3 minute read
Brett Davis provides exclusive review of Sha Tin races.
RACE 1 - ABLE ONE HANDICAP, HK $967,000
Class 4 – Rating 60-40 – Turf 'A' Course – Distance 1400m – Track Good
Time: 1:21.84 Standard Time: 1:22.15 Course/Class Record: 1:21.08
Winner: CHAIRMAN LO (AUS 4yo g Sidereus – Saluting) grabs win one from start 15 to begin FWD Champions day. And a good start for champion jockey Joao Moreira who guided the gelding over from barrier 13 and topweight of 131 pounds to sit outside leader SUPER WINNER then run him down. Just his third start in 2020, trainer John Size had the grey in prime condition off the light prep. By the lightly performed sire Sidereus (by General Nediym) he was developed by Robert Hickmott before being exported.
Runner-up: SUPER WINNER improved on a more lacklustre run as favourite on April 15 when fighting back strongly with a light weight. He'd had superior gate speed to all at the jump and gave a stronger kick when challenged. Surely, the son of Guillotine will break through soon, now winless in 11 starts.
Run Of The Race: CITY LEGEND and CHARGE ON were the eye catchers late and wide and against a favoured bias to the front few their efforts were very good, home in 22.91 and 22.76 respectively.
Disappointment: YICHUN BLITZ had his supporters and off a dream trip fifth the outer and one-off he did not let down in the home run.
Comparison: Below the standard and the rail looks the place to be early in the day. Let's see how that pattern goes for the rest of the day.
Market Mover: CHAIRMAN LO $5.60 to $4.70
RACE 2 - FAIRY KING PRAWN HANDICAP, HK $1,450,000
Class 3 – Rating 80-60 – Turf 'A' Course – Distance 1200m – Track Good
Time: 1:09.18 Standard Time: 1:09.25 Course/Class Record: 1:08.32
Winner: RELENTLESS ME (AUS 6yo g Statue Of Liberty – Snow Flight) extends a handy record with likely his best career win, having to sit wide in midfield throughout the majority of the race from gate 10 and four-wide at the 500m. And determined he was, almost arrogantly siding up outside the hotly supported WAR OF COURAGE who found a nice lead and looked the one to beat. He's earned now close to HK $5 million in 33 starts after win number six, and three from eight for Douglas Whyte. A light weight and a further claim from apprentice Alfred Chan did aid the cause.
Runner-up: WAR ROOM loomed to run the former down but the big weight differential probably the difference in the end. He tracked the winner around the bend from well back. Neither horse was ever close to the fence and their sustained runs wide extra good.
Run Of The Race: Have to lay claim to the wide runners and RELENTLESS ME and WAR ROOM are joined in the group by $120 chance BIZ POWER who came from last to run fourth in running the fastest sectionals in the race over the last two 400m splits in 22.54 and 22.18, staggering sections.
Disappointment: Given the tote support, time, and getting to the rail first to set the terms it does appear WAR OF COURAGE was under par in his effort. And the well tried CALIFORNIA TURBO no threat after being held up at the 300m to three or four strides.
Comparison: Just on standard and they never really got motoring once they settled into positions.
Market Mover: WAR OF COURAGE $6.80 to $3.40
RACE 3 - ORIENTAL EXPRESS HANDICAP, HK $967,000
Class 4 – Rating 60-40 – Turf 'A' Course – Distance 1200m – Track Good
Time: 1:09.40 Standard Time: 1:09.50 Course/Class Record: 1:08.46
Winner: TRUE LEGEND (AUS 3yo g Deep Field – Jolie Bay) breaks through in just start three for Frankie Lor, showing a lot more gate speed than he had in two previous attempts to lead and win, albeit narrowly! Chased hard by hot favourite GOOD LUCK FRIEND he held on by a ever decreasing nose. Bred to run, he's from the speedy Hawkes-trained filly Jolie Bay who won the G2 Roman Consul Stakes at Randwick and followed that with a second in the G1 Coolmore Stud Stakes at Flemington.
