track work, saw him produce a red flashing light on the sectional data siren when closing in from down back first up.
#1 CELESTIAL HARMONY arrived to Hong Kong a two time winner from country Victoria/Australia and should be making an impression shortly for connections.He gave very little during his first campaign but improvement was noted during the summer break.A pair of solid barrier trials at Conghua in August confirmed his wellbeing so a better result 2nd up is anticipated.
#6 SMASHING EXPRESS provided enough evidence last season to suggest he can win a race at Sha Tin over 1600m.Trainer John Size has persisted with this lowly rated galloper for longer than normal which indicates a win is achievable.The first up run for jockey Mathew Poon was definitely needed before a more encouraging effort with Brenton Avdulla aboard last start.
Selections : 10,3,12,1,6
R4 - 1,8,4,9,10
Race 5
#4 PACKING PHOENIX arrives at the race track for his much anticipated debut following a long and patient preparation.It was obvious before he even arrived to Hong Kong that he was a talented individual and he's now trialled 4 times in Asia's World City, for 4 wins.He's got gate speed, he's got size and a huge amount of upside so it's exciting to finally see him placed under the duress of race pressure.
#2 SPICY STANDARD got under the guard of many form students first up when he powered home through the final 300m to win at upwards of 30/1.It was a massive turnaround on his opening two runs earlier in the year but a gelding operation and fresh start saw him come good.He's had it fairly easy since that emphatic win first up but all three track gallops since are suggesting he'll back up with another strong performance.
#6 RISING PHOENIX has rated highly at all three performances down the Sha Tin straight and I expect him to relish the rise to 1200m at headquarters.The son of DARCI BRAHMA has a high degree of talent and is blessed with a hard and fast closing turn of speed.We again saw that on show first up when he almost cut down 1.4 favourite SUPER STRONG KID, who'd had the better run.He remains green, and a circle race poses a completely different contest, but I'd be weary of underestimating his scope.
#11 KING OBERON is yet to win in class 4 following a comprehensive win in class 5 but remains an honest contributor every time he goes to work.He got into a head to head battle early on first up before SPICY STANDARD roared past him in the home stretch.He battled on solidly during the eventual run to the line and I expect him to stick on just as well this time around.
#12 THUNDER BLINK has dropped 21 rating points since winning his first two starts as a griffin in early 2024 and rates a runner of some interest.He completely lost his way following the aforementioned wins before being gelded in early November last year.Another off season rest may have triggered his mind in the appropriate direction, especially considering a better barrier trial leading in.
Selections : 4,2,6,11,12
R6 - 8,1,6,4,3
R7 - 4,10,12,2,1
Race 8
"THE CELEBRATION CUP"
(G3 - 1400m - Hcp)
#8 MY WISH was the ultimate professional all the way through last seasons 4yo Classic Series by firstly winning the Hong Kong Classic Mile, then narrowly being defeated in the Hong Kong Classic Cup and Hong Kong Derby.He possesses speed and strength, is capable of finding extra under hard core pressure, whilst importantly, possessing the ability to clearly break the 22.00 second barrier over the final 400m.In most years gone bye, 4yo's with his calibre of expertise end up at the top of the class, and genuine G1 competitors.
#6 PACKING HERMOD has only missed a top 3 finish on two occasions at this point of his career and must be respected.He's an outstanding type that'll more than likely develop into a genuine group horse this season and may even taste his first success in the company today.With most of the required attributes to win at this level already alongside his name he'll be right at the top end of the market and justifiably difficult to oppose.His one trial leading in was superb and indicated he can win fresh up.
#12 LIGHT YEARS CHARM was exceptional in victory at his final three starts last season both visually and sectionally.Trainer David Eustace enjoyed an excellent win strike rate from his total of 36 winners last season and there'll be more to come going forward.Nevertheless, returning from an off season break whilst again being asked to raise the bar has brought many a progressive type undone.However, many shall be curious to see how close he gets.
#11 PRAY FOR MIR won his first attempt in G3 company towards the end of last season and he's been super competitive at the level ever since.He shouldered a big weight first up whilst doing plenty of the heavy lifting on speed but remained in the fight to the line.He'll require a touch of luck from the potentially awkward draw but a reduction in weight gives him every right to stick on strongly in the home straight.
#1 HAPPY TOGETHER found his best form in a long time at the end of last season and despite top weight here deserves to be considered.He's likely to secure an excellent position in running and can establish it without burning to much gas.It'll take a little longer to build his finishing momentum in the stretch but his class can help him find the frame.
Selections : 8,6,12,11,1
R9 - 6,4,2,1,8
R10 - 9,14,2,5,3
R11 - 5,4,8,1,10
