3 minute read

Brett Davis runs the rule over Sha Tin this afternoon.

Brett Davis - Selections

R1 - 3,4,2,1,5

R2 - 7,1,5,3,6

R3 - The Feature on today's 11 race card is the Gp 3 "Queen Mother Memorial Cup". Its a race decided over 2400m under handicap conditions and has often been a launching pad for young talents on the way through.

Dominant a Hong Kong Vase winner at his best won this race back to back in 2012/2013. Eagle Way who carries top weight today won the 2017 edition and was then followed by a handy type called Exultant who showed a glimpse of what was to come, by putting on a show in 2018.

The soon to retire John Moore won his first of five "Queen Mother Memorial Cups" when Geoff Allendorf piloted Stingray to victory back in 1989. Since then he's won four of the last eight renewals and looking at the numbers today he be hard done by, you'd think, to not go close again in his final year of training.

By the way if you enjoy gazing at uniquely defined mesmerising antiques then don't be absent for the after race presentation. The winners trophy is an immaculate looking piece of silverware that dates back over a century and is no doubt worth a small fortune. It really is quite an amazing structure and the Hong Kong Jockey Club are very proud to show it off annually.

The race this year consists of only a small field and despite his weight in numbers John Moore might have to settle for minors.
#2 Helene Leadingstar was a South Australian Derby winner as a 3yo before his importation to Hong Kong, however, acclimatisation was a big issue for the son of wanted and only in the last few months has  he started fulfilling his full potential.
The way he's going currently suggests he's hard to stop how ever the race is run.
#5 Savvy Nine is a former French galloper who only won a 2yo maiden at Deauville before performing at a higher level as a 3yo.
His efforts to date have been super particularly through the 4yo series in Hong Kong and he looks an emerging top liner, Im very interested to see how he measures up today and shall be following going forward.
#3 Helene Charisma going back a few years was a Group 1 winner at 2400m in France, so staying the trip won't be an issue.
#1 Eagle Way ran a cracker last start but the weights today create concerns.
#4 Chefano is difficult to access because he's rock hard fit and racing extremely well, but never tested at 2400m.

Selections : 2,5,3,1,4

R4 - 6,8,13,1,5

R5 - 13,1,2,14,10

R6 - 7,4,2,10,5

R7 - 6,12,5,14,1

R8 - The other staying event for the day is a class 3 over 2000m and there are numerous last start winner's competing. It's a race that looks a potential tactics battle with a smallish field on offer.

Tactics should haven't to much bearing on the performance of #5 London Hall who returns to shatin today which is positive.
Last start at the valley 2200m he performed with merit but was not ideally suited by the hussle and bustle nature that takes place on the tighter tracks.
I'd expect he drops in early this afternoon before gradually working in to the race through the final 600m, he should take all the beating.
#9 God Of Dragon last won over this course and distance earlier in the season.
However he's a tricky customer that can coax you in next start with an eye catching performance, he does however have a terrific turn of foot with plenty of venom on its day.
#6 Enzemble is yet to reach his full potential in Hong Kong but it's worth noting he was well exposed in England before arrival, winning on both the turf and the polytrack, so there may be a race on the all weather for him in the future.
#3 Good Omen has been average all season however he's extremely well rated on his best, Douglas Whyte rode a plethora of winners for this owner as a jockey and he's now training for him, don't be surprised if goes better today returning to shatin and the 2000m
#8 Defining Moment is in career best form but the combination of rise in class and distance makes me a little nervous.

Selections : 5,9,6,3,8

R9 - 5,2,9,14,4 *

R10 - The final race on the all weather track for the day promises to be a cracker, with plenty of dirt lovers lining up for a hard fought battle.

I'm really intrigued by the lightly raced son of Star Witness #3 Explosive Witness a former Australian galloper trainer by Greg Eurell in Victoria.
This guy has had many issues with his right front leg however he's returned this preparation looking 100 percent.
His last run at Happy Valley was fantastic in defeat where I feel he was in the worst going.
The option to race on this surface is an interesting one but there's a chance the cushion might help, he looks very much ready to win now and I'm happy to follow him for a while.
#1 Elite Patch was huge when winning back in November/ December last year and has suggested recently he's closing in on that form again.
#7 Just Not Listening has work to do from the wide alley but led easily last outing, he's hard to overlook on recent efforts.
#6 Coby Oppa is back at his winning rating from last season and won a trial impressively leading in to this race.
#12 Zero Hedge is clearly better suited down a class but looks an exotic chance with a good draw and tactical speed.

Selections : 3,1,7,6,12

R11 - 1,10,3,5,8