3 minute read

The New Year's Day meeting at Sha Tin could best be described as a "Claytons" meeting.

For those of you not familiar with the term, a Claytons was a non-alcoholic drink that looked like an alcoholic drink and the term got transferred to go before something that wasn't quite the real thing.

The HKJC has been forced to have this meeting before a very restricted audience because of the health concerns arising from the corona virus which is already present in Hong Kong and neighbouring Shenzen.  They are making other arrangements for punters to use the OTB offices and electronic media.

So on to the actual racing.  Race 4 is the G3 Centenary Vase over 1800m and there are two schools of thought here:  Exultant will be able to carry the heavy weight and be able to win over 1800m not his preferred trip, or he won't.  Because he is on 1.8 that looks far too skinny for us and we are going wide with Chefano, 15.0, Teetan/Moore; the Macau runner Sacred Capital on 12.0 with Jamie Spencer flying in for the ride; and Dark Dream on 27.0 for de Sousa/Lor.

Race 8 is the Hong Kong Classic Mile for the 4yos the first of the 4yo Classics leading up to the Derby.  Golden Sixty is on top here but very short on 1.9 with Vincent Ho on board.  Beauty Legacy 5.0 and Champion's Way 22.0 are both from the John Size yard with Moreira opting to ride Beauty Legacy who was an impressive winner on debut – 5.0 looks value – and Karis Teetan Champion's Way on 22.0.  All three have been working well.

Race 10 is the Chinese New Year Cup Class 1 over 1400m.  We love Fat Turtle who bears no resemblance to his name.  Moreira rides for Lor and they are on 3.2.  Two light weights come into play here – Perfect Match on 5.4 and Helena Baby on 18.0.  Fast Most Furious is worthy of at least an e/w here with Zac Purton riding for David Hall – they are on 9.8.