3 minute read
Brett Davis provides exclusive review of Sha Tin races.
RACE 1 - YUNG SHUE O HANDICAP, HK $725,000
Class 5 – Rating 40-0 - Turf 'C + 3' Course – Distance 2200m – Track Good TF
Time: 2:16.13 Standard Time: 2:16.65 Course/Class Record: 2:16.32
Winner: SKY GEM (NZ 4yo g Niagara – Montjeu Way) has clicked into action at the longer trips in 2020, his second career win after taking another 2200m victory in January. Joao Moreira last rode the Kiwi-bred in October 2019 and his first attempt since a winning one, lovely ride allowing them a start, and in the end a comfortable beating from back in the field. Grand-dam Crysell Way left former star stayer Kaapstad Way. Though winless in Australia off some big New Zealand wins, the son of Kaapstad was placed in the Caulfield Cup, Underwood Stakes (twice) and Australian Cup for trainer Chris Wood.
Runner-up: ENJOYABLE SUCCESS hit the line strongly from a long way back to take second money. He had been running on strongly at 1800m in his previous four starts this year and a positive result was far from unexpected. That Class 5 win comes any time over the staying trips.
Run Of The Race: KING PRINT ran quick sections to make a wide move 1200m to 800, then maintain that 800m to 400m to put pressure on the leader. To stick in so well and hold third placing was a tough effort.
Disappointment: AEROFLASH got his own terms in front for much of the race but when the challengers arrived there was no answer from the well-supported commodity.
Comparison: Track has to be perfect. They looked to crawl through the middle stages of the race and the tempo lifted only from the 8000m when moves came. They broke class record speed so expecting quick times today.
Market Mover: SKY GEM $5.90 to $4.40, THE JOY OF GIVING $8.30 to $6.70
RACE 2 - TAI MONG TSAI HANDICAP, HK $967,000
Class 4 – Rating 60-40 - Turf 'C + 3' Course – Distance 1000m – Track Good TF
Time: 0:56.01 Standard Time: 0:56.85 Course/Class Record: 0:55.12
Winner: DUBLIN STAR (NZ 3yo g Savabeel – Maxmara) was three times placed at 1000m to 1200m from just five starts leading in and he capitalised on a lovely ride from Antonie Hamelin to scoot home and win from a low draw at the 1000m start. He didn't come cheap, bought for $NZ500,000 at the New Zealand Bloodstock Ready To Run Sale by trainer Manfred Man. His dam is a half-sister to Evergreen (5 HK wins). He's warming to his task very nicely now. More to come from this fellow.
Runner-up: COMFORT LIFE last ran a top-three placing in October 2018, so a long drought somewhat ended with a more positive outcome. A strong rebound from him.
Run Of The Race: COMFORT LIFE ran home so well from settling at the rear from gate two, his effort very noteworthy. GOLD N BOLD was also one to follow out of the race. Slow start and out the back, he was charging to the line through the pack to be right behind the front four. A flat spot 400m to 200m but particularly good to the wire.
Disappointment: The $2.90 favourite GOKO had his opportunity with Jerry Chau's claim and gate 14 to set it up for him on the outside rail. But he failed to flatter in the run home after being handy.
Comparison: Pushing towards a full second under standard so another excellent time to get the day underway.
Market Mover: BESTA LUCK $104.00 to $36.10
RACE 3 - WONG CHUK WANG HANDICAP, HK $967,000
Class 4 – Rating 60-40 - Turf 'C + 3' Course – Distance 1200m – Track Good TF
Time: 1:09.67 Standard Time: 1:09.50 Course/Class Record: 1:08.46
Winner: JUDY'S STAR (AUS 3yo g Sebring – Seeking Attention) caps some rather tidy placed form since his arrival in Hong Kong to register his first win. And he was backed to win the race, opening $3.00 and closing that price, so never a nervous waiver from putters. Neil Callan gave an expert ride, sitting quietly near the rear but with plenty of horse, unleashing the Sebring gelding once they'd turned for home. He had a job to do to catch WOOD ON FIRE who set terms but responded well when Callan asked for the effort. A $A260,000 yearling, JUDY'S STAR won a trial for Lance O'Sullivan in New Zealand before heading to brother Paul in HK.