Runner-up: GOOD LUCK FRIEND worked his way forward to sit outside the leader, was doing his best at the 250m but dug very deep under riding to almost steal the win. Strong run this from the Swiss Ace gelding.
Run Of The Race: JUDY'S STAR was very slow away and out the back as second favourite with much to do. Too much to do in fact, but the solid burst to run into fifth worthy of note. Third placed SO WE JOY did nice work after racing off the bit for much of the way.
Disappointment: RHAPSODY had strong backing to win this but he over-raced third or fourth the outer and once Moreira asked him to make a run there was nothing left.
Comparison: Another one run right on the standard as the track appears to be less than lightning quick so far.
Market Mover: GOOD LUCK FRIEND $2.60 to $2.20, RHAPSODY $7.50 to $4.90
RACE 4 - RIVER DANCER HANDICAP, HK $1,450,000
Class 3 – Rating 80-60 – Turf 'A' Course – Distance 1600m – Track Good
Time: 1:34.42 Standard Time: 1:34.65 Course/Class Record: 1:33.30
Winner: LAKESHORE EAGLE (AUS 5yo g Master Of Design – Rose Syrah) was terrific, never got in from gate five with speed underneath him and was left three-deep the trip. Pushed five and six wide around the turn he was so good in a dour finish, in-form rider Karis Teetan grabbing his second win on the day, driving the $A75,000 yearling purchase to a grand win. A super record now, 11 starts realising five Hong Kong wins and well in excess of $HK 4 million for trainer Chris So. He won three trials in Australia before export.
Runner-up: $2.50 favourite CHEERFUL LEADER was involved in the early rush then sat behind the leading division. And nearly good enough to win under Moreira, strong try one off the rail after taking the shortcut on the turn.
Run Of The Race: LAKESHORE EAGLE has to be. Special mention to SUCH A HAPPINESS out wide from well back to run into fourth and carve out clearly the best final sectional off 22.69.
Disappointment: HALL OF CHAMP and JOYFUL HEART had the big tote support but neither saw much of the inside rail being four and five wide at times. Not disappointing, just disappointing in the runs they received.
Comparison: Another run very close to standard time.
Market Mover: HALL OF CHAMP $13.50 to $6.50 was a big plunge
RACE 5 - THE CHAIRMAN'S SPRINT PRIZE, HK $18,000,000
Group One – Turf 'A' Course – Distance 1200m – Track Good
Time: 1:08.40 Standard Time: 1:08.40 Course/Class Record: 1:07.50
Winner: MR STUNNING (AUS 7yo g Exceed And Excel – With Fervour) last won on December 12, 2018 in the G1 Longines Hong Kong Sprint. That's some 18 months and now nine starts ago. But what a great horse he's been, a multiple Group One winning horse never forgets how to win, nor hot jock Karis Teetan who grabbed his third race in a row on the day and one of the richest in Hong Kong. MR STUNNING now pushes $HK 60 million in stakes, much of that for John Size but under Frankie Lor's training since October 2018. Big effort to reel them in late, he had plenty to do from middle of the pack at the 250m mark.
Runner-up: BIG TIME BABY runner up and run of the race. Trapped wide the trip the all-weather track flyer proved himself as a gun of the turf too. He took the front near the final strides and was shaded very late but the winner.
Run Of The Race: BIG TIME BABY without a doubt. THANKS FOREVER also very good under G1 conditions coming from last to run a close up third.
Disappointment: Quality youngster AETHERO looked to have them where he wanted when he jumped beautifully, soon in front. But with zero answer straight off the home turn he was eased right down. Bled from both nostrils.
Comparison: Exactly on standard time again. No sparks on the clock today.
