3 minute read
Brett Davis provides exclusive review of Sha Tin races.
RACE 1 - WATERLOO HANDICAP, HK $725,000
Class 5 – Rating 40-0 – Turf 'C + 3' Course – Distance 1400m – Track Good
Time: 1:22.31 Standard Time: 1:22.40 Course/Class Record: 1:21.53
Winner: WONDER EXPRESS (AUS 4yo g Pierro – Choice Words) was a long time out of form, in fact just one placing in Hong Kong from 10 starts and that lone placing also at 1400m in May 2019. Fourth-up in 2020 he finally breaks through for trainer Jimmy Ting after getting a lovely trip one-off the fence, three-wide following the runner-up around the bend. Perhaps getting Chad Schofield back on board was key, as he'd been the rider when the horse ran his 2019 placing.
Runner-up: LIVERBIRD STAR did a super job working over from barrier 13 and was always involved at the sharp end but three-wide. He never stopped trying and looks a certain winner again soon in Class 5. He won in December at 1600m.
Run Of The Race: LIVERBIRD STAR was great three-wide the trip, and favourite HURRICANE HUNTER also strong, was slow to get going and near last on the turn on the inside. Joao Moreira took the short cuts and the horse did a fine job to make up many lengths, even looking a possible winner 250m out. Mention is worthy for long-odds outsider GOOD CHOICE AHEAD who came from last of the 14 runners to finish fifth.
Disappointment: MONEYMORE was the plunge horse to start the day but after being trapped wide the effort told. Disappointing in the fact he did race with cover but did not let down.
Comparison: A tick under standard time in a race where the tempo was always there with an early battle for supremacy up-front.
Market Mover: MONEYMORE $8.80 to $4.60
RACE 2 - SUFFOLK HANDICAP, HK $967,000
Class 4 – Rating 60-40 – Turf 'C + 3' Course – Distance 1800m – Track Good
Time: 1:47.44 Standard Time: 1:48.00 Course/Class Record: 1:46.54
Winner: DEFINING MOMENT (AUS 5yo g Good Journey – Bella Bellucci) maintains a good recent staying record with a placing at 2000m, now back-to-back wins at 1600m and today at 1800m. Connections would have had their eye on the longer distances in Hong Kong given the former Darren Weir-trained galloper won on debut at 1800m then at 1733m second up. He's a busy horse, already eight starts into his 2020 campaign but obviously thriving. A Joao Moreira trademark ride cutting corners on the turn to save the ground.
Runner-up: GOOD DAYS was exceptional, flying home wide out from last to beat all but one in a slick 22.60 the final 400m. Winless since June 2019, he is so close to breaking through again off consecutive second placings at 2000m, now 1800m. And he's reached a rating where a Class 5 debut is in the pipeline.
Run Of The Race: GOOD DAYS for sure, and CHEERFUL STAR goes in the black book, traffic troubles 350m out and hitting the line well when clear.
Disappointment: Favourite FULL POWER couldn't get closer than three-deep on the pace and had to pay the price for that late in the race.
Comparison: Another under standard time on a track playing beautifully.
Market Mover: DEFINING MOMENT $8.00 to $6.15, CHEERFUL STAR $8.00 to $6.50
RACE 3 - SOMERSET HANDICAP, HK $967,000
Class 4 – Rati-ng 60-40 – All Weather Track – Distance 1650m – Track Good
Time: 1:38.67 Standard Time: 1:38.75 Course/Class Record: 1:38.02
Winner: MEGATRON (USA 8yo g Hard Spun – Fine Jade) is an on-pace runner and former track and distance winner so his statistics suggested he could win this from an inside gate in four. Straight to the lead he maintained a very even tempo throughout, quickly shrugged off a mid-race challenge, and dashed right away to meet some real confidence in the tote market. Rider Alfred Chan had previously been successful aboard the former poly track winner in Ireland for leading trainer Ricky Yiu.
Runner-up: THIS ONE'S FOR YOU flew home from the tail of the field to eat u many lengths in the home straight under Moreira. Third-from last, the grey had to show his customary late dash to run the winner to under a length at the post in a quick 22.31 final 400m split. He's a dirt-track specialist.
Run Of The Race: THIS ONE'S FOR YOU clearly the best out of this, JADE FORTUNE also strong late in 22.41 the final 400m after rider had early difficulties. Brave was KA FORTUNE who made a mid-race move to challenge the lead and stuck gamely for fourth under pressure.
Disappointment: SUPER RED DRAGON got the perfect run following the winner all the way but did not respond when asked to sprint.
Comparison: Just a tick under standard time. Easy early sectionals.
Market Mover: MEGATRON $10.20 to $5.20, easing to $6.10 at the jump.
RACE 4 - ESSEX HANDICAP, HK $1,450,000
Class 3 – Rating 80-60 – All Weather Track – Distance 1650m – Track Good
Time: 1:37.98 Standard Time: 1:38.20 Course/Class Record: 1:37.22
Winner: FOODIE PRINCESS (AUS 4yo g Sepoy- Raziyya Of Sydney) continues a super consistent run of form on the all-weather track in Hg Kong with three wins in his last four starts in 2020 and never further back than fourth in eight poly track starts. A horse happy to lob along early, he picks his pace up quickly on the dirt when asked, now quite a trademark from him. And getting to at least 2000m looks well in range, his dam and grand-dam winners to 2200m and 2400m respectively.