Runner-up: WOOD ON FIRE never relented on his effort, slipping clear with 300m to go and only pulled back the last few strides. The Per Incanto 4yo now five-times placed from 11 Hong Kong starts after being sold off two trial placings in New Zealand.
Run Of The Race: Hitting the wire in a clearly superior and slick 21.52 his final 400m there was no other better in this race than the winner JUDY'S STAR.
Disappointment: ADONIS was heavily supported by eased right out of the race once they straightened for home.
Comparison: Outside standard. A little more pedestrian this one, they never really got firing along as the field all found spots of comfort on the fence or one off the rail.
Market Mover: DRAGON HAS LANDED $22.20 to $11.85, ADONIS $22.60 to $9.50 no help to punters running second-last and last respectively.
RACE 4 - WONG MA TEI HANDICAP, HK $967,000
Class 4 – Rating 60-40 - Turf 'C + 3' Course – Distance 1400m – Track Good TF
Time: 1:21.87 Standard Time: 1:22.15 Course/Class Record: 1:21.08
Winner: CLASSIC POSH (AUS 4yo g Testa Rossa – Mekaha) was a horse we highlighted as a strong finisher his previous start and he backed that form with a lovely, albeit narrow win under Zac Purton. He'd powered home to run fourth on April 12 at 1200m, so the rise to 1400m seemed the obvious drawcard, and trainer David Hall timed it perfectly. Able to slide into the race to get handier at the 700m, Purton gained a nice breather before the corner then found enough to withstand the charge from others. Trained in Victoria by Matthew Williams, this horse was known as 'It's A Classic' when gaining a win and a second from two starts before export. He will head back to Class 3 again, but with a low weight no doubt competitive.
Runner-up: HEZA BEAUTY loomed as the big danger and likely winner 250m out after Joao had tagged right onto Purton's tail. Seemed inevitable as though he would reel in the former. But he could not quite make the margin up and was held to a short-head at the line. The $NZ220,000 buy at the 2018 Karaka Sale is on the improve for trainer John Size. Class 4 is not going to hold him much longer.
Run Of The Race: WONDER EXPRESS would likely win this if things hadn't turned a little sour at the 600m when he lost valuable ground on the fence, allowing the first two to sneak a march on him. Once out of trouble and into the clear the Pierro gelding dashed home smartly. KING DRAGON worth a mention from a conspicuous last into seventh position.
Disappointment: Some money for BETTER CHOICE but no dash to repay the faith, always at the back.
Comparison: Under standard, another one where the speed came out of the race then picked up again when mid-race challengers arrived.
Market Mover: CLASSIC POSH $9.30 to $7.20, BETTER CHOICE $35.85 to $15.85
RACE 5 - WONG MA TEI HANDICAP, HK $967,000
Class 4 – Rating 60-40 - Turf 'C + 3' Course – Distance 1400m – Track Good TF
Time: 1:21.54 Standard Time: 1:22.15 Course/Class Record: 1:21.08
Winner: CASA DE FORCA (FR 5yo g Siyouni – Storma) is another recently highlighted as a horse to follow and we're not long gaining reward, a superb Karis Teetan ride in front. Straight to the rail he recorded a slick time, never giving the chasers a hope in running six-tenths under standard. Overdue this win, his 19th Hong Kong start for win one, though he'd initially met a tough mark in Class 3 off three wins and three placings in 10 Great Britain starts before his arrival. A determined type, he runs on speed as a rule and won't be out of his place with a light weight in Class 3 again.
Runner-up: CHEVALIER PRINCE missed the kick soon rallying to try and make up that ground. He had to draw wide on the corner with the winner scooting away on the rail so his effort exemplary as the warm tote favourite to beat all bar one.
Run Of The Race: CHEVALIER PRINCE was superb. Leader and winner runs a long way under standard and this horse was slow to begin and had a huge job to do. HANG'S DECISION gets a very worthy mention, big effort from the tail of the field to run sixth.
Disappointment: CASAMIRO not in a sense disappointing but off a cosy trip he loomed to win then peaked under a huge tote surge.
Comparison: Well under standard and when the leader runs this time and wins it means other have run well without being exposed.