Market Mover: AETHERO $2.00 to $1.60
RACE 6 - VENGEANCE OF RAIN HANDICAP, HK $1,450,000
Class 3 – Rating 80-60 – Turf 'A' Course – Distance 1400m – Track Good
Time: 1:21.51 Standard Time: 1:21.85 Course/Class Record: 1:20.62
Winner: FANTASTIC SHOW (AUS 5yo g Not A Single Doubt – Evoked) keeps a wonderful run of form rolling on, his fourth successive victory at Sha Tin all at 1400m, and the last two in Class 3. And Joao, he's not about to jump off, having ridden him in each of those wins. Super effort, he's never been much closer than three wide from a wider gate of eight, and after a brief rest 600m to 400m he had to peel wide again to make his run. Trademark big bold finish. Class 2 wouldn't stop him.
Runner-up: PICKEN flew home through the middle of the pack to snare second in a pick-up in form after failing April 12. He'll grab another soon for John Size, did win this track and trip March 29.
Run Of The Race: As far as form reversal is concerned a former Guineas winner in New Zealand (as Sponge Bob) in HELLO DADDY showed much more this time. Four previous Hong Kong runs below standard but after leading this time he kicked back strongly to hold third. Best of them SACRED IBIS from last flying home at very big odds. Keep that in mind for next time.
Disappointment: WELLINGTON was $1.50 and looked that price 300m out then suddenly he punctured very quickly. Only excuse he did over-race when taking a trail after leading out. But very disappointing on the day. Barrier trial and vet exam before next racing.
Comparison: A little more genuine the tempo here but still lingering around standard time.
Market Mover: WELLINGTON $1.70 to $1.50
RACE 7 - THE FWD CHAMPIONS MILE, HK $20,000,000
Group One – Turf 'A' Course – Distance 1600m – Track Good
Time: 1:33.13 Standard Time: 1:33.75 Course/Class Record: 1:32.64
Winner: SOUTHERN LEGEND (AUS 7yo g Not A Single Doubt – Donna's Appeal) noses out the champ in a stirring finish and further emphasises the rise of top young jockey Vincent Ho as a star of the future, if not the present. His first race ride on the great warrior comes up trumps. And what a horse he is. He's run in Group company in 24 of his last 27 starts and rarely is he out of the photo finish. Last G1 win was in the Kranji Mile in Singapore in 2019, and he doubled up there after also winning the race in 2018.
Runner-up: BEAUTY GENERATION looked to have them where he wanted coming to the turn, first having to get to leader KA YING STAR but then hold this big burst coming from SOUTHERN LEGEND wider on the track. Nose for nose, stride for stride, the great champion gave it his all, surrendering in a head bobbing nose decision.
Run Of The Race: SOUTHERN LEGEND. Any horse good enough to come off the champions back and beat him is the pick of the bunch. Sharp too in 21.91 the final 400m.
Disappointment: KA YING STAR didn't give the kick expected after gaining a nice lead.
Comparison: Some six-tenths under standard so a nice solid gallop in front.
Market Mover: SOUTHERN LEGEND $17.70 to $10.70
RACE 8 - THE QEII CUP, HK $25,000,000
Group One – Turf 'A' Course – Distance 2000m – Track Good
Time: 2:00.00 Standard Time: 2:00.95 Course/Class Record: 1:59.30
Winner: EXULTANT (IRE 6yo g Teofilo – Contrary) was expected to win and did – but as rider Zac Purton said afterward –"He was empty" at the 200m after ensuring the race was a stern staying test some way from home. "He's the best stayer n Hong Kong," said Purton who admitted to a frustrating day at the office. The Aussie jockey is king in Hong Kong, and with this win now the only jockey to have won every Group One race in the country. What a performer EXULTANT has been since arriving as a two-win horse from Ireland. Now 24 starts for 10 wins, four at Group 1 level and nearing $HK 70 million in stakes. Ironically, his last Group 1 win was in the 2019 Citi Hong Kong Cup, defeating today's other star SOUTHERN LEGEND.