Runner-up: Tote money came at very long odds and that money cleverly placed for LONDON LUCKYSTAR who came from as wide as $80.00 into $30.00. Checked at the start, then badly held up on the turn, he flew home to give the winner a wee fright inside the final 100m. The Irish-bred was a 1413m winner in GB before export and had not finished closer than seventh in six Hong Kong starts before this. Rated in Class 3 he will now win quickly, especially if he can land a drop to Class 4 company.
Run Of The Race: LONDON LUCKYSTAR was incredibly good. Home in 22.49, next best the winner in 23.03.
Disappointment: Not disappointing, yet disappointed for a run was COT CAMPBELL. He trailed and had much to give at the 350m but could not get out, jockey Chad Schofield had to wait until the race was effectively over before clearing traffic. Black book him.
Comparison: Good gallop breaking 1:38.00 and
Market Mover: LONDON LUCKYSTAR $80.00 to $29.90
RACE 5 - KENT HANDICAP, HK $967,000
Class 4 – Rating 60-40 – All Weather Track – Distance 1200m – Track Good
Time: 1:08.56 Standard Time: 1:09.05 Course/Class Record: 1:08.14
Winner: SUPER POWER MAN (AUS 3yo g Anacheeva – Silver Girl) does extremely well to lead and hold them all at bay. They screamed through the middle 400m to solidify leading positions and he fended them all off to hold the rail. Kicked away and then had to hold on to defeat a flying EXCEL DELIGHT. Just start number three of his career and now two wins on the bounce after a February win, also on the poly track at 1200m.
Runner-up: EXCEL DELIGHT probably wins if on the go a tad earlier and flew from midfield to go within a nose of the winner. Three seconds and a win in last five starts all at 1200m on the all weather. Will win again next start.
Run Of The Race: At $122, SPENDID TIMING caught the eye scooting home nicely into sixth and clocked strong final sections. Worth putting him in the memory bank.
Disappointment: ADONIS tracked into the race nicely middle outer and was ready to challenge at the turn but peaked on his run and battled.
Comparison: Scorching time, that middle sectional in 21.95 was as quick as it gets
Market Mover: THOU SHALL SING $12.00 to $6.10
RACE 6 - NORFOLK HANDICAP, HK $967,000
Class 4 – Rating 60-40 – Turf 'C + 3' Course – Distance 1400m – Track Good
Time: 1:22.11 Standard Time: 1:22.15 Course/Class Record: 1:21.08
Winner: TEAM POWER (AUS 4yo g Excelebration – My Type) gets a lovely run from barrier two behind the leaders, eases off the fence on the bend – then the fun began. Chad Schofield wanted to come wider, by rival Aussie jockey Zac Purton would not open the gap. They fought for a good 150m before Schofield went for a run one-off the fence and home they went with strong acceleration. This is a nice horse. Now four starts for a win and two seconds. Dam leaves seven to race, now five individual winners. Third win for Schofield on the card.
Runner-up: ALL FOR ST PAUL'S was notably supported the tote 30/1 to 12/1 and the effort tops, holding the front after being ridden out, and kicking back strongly. A winner as soon as he strikes another inside barrier.
Run Of The Race: KA YING EXCELLENT powered home in the best final section of 22.46, matched by another tote mover at big odds in EPTIWINS who clocked 22.48 making ground from last.
Disappointment: HEZA BEAUTY was microscopic odds of $1.50 easing to $1.95 as good money came for others. Nice run just behind the pace and very dour in the run home for an odds-on favourite. Vetted, no findings.
Comparison: On standard time and a race where the pressure was less through the middle. Good effort from KA YING EXCELLENT against a bias to the front.
Market Mover: EPTIWINS $22.20 to $10.40, ALL FOR ST PAULS $32.70 to $13.00, KA YING EXCELLENT $10.60 to $5.70
RACE 7 - CUMBERLAND HANDICAP, HK $1,450,000
Class 3 – Rating 80-60 – Turf 'C + 3' Course – Distance 1200m – Track Good
Time: 1:08.66 Standard Time: 1:09.25 Course/Class Record: 1:08.32
Winner: FANTASY (AUS 4yo g Sizzling – Bon Fire) adds to an impressive record for a lightly-raced horse. Now seven Hong Kong starts for three wins and three seconds for Danny Shum and back-to-back Class 3 1200m dashes on the turf. Third win n the day for Joao Moreira who had to wait for a gap a few strides later than he may have wanted but once clear too good. Fantasy was bought by Shum as a trial-winning two-year-old in New Zealand for NZ $240,000.
Runner-up: TEAM SPIRIT set the pace after jumping quickly from a wide barrier and led comfortably under seven-pound claimer Alfred Chan. Quickening through the middle section, he kicked away and by the time FANTASY was out of the trail he had pinched a couple of lengths, succumbing only late at long odds of 38/1. He's won four of 22 starts and all at 1200m on turf.
