Brett Davis provides exclusive Preview of Sha Tin races.
Rail - A Course
Race 1
#7 SMASHING EXPRESS provided enough evidence last season to suggest he can win a race at Sha Tin over 1800.Trainer John Size has persisted with this lowly rated galloper for longer than normal which indicates a win is achievable. All three efforts so far this preparation have been solid in defeat but definitely needed, however, today he appears fit and perfectly placed. With a tempo also expected he should work home favourably at the end.
#2 CELESTIAL HARMONY arrived to Hong Kong a two time winner from country Victoria/Australia and should make an impression with 7lb apprentice Brittany Wong to ride.He gave very little during his first campaign, and it's been a similar scenario so far this time in, but improvement was noted during the summer break. With that in mind, it's predicted he'll race forward today and look to lead.
#1 YIU CHEUNG VICTORY made his way to Hong Kong from Macau last season where he was a winner on six occasions.We haven't seen the best of him at any stage since he transferred to the Dennis Yip stable but that's probably about to change now he's in class 5. Zac Purton riding for Dennis Yip under these circumstances is always an interesting scenario, so he's included.
#11 MR ALADDIN ran particularly well first up before starting favourite at his next run over the Sha Tin 1800m. He completely bombed the start on that occasion and was never a chance after those on pace fully dominated affairs. I'd also forget he went around on the dirt two runs back and focus on the fact he runs best when there's a strong tempo to run at down the straight.
#5 GOLD TACK broke his maiden status at the end of last season after initially sharing the led over the 1800m at Sha Tin.He endured plenty of swimming during the off-season break but trialled up only fairly on two occasions leading in.With a run now under the belt he should improve plenty and I'm prepared to overlook any lead up jitters, and the wide draw, and suggest he can find the frame.
Selections : 7,2,1,11,5
Race 2
#1 MOTOR showed enough ability during in his first preparation as a griffin to suggest he can more than pay his way. He tired over the final 150m of the feature Griffin final last season but was feeling the effects of a big weight and fifth run. The blinkers went on for his first up win this season where he raced handy to the speed before dashing away to win well. The 8lb rise from the handicapper shall be a testing component but he possesses the talented to elevate into class 3.
#8 WINNING CHAMPION showed solid closing speed at his first two attempts before connections rolled the dice his final run last season and pushed him hard.He was unable to burn the candle at both ends following the initial hunt and subsequently weakened out. Nevertheless, he looked comfortable finding the line first up where he was also ridden for speed, so he's improving all the time and isn't out of winning contention.
#2 ALABAMA SONG improved significantly at his second start over 1200m and consequently won the Griffin final at the end of last season.That makes him one of the most interesting runners to compete because he's already defeated many of the opposition lining up. His preparation leading in has been excellent in all areas so it won't be a surprise if he's to good, even first up.
#9 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 stretch in that opening performance and produced the fastest final 800m of the race. He then suffered a horror experience first up this preparation where he got back in traffic, over raced then pulled up a declared roarer. He has the ability to win but the jury's out.
#3 EVER LUCK draws wide for his debut but can off-set the high draw with his natural gate speed.He's a nice fluent mover who's been in work since October 2024 so he's enjoyed plenty of time and comfort settling in. A total of three barrier have been undertaken with his most recent a led all the way demonstration.
Selections : 1,8,2,9,3
R3 - 5,1,2,14,13
R4 - 5,8,7,9,2
R5 - 7,1,14,5,3
R6 - 5,8,4,2,11
R7 - 2,9,7,10,6
Race 8
PREMIER BOWL
(Gp2 - 1200m - Hcp)
#5 PACKING HERMOD has only missed a top 4 finish on one occasion at this point and must be highly 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 G2 company today. With most of the required attributes to win at this level already alongside his name he'll be further advantaged here coming back in trip second up, whilst dropping 11lbs of his shouldering weight.
#13 TOMODACHI KOKOROE has set this track alight over the last month with two fantastic wins recording sizzling time.He's now well positioned to contest a race of this depth with the likely run of the race throughout helping his hope. It's his first attempt in this grade, which means the hard finishers can cut him back, but with 18lbs less to carry he may just set up an unassailable and race winning break.
#6 RAGING BLIZZARD looks ready to shine following his fast finishing 2nd in the Gp3 National Day Cup behind FAST NETWORK and draws ideally in gate 6.He gets in nicely at the weights and has previously proven he's a course and distance specialist with four of his six victories over this circuit. He'll be required to produce a career best to win, but his two runs back have been the perfect lead ups so he's never been in a better positioned to achieve.
#4 FAST NETWORK underwent throat surgery during the off season break before being sent forward first up on opening day over 1400m.The performance was graded strong, considering the cushion in the track and early energy burned, but he was ultimately overhauled final strides.He then bounce back with an exciting win down the Sha Tin straight where he reeled off enormous sectional time. He's returned a better competitor this campaign and is a hope of back to back.
#1 HELIOS EXPRESS is rated the second best sprinter in Hong Kong behind the all conquering KA YING RISING.He returns to work today after a lengthy spell and on form, at set weights, he's the horse they all have to beat. However, with his best to still come and the handicap conditions against I'm wearily prepared to watch and see, whilst shopping around him for the win first up.
Selections : 5,13,6,4,1
R9 - 11,2,3,1,10
R10 - 7,4,1,9,3