Market Mover: CASAMIRO $15.80 to $ CASA DE FORCA $12.35 to $
RACE 6 - LA CHI CHONG HANDICAP, HK $1,450,000
Class 3 – Rating 80-60 - Turf 'C + 3' Course – Distance 1000m – Track Good TF
Time: 0:55.24 Standard Time: 0:56.60 Course/Class Record: 0:54.89
Winner: GOOD VIEW CLARICO (AUS 3yo g I Am Invincible – Andromache) wins his third in a row and sensational in picking up the pacesetter and hot favourite in very quick time to achieve it. And he came from further back than usual in making up several lengths, showing versatility among a strong of victories. Now twice victorious at 1000m, he split those with a 1200m win. Class 3 was no issue for him first time in the grade. One of the real eye-catchers this season and he looks a group contender with a light weight when his opportunity comes later down the track.
Runner-up: WAR OF COURAGE had to bow to a superior performance, the hot favourite on the fast side against the outside rail and leading, but the run to beat him a bottler. As the odd-on favourite he did get his chance to win today but put it down to being beaten by a better horse.
Run Of The Race: GOOD VIEW CLARICO without doubt. Simply great. ZERO HEDGE is going to get his chance back in Class 4 very soon and off this run, a strong finishing effort from the rear, he will win in the easier grade immediately.
Disappointment: ALCAR had friends from a nice gate close to the outside fence but he didn't jump and was always a long way back.
Comparison: Slick time, WAR OF COURAGE ran 55.28 in front, nearly 1.5 seconds under standard and was rolled. Tells you how good the winner did go.
Market Mover: GOOD VIEW CLARICO $8.50 to $7.40
RACE 7 - SHUI LONG WO HANDICAP, HK $1,450,000
Class 3 – Rating 80-60 - Turf 'C + 3' Course – Distance 1600m – Track Good TF
Time: 1:34.28 Standard Time: 1:34.65 Course/Class Record: 1:33.30
Winner: GIFT OF LIFELINE (AUS 4yo g Pierro – Princess Quality) suggested trainer Tony Millard may have found his best trip as the former Aussie grabs win three in start 17 in Hong Kong to extend a really tidy record for and a now regular rider in Chad Schofield. They found a half-gap to squeeze through at the 350m, took that gap then found momentum to steadily run this out better than any to snare victory narrowly in a dour fight. Two starts now at 1600m and he backs up a strong finishing fifth with a win so we'll likely see more of this Pierro gelding at a mile. Two previous wins came at 1200m and 1400m. His dam won from 1200m to 1600m on five occasions and Pierro of course strong at a mile or further.
Runner-up: MR ALDAN had to beat the lot on the turn, motherless last with a big job ahead of him. Only just failed to get the chocolates and he likely will next time around, a mammoth effort. Twice a winner as 'Hopes Eternal' in Queensland, he ran third in the $A250,000 2yo Jewel at the Gold Coast in March 2018. He arrived in a tough spot in Class 3 but is really finding his feet now.
Run Of The Race: MR ALDAN. But CHEERFUL LEADER a big mention, wide and working, still a winning chance 100m out and very brave.
Disappointment: EVER LAUGH was well backed and after sitting second the outer and chasing a keen leader he felt the pinch halfway down the straight.
Comparison: Under standard, the track is perfect today, such a nice solid tempo throughout here.
Market Mover: EVER LAUGH $7.20 to $5.50, CHEERFUL LEADER $2.70 to $2.30
RACE 8 - HOI HA HANDICAP, HK $2,100,000
Class 2 – Rating 100-80 - Turf 'C + 3' Course – Distance 1800m – Track Good TF
Time: 1:47.49 Standard Time: 1:46.95 Course/Class Record: 1:45.88
Winner: RIGHTEOUS DOCTRINE (FR 5yo g Siyouni – Healing Dream) is red-hot right now and just spectacular here, best win of the day. He's won three of his last four, placed in his Class 2 debut last start at Happy Valley in a very competitive 1800m race, and returns to Sha Tin to take another scalp. There is no stopping this horse, made even more impressive in the fact he is switching between the all-weather track and the turf. He gets a light weight (118lb) in the tougher grade and uses it to full advantage, Karis Teetan expertly guiding him home from the rear with dazzling speed. He dashes 22.33 the final 400m off a muddling old pace and had to be good to win it after copping quite a nasty check in the straight when seeking space and giving the favourite six lengths start. The proof will now be when they run a quick time in a turf Class 2 event.
