3 minute read

Brett Davis runs the rule over Sha Tin this afternoon.

The FWD Champions Day meeting at shatin comprising the QE ll Cup, Champions Mile and Chairmans Sprint Prize is very much still in its infancy as Honk Kong's Spring International Raceday. It wasn't that many years ago that the QE ll Cup and Champions Mile were run on seperate day's a week apart, but the HKJC rightfully merged the two then strengthen the days profile by adding the Chairmans Sprint Prize creating the now known Champions Day.

This years addition due to obvious reasons lacks the fierce competition from the overseas juggernauts, however it's another great opportunity for Hong Kong Racing to showcase there local stars against each other, and there a plenty of them.

Beauty Generations light still shines brightly as Hong Kong's King despite four defeats earlier this season.

Exultant is the Star Stayer who's been over shadowed by Big Beauty as the King throughout his career, but is world class in his own right with victories over Lys Graciuex last years Cox Plate winner, and Waldgeist the winner of last years Arc.

Then there's Aethero the young gun that could be anything, however like a teenager with attitude he's shown he can spit the dummy when he doesn't get it his own way.

So if your thinking it's just another day of local Hong Kong Racing your right...but the stars are out and ready to play, so expect some fireworks and a spectacular day.

R1 - 8,1,10,12,13

R2 - 12,11,1,9,13

R3 - 8,1,2,6,11

R4 - 11,14,2,8,13

R5
The Chairman's Sprint Prize is up first on the Gp1 menu and incredibly the top two on ratings Hot King Prawn(120) and Aethero(120) have yet to win a Gp1 race between them. Conversely Mr Stunning(118) has won two Gp1 International Sprints and been second on four occasions from his eight Gp1 attempts.

As already suggested Aethero looks the star judged on his exposed capabilities to date and incredibly he's still only a three years old. Most are of the opinion if he leads gets comfortable finds his rhythm he's the most likely winner and I certainly concur, but the candidates in today's race are identical to that of The Sprint Cup plus a few more. So what then to expect from this talented bunch of sprinters that line up against each other again?

I'm happy enough to chance

#3 Mr Stunning at some value.
There's a huge possibility a bun fight for the lead generates early creating speed a plenty.
Drawing wider today allows him more room to slot in away from the rail, he lost 2 lengths shortly after the start last outing because of crowding.
He then closed with the quickest final 400m of the race showing he's not far of his best again.
#11 Aethero must begin at least on terms, no doubt efforts have been made leading in to make sure he doesn't jump poorly again.
#1 Hot King Prawn has drawn the golden gate and is generally a faultless beginner.
He'll receive every option to win from that position.
#2 Thanks Forever has the addition of blinkers.
The draw looks tricky out there and he'll need luck but he's a big strong boy who can hold his own if things get ruff for spots.
#6 D B Pin hasn't won for a long time but I'm sure he's still capable of a strong performance.

Selections : 3,11,1,2,6

R6 - 1,3,10,11,6

R7
The previous winners of the Champions Mile have all been memorable in there own special way. Today further history awaits Hong Kong's Champion and now 100 Million Dollar Man Beauty Generation should he prevail, becoming the only horse to win three consecutive Champions Mile.

In my time at the HKJC I was extremely fortunate calling some incredible thoroughbreds in there prime, Big Beauty stands alongside Japans superstar Maurice as the best I ever saw. Last season Beauty Generation was unrivalled, undeafeated, unbelievable and its been disappointing watching the champ get turned over regularly the last few months.

However it's seems he's perhaps rejuvenated with that sparkle in the eye, that swagger and that aura of victory looking to have returned. Let's hope he can rise again to another remarkable victory and secures a third Horse Of The Year title in the process. What ever the result it's been amazing and a privilege to witness his career.

#1 Beauty Generation should park outside the leader and all being equal win again
#3 Ka Ying Star steps to the lead again from the draw and controls the race, there's a big race win in this guy if the others are not at there best.
#2 Waikuku put in a below par effort last outing but prior was outstanding, we are all entitled to an off day here and there.
#6 More Than This drops back in trip from the Derby and has youth on his side.
#5 Southern Legend is rarely far away and was much sharper last start to the line.

Selections : 1,3,2,6,5

R8
This years QE 11 Cup lacks the obvious shine from the overseas contenders but in trying times around the world it's quite amazing that racing in Hong Kong has continued like in Australia. This years addition promises to be a tactical battle with a small and selective field.

Both Exultant and Time Warp are proven Group 1 horses and in reality both can be considered for the win. However the inclusion of the derby runner up Playa Del Puente, who turned the derby on its head with a dramatic manoeuvre from the 800m, makes the days HKD 25million dollar Blockbuster a game of chess between horse and riders.

#1 Exultant holds all the aces,  he's tactically versatile has gears and loves a battle.
Purton knows his capabilities along with others in the race and I'd be very surprised if he doesn't just win.
#6 Playa Del Puente has alway been an attractive type, showing a glimpse of his talent in October last year at the valley.
The tactics he adopts today shall be fascinating as we know now what he can produce.
#2 Time Warp is a genuine front running machine but he's also vulnerable under pressure along way from home and the opposing riders know that.
#3 Furore is becoming tricky to gauge however he was good to the line behind Beauty Generation recently, a chance on his A game.
#7 Glorious Dragon has plenty to find at the handicaps but he's a rising talent and can stay.

Selections : 1,6,2,3,7

R9 - 4,12,2,11,3

R10 - 3,13,6,4,9