3 minute read
Brett Davis provides exclusive review of Sha Tin races.
RACE 1 - SHEARWATER HANDICAP, HK $967,000
Class 4 – Rating 60-40 – All Weather – Distance 1200m – Track Wet Slow
Time: 1:08.52 Standard Time: 1:09.05 Course/Class Record: 1:08.14
Winner: COOLCELEB (AUS 4yo g Foxwedge – Celebrity Appeal) jumped like a rabbit out of the burrow and was off and gone, tackled mid-race which kept the pace constant but kicked away to win very impressively, chalking up a quick win for Zac Purton. Smart win this, his third in Hong Kong and all at 1200m on the all weather track. He was a $A140,000 Inglis Sale and joined Benno Yung to begin his career in January 2019. He's a player every time he steps foot onto the dirt track.
Runner-up: WINNING BREW charged home nicely from back of midfield and the only likely challenger to the winner but never close enough to bother him. He made his debut here, a trial winner in New Zealand in March 2019 and began work with Frankie Lor in June 2019. A future for him based on this effort.
Run Of The Race: SAM'S LOVE has had plenty of practice a 30-start horse with Dennis Yip who won on debut in 2017 and again in December 2019, both on the turf track. Three previous runs on the dirt for one placing. This was encouraging. He'll win one on the dirt. Clear best final split of 23.21.
Disappointment: Barrier one couldn't help YICHUN BLITZ who was slow to begin, made ground but lost the edge at the jump. Returned having bled from both nostrils.
Comparison: Outstanding run on a track regarded as Wet Slow. Winner scooted along and set the sectionals to chase.
Market Mover: COOLCELEB $5.90 to $3.90 to kick off the night for punters.
Bled: YICHUN BLITZ
RACE 2 - SWAN HANDICAP, HK $725,000
Class 5 – Rating 40-0 – All Weather – Distance 1800m – Track Wet Slow
Time: 1:49.47 Standard Time: 1:49.10 Course/Class Record: 1:47.67
Winner: HIDDEN SPIRIT (NZ 5yo g Alamosa – She's Assertive) is a horse in form, king of the castle in the Class 5 all-weather races. Completing a hat-trick for rider Neil Callan and trainer Paul O'Sullivan he's dug himself from the depths of a rating 20 in May 2019 to winning three on the trot and back to 40 points. There's a race for every horse and he has certainly found his niche. Improved, yes. Five wins in his last 10 starts and each of them at Sha Tin on the dirt.
Runner-up: CURLING LUXURY took command and was doing a job of holding them all at bay until the burst from HIDDEN SPIRIT. Nine runs in 2020 and after a slow start he is finally back to some good form, placing at Happy Valley on the turf, now in this one in his last two appearances. The son of O'Reilly has won six of 56 in Hong Kong for Me Tsui and won $HK 4 million.
Run Of The Race: DR LUCKY STAR flew home from well back and only late clear. Best performance of his career that spans 10 starts for zilch, the last four outings in Class 5. Maybe there's some light appearing in his tunnel?
Disappointment: HAY RUN was a $6.50 chance and off the bit the entire race, rear and wide and no dash today. Rider Antoine Hamelin said the horse felt flat the whole way. Vetted no findings. Will have to barrier trial and be vetted before resuming.
Comparison: Outside standard over the longer trip here and harder work for the stayers to maintain a quick clip.
Market Mover: HAPPY INCHIBAN $18.30 TO $9.80, WICKER $33.60 to $21.00
RACE 3 - SHEARWATER HANDICAP, HK $967,000
Class 4 – Rating 60-40 – All Weather Track – Distance 1200m – Track
Time: 1:08.73 Standard Time: 1:09.05 Course/Class Record: 1:08.14
Winner: THOU SHALL SING (NZ 5yo g Your Song – Shalt Not) slotted in one-off the fence from gate 12 and a good job well done by rider Vincent Ho. He then had the luxury of tracking a strong clip up in front of him as the leaders went to war. It was race over when he was produced, though PEARL CHAMPION gave plenty late inside him and kept it interesting right to the line. Win three at start 24 for Chris So and his second of 2020, both on the dirt at 1200m.
Runner-up: PEARL CHAMPION as mentioned made a real race of inside the final furlong and asked the winner to find another kick to hold him off. In his first start on the all-weather track the Rip Van Winkle gelding offers trainer Tony Millard another string to his bow at least. It's been a dry run since the lone success way back in late December 2018.
Run Of The Race: JADE THEATRE gave enough in the home straight to run past a few to be a consideration next time around. Not a race for the spectacular this one.
Disappointment: The well-favoured DEMON'S ROCK was trapped wide and kept pressing forward until he could strike the front. However, he ended up warring with leader VIVA COUNCIL and they undid one another.
Comparison: The sprinters keep up the good times on the wet track, under standard and another good strong gallop.
Market Mover: THOU SHALL SING $6.60 to $3.40, ADONIS $7.20 to $4.00
RACE 4 - EGRET HANDICAP, HK $2.100,000
Class 2 – Rating 100-80 – All Weather Track – Distance 1650m – Track
Time: 1:36.75 Standard Time: 1:37.80 Course/Class Record: 1:37.02
Winner: KING'S SHIELD (USA 5yo g Scat Daddy – Gender Dance) improves his Hong Kong record with a second win in start 14, both on the poly track at Sha Tin, both over 1650m. This horse won his first two starts in the UK as a two, then three-year-old at 1400m and 1600m, headed to France to tackle Group 1 three-year-old company, and returned to the UK and contested the Group 1 St James' Palace at Ascot. So, he's probably a bit below his best standard winning on the dirt, but at least winning. Second winning ride tonight for Zac who sneaks a wee break on an absent Joao Moreira.
Runner-up: BUDDIES is a great warrior for John Moore, before this 15 starts and five wins, three of those on the all weather. He's versatile, and a pleasure for Moore to saddle up. Tracked the pace-making winner into the race and couldn't make the leeway up but tried his heart out. Leader kicked away in 22.77 the final split, BUDDIES in 23.06, so he was given no chance.
Run Of The Race: KING'S SHIELD led them up and spanked them. None were better.
Disappointment: CORDYCEPS was heavily backed, sat one-one all the way but was gone before the home turn.
Comparison: Over a second under standard. For the amount of rain on the track its playing beautifully.
Market Mover: CORDYCEPS $18.10 to $7.30
RACE 5 - SHEARWATER HANDICAP, HK $967,000
Class 4 – Rating 60-40 – All Weather Track – Distance 1200m – Track
Time: 1:09.03 Standard Time: 1:09.05 Course/Class Record