Runner-up: SUPER OASIS was backed as if unbeatable and apart from a brilliant performance to beat him he nearly was the best of them on the day. Coasting on the turn it seemed 'how far' he'd win by but did find the final 100m energy sapping and the winner simply came too quickly.
Run Of The Race: No contest. RIGHTEOUS DOCTRINE superior. Special mention to HELENA BABY from last, another very slick sectional from that horse to run third.
Disappointment: ENRICHMENT didn't run on as expected.
Comparison: An absolute canter this race, well above standard and only any zip from home turn to winning post.
Market Mover: SUPER OASIS $2.60 to $2.40, RIGHTEOUS DOCTRINE $10.70 to $7.70
RACE 9 - SHAM CHUNG HANDICAP, HK $1,450,000
Class 3 – Rating 80-60 - Turf 'C + 3' Course – Distance 1400m – Track Good TF
Time: 1:21.03 Standard Time: 1:21.85 Course/Class Record: 1:20.62
Winner: PICKEN (AUS 5yo g Duporth – Baby Boom) is finding his feet again after a hot winning streak at the end of 2018 and New Year 2019 saw him rise from 49 rating points to a rating of 70 with three quick wins. So, it'd been a tougher ride for him for some time, but now back in the game with wins at Sha Tin on March 29, also at 1400m, and again today. He reaches a career high rating now and that may trouble him as he knocks on the door of Class 2. In fact, Class 2 with no weight would suit him better than at the top of the handicap. From 28 starts he's had five wins and seven placings for John Size.
Runner-up: HIGH RISE SOLDIER as good as the winner, drawn to the widest part of the track on the bend and the finishing burst very solid. Seven starts in Australia for Team Snowden as 'Lion's Head' for two wins, two placings, now winless in seven starts in Hong Kong but well on his way to his best form.
Run Of The Race: Can't knock to top two, they had work to do and proved superior. TEAM POWER was disappointed for a run and had more to give today.
Disappointment: TAKING AIM was there to strike, unable to find clear racing room off the leaders heels at the 350m mark and from then on the momentum was lost, finishing further back than he should have. Big tote plunge went awry here.
Comparison: A lot more genuine this speed in front back to 1400m again and they were well below standard, highlighting how much of a canter the previous 1600m race became.
Market Mover: TAKING AIM $4.80 to $3.05, KAY YING EXCELLENT $5.50 to $4.55
RACE 10 - PAK SHA O HANDICAP, HK $1,450,000
Class 3 – Rating 80-60 - Turf 'C + 3' Course – Distance 1200m – Track Good TF
Time: 1:08.89 Standard Time: 1:09.25 Course/Class Record: 1:08.32
Winner: INNER FLAME (AUS 4yo g Zoustar – Assertive Sound) can't be stopped, registering win four from just five career starts in explosive style for Douglas Whyte. A quick rise through the ranks for the son of Zoustar who began with an easy Class 4 kill in December 2019 and now he leaps into Class 2 five months later. Onto the lead after barrier rise a trail soon came behind MIG ENERGY and a nice breather on a slick pace. Joao Moreira had one job, stick to the rail and head for home – the result quite obvious some way out. The brother to hardy Queensland galloper Mr Chow (6 wins) is on his way to Class 1 in a hurry.
Runner-up: PRESIDENT'S CHOICE used gate one to race on the leaders heels and he wound up strongly off that run, though unable to come out and around INNER FLAME and beat him. In his Class 3 debut off the back of a pair of Class 4 victories his trainer Michael Chang could only be very pleased. He is yet to be tried beyond 1200m but 1400m looks ever so suitable.
Run Of The Race: PING HAI BRAVO was really good, and blocked for a run mid-way down the straight when he loomed to make it interesting. Had to coast up the final 150m once clear and his run well noted. A strong record of seven starts two wins two placings, he wins again this season, probably next start.
Disappointment: MIG ENERGY was ridden back the previous start then sent forward to lead here, the horse having to burn hard early on a swift first half of the race. Faded but tried hard.
Comparison: Slick run, those opening three furlongs were quite torrid and a strong gallop overall in breaking 1:09.00.
Market Mover: YOUNG LEGEND $10.90 to $7.60, MIG ENERGY $6.30 to $5.30
