Brett Davis provides exclusive Preview of Sha Tin races.

Rail - A+3 Course

Race 1

#13 FAIRY HORSE began awkwardly first up before flashing home hard at the end.Connections were obviously horrified by the steer he was given 2nd up and have justifiably booked a new rider.
He'll have to deal with an another wide ugly draw, which may end up costing him victory again, but he's literally bursting at the seems to win one, so here's hoping Alexis Badel is the ingredient for success.

#8 PANDA LEGEND is a lightly raced 7yo who's unfortunately suffered multiple leg injuries throughout his career. He won a race in class 4 over this course and distance quite impressively two seasons back before injury got in the way. He then found his way into class 5 at the tail end of last term before some better movement and a minor result followed. Then first up this campaign he was honest in defeat, which suggested if he finds another length he can win.

#2 CASHISCASH ran boldly first up after drawing the inside barrier but found one stronger over the final 100m. The handicapper elevated him 2 points in the ratings for the narrow defeat but at the same time allowed him to remain in the lowest grade. Hugh Bowman now takes over the steering and the wider draw makes things tricky, but he'll remain in the hunt when it comes down to the business end.

#4 WINDICATOR FAMILY carried solid form from last season into his opening run at Sha Tin but did surprised how well he performed. He's rarely displayed a legitimate liking for the Sha Tin circuit but to his credit kept up a strong gallop to the line. Has he turned a corner is the question now to be asked, or is it because he drew gate 1 whilst also being in receipt of the apprentices 10lb claim?

#6 TEAM HAPPY won two races last season and both were recorded at the bottom of class 4. The first, off a rating of 41 when first up over this course, the second three runs later at Happy Valley over 1200m when leading all the way.
It was a similar preparation going into his effort first up where he battled away honestly to the line. He'll strip fitter for that run and is capable of dealing the outside draw.

Selections : 13,8,2,4,6

R2 - 3,10,4,1,5

R3 - 6,9,5,11,13

R4 - 13,2,14,1,12

R5 - 5,2,1,6,7

R6 - 5,3,6,14,7

Race 7

"NATIONAL DAY CUP"
(Gp3 - 1000m - Hcp)

#4 WUNDERBAR hasn't raced since his narrow defeat to BEAUTY WAVES over this track and trip in June. The barrier draws favoured the eventual winner on that occasion so it's fair to say the result can easily be turned around. It's been a typically conservative approach by trainer John Size leading in to his seasonal reappearance, however both trials undertaken give the impression he can return classier than before.

#6 MAGIC CONTROL missed the start and wasn't suited by the 1200m first up but the run played an integral part by further enhancing his fitness. He was labelled a 1000m straight course specialist after winning three races here last season before ultimately finishing a close third to fellow and again opponents BEAUTY WAVES and WUNDERBAR. His closing speed was excellent first up behind the fastest horse in the world so he should be right amongst the battle.

#1 BEAUTY WAVES tasted his first defeat for the new stable of Tony Cruz in the Chief Executive's Cup on opening day but had significant excuses. He began awkwardly, then raced keenly in an attempt to make up lost ground and in the process checked another runner. That all took a toll on his energy and mental stability approaching the home bend, and he was thereafter left with nothing to offer in the stretch. A switch back to the 1000m straight track is in my option what he prefers, so it won't be a surprise to see him bounce back.

#5 FAST NETWORK underwent throat surgery during the off season break and was then sent forward first up on opening day over 1400m. The performance was graded strong, considering cushion in the track and the early energy burned, but he was ultimately overhauled final strides. The blinkers go back on, he's back to the more suitable 1000m, plus capable of enormous sectional output, so he's impossible to leave out.

#7 BOTTOMUPTOGETHER set the track alight through the first 600m of the Chief Executive's Cup, 1200m, before gradually tiring over the final furlong. He's ideally placed coming back to 1000m and tasted defeat on only one occasion over this exact course and trip. He's also drawn favourable in gate 7 which I expect allows him to hold the lead on the outside rail. It's his first attempt in this grade, which means hard finishers can cut him down, but he's likely to run a big race.

Selections : 4,6,1,5,7

R8 -5,6,1,2,8

R9 - 9,10,6,5,3

Race 10

#4 TOP DRAGON won two of his final three starts at the end of last season and it may have been three if it wasn't for severe interference. Trainer Chris So didn't allow him much off time during the summer recess so he's extremely well prepared first up and ready to perform. A winning trial in early September was thereafter followed by a strong third to rising super star MY WISH on the 19th, with champion jockey Zac Purton aboard for both outings.

#10 KA YING SUPERB showed tremendous fortitude when narrowly going down first up behind a horse who's been able to win again since. That form line creates a high level of confidence going in second up and it's quite possible he crosses the field to lead. He was held up and suffered interference on two occasions last season, when in a position to potentially win, so we haven't got to the bottom of his engine capacity just yet.

#12 MAX QUE was unable to break through for a win during his first season of racing but it wasn't for a lack of trying. The son of AKEED MOFEED is a sizeable beast with rating points in hand and the off season break allowed him to mature.He then came out of the gates sharply first up and positioned handy before accelerating with a sustained surge. I'd expect that performance to transition into more wins, with more racing, however I won't be surprised if he wins his first attempt in class 3.

#6 LUCKY MY WAY is giving away some fitness to most of the opposition but he might just be a class 2 horse in the making, or even better. There was plenty to admire about the way he exploded home to win during his final two starts last season, but the up in class/distance factor always remains a significant challenge. Nevertheless, if you're playing multiples and the wider exotics he's a dangerous runner to leave out on what he's shown.

#11 SHAMUS STORM is a runner to be weary of as well despite the fact he'll get a long way back. He gave MAX QUE a start and decisive beating at his only victory last season and in the process shouldered a big weight. He's enjoyed a solid preparation under the tutelage of rider Andrea Atzeni and appears one of many competing with additional wins up his sleeve.

Selections : 4,10,12,6,11