Runner-up: FURORE found his mojo the further they went and he wound into it like he could pick up the winner at the 250m mark, peaking on that big burst. The 2019 Hong Kong Derby winner is just 14 starts into his HK career after winning four from six in Australia to 2100m for Kris Lees and the undoubted top staying talent coming through the ranks.
Run Of The Race: EXULTANT made them go at his pace and was superior.
Disappointment: None of note. TIME WARP did have mucus in the trachea afterward.
Comparison: Very good time well under standard and put that down to Zac Purton, as soon as Moreira dropped anchor in front he was off to ensure the pace was very constant.
Market Mover: PLAYA DEL PUENTE $15.60 to $8.30
RACE 9 - SILENT WITNESS HANDICAP, HK $2,100,000
Class 2 – Rating 105-80 – Turf 'A' Course – Distance 1200m – Track Good
Time: 1:08.60 Standard Time: 1:08.90 Course/Class Record: 1:07.89
Winner: COMPUTER PATCH (AUS 3yo r Exceed And Excel – Girl Hustler) extends a smart record for trainer John Moore with win three from just start seven in Hong Kong in fully utilising gate one to trail the leaders and never go around a horse to win well under Moreira. He's still an inexperienced horse, won a two-year-old maiden for Ron Quinton in Sydney before heading to Hong Kong and now wins in two of his last three in Class 2. Sneaking to a rating of 92, the hard work is about to start.
Runner-up: GLORIOUS SPECTRUM was fantastic. A clear last from the wide gate on settling and still last at the turn he powered home to beat all but the winner in carving out the fastest 800-400m split, and the 400m to the finishing post. Six starts for three seconds and a third, he's going to win his first in Hong Kong very, very soon. Four wins from six starts in Italy for Team Botti.
Run Of The Race: GLORIOUS SPECTRUM is comfortably team leader here. Outstanding run.
Disappointment: YEE CHEONG BABY had blood in the trachea afterward and was eased right down after leading and sharing the pace.
Comparison: A tad below standard time as expected. The track didn't have the fire in it today.
Market Mover: COMPUTER PATCH $3.20 to $2.30
Fined: Chad Schofield $2000 for double riding engagement
RACE 10 - BULLISH LUCK HANDICAP, HK $2,100,000
Class 2 – Rating 105-80 – Turf 'A' Course – Distance 1600m – Track Good
Time: 1:34.26 Standard Time: 1:34.50 Course/Class Record: 1:32.96
Winner: GENERAL'S DELIGHT (AUS 4yo g Fastnet Rock – Miss Jakeo) relishes the step from 1200m and 1400m to a mile for the first time. Cruising along midfield he let down impressively to win, in the end narrowly but strongly. The winner of two of three Queensland starts for Toby Edmonds when known as Millard Reaction, the Fastnet Rock gelding looks a really promising type for former champion jockey Douglas Whyte. In a tough grade with a rating of 82 coming into the race, he will find it tougher again. But the 1600m may be key to more success given this effort.
Runner-up: TIME TO CELEBRATE was more involved early and ultimately sat outside the leader and gave a very strong kick to almost hold on and win. He's been well tried to 2000m this year and much more forward than the winner, so his fitness really kicked in late. He's winless since February 2019 but will grab another at short notice for John Size.
Run Of The Race: UNCLE STEVE had to break the clock to beat the pair in front of him at the finish but rattled out a race best 22.41 the final 400m to land third money from well back. A $121 chance for Douglas Whyte, the French-bred will gain a lot of confidence from this form surge.
Disappointment: BUTTERFIELD had a decent trip as the $4.50 favourite but did not let down when the gap came at the top of the straight.
Comparison: As expected around standard time as has been the norm throughout the day.
Market Mover: BAND OF BROTHERS $17.00 to $9.35, CORDYCEPS $16.80 to $8.70