Run Of The Race: HAPPY ALUMNI was third from last darting home wide in a slick 21.87 the final 400m to better any other in the field. Big effort to run into third. BEAUTY SPIRIT and GRADE ONE found the line nicely.
Disappointment: HANDSOME BO BO got a decent trip outside the leader and was soon under pressure when turning for home. Not his best, he's better than that. Rider Zac Purton told stewards he was disappointed.
Comparison: Edging towards record time and a quickly run affair on a track that was playing perfectly.
Market Mover: FANTASY $1.80 to $1.60, HAPPY ALUMNI $14.20 to $9.40
RACE 8 - DEVON HANDICAP, HK $1,450,000
Class 3 – Rating 80-60 – All Weather Track – Distance 1200m – Track Good
Time: 1:08.87 Standard Time: 1:08.70 Course/Class Record: 1:07.40
Winner: MEGA HEART (AUS 7yo g Foreplay – The Baroness) has a job to do given a little less pressure left some petrol in the tank for the leading group and he stood them all of 10-lengths. Very impressive burst out wide on the track to reel in the leader who really had his chance to hold on and win. Last time a winner back in June 2019, he was fifth up for 2020 here and produced his best performance on the year for Michael Chang. This horse showed a lot of ability as 'Oh Romeo' in New Zealand when unbeaten in two starts before export.
Runner-up: JUST NOT LISTENING jumped like a gazelle from an inside draw to lead easily and he probably should have won, but still a solid attempt. He hasn't won since early April 2019 so now a year out of the winners circle.
Run Of The Race: MEGA HEART the absolute standout run, but add ELITE PATCH to the back book, also very strong late from the rear in the second-fastest final section.
Disappointment: UTOPIA LIFE jumped as favourite and had that decent buffer on the majority in trailing the pace but couldn't grab the leader or hold the winning burst from out wider.
Comparison: Every other race on the card run below the standard tie, this one a little more sedate.
Market Mover: STAR LUCK $21.40 to $6.50 very well backed, outside leader quickly from wide draw but no answer in the straight.
Bled: HAPPY FAMILY
RACE 9 - CORNWALL HANDICAP, HK $2,100,000
Class 2 – Rating 100-80 – All Weather Track – Distance 1200m – Track Good
Time: 1:07.27 Standard Time: 1:08.40 Course/Class Record: 1:07.46
Winner: WINNER SUPREME (AUD 4yo g Rothesay – Little Big Horse) was in a word sensational. In smashing the class and curse record for the distance he was just brilliant after working hard to finally find the rail and lead after 400m, but from that point he simply upped the ante on the field. A second 400m split in 21.26 was off the charts. Then home for the money in a spectacular front-running win, as good as you'll see. Now five wins from 12 starts. One more tick in the box to come – to fully prove himself on the turf.
Runner-up: GUNNISON trailed from the inside gate and was game in the chase. He's been struggling a bit for form so a nice return to the old form that saw him win twice for the Snowden's in Sydney before export.
Run Of The Race: Winner was head and shoulders above them. Favourite WILL POWER didn't lose any friends, though. Sectionals had to be slick to keep in touch.
Disappointment: Couldn't regard any as disappointing here given the smoking hot tempo, many were contained, but not poor.
Comparison: A flying WINNER SUPREME breaks the course record so he achieved the gold standard.
Market Mover: WINNER SUPREME $11.80 to $6.95, WILL POWER $3.40 to $2.30
RACE 10 - DORSET HANDICAP, HK $1,450,000
Class 3 – Rating 80-60 – Turf 'C + 3' Course – Distance 1400m – Track Good
Time: 1:21.12 Standard Time: 1:21.85 Course/Class Record: 1:20.62
Winner: MIGHTY GIANT (NZ 4yo g Power – Wanderov) gets a gun ride from Zac Purton early, over to be one-one from barrier 11 and from there backers of the $1.50 commodity were feeling good. He's now four times a winner in seven starts and all at 1400m so his pet trip has already been determined. Two trial wins in the South Island of New Zealand before being exported, the son of Irish 2000 Guineas winner Power has already topped $HK3 million in stakes for Ricky Yiu. Jockey Purton has been in the saddle in three consecutive victories.
Runner-up: SMOOTHIES set the pace after jumping quickly, bowled through some strong middle fractions to keep the back runners busy, and kicked hard when under siege from the winner. The 1400m is his trip and another Class 3 win awaits him again, successful on March 14. He's led in four of his five starts in Hong Kong. Two wins for Liam Birchley in Queensland known as 'Kooky'.
Run Of The Race: Two in particular very good, MONSTER KAKA and BEAUTY ICON made up a stack of ground on them from a long way back, the best final split of 22.90 and 22.93 offering encouragement to be on next time around.
Disappointment: GOOD BEAUTY tailed the winner throughout but lost contact soon after straightening and battled only.
Comparison: Well under standard again and on a day where they ran quick times this was no exception.
Market Mover: MIGHTY GIANT $1.80 to $1.55, JUNEAU PARK $5.70 to $4.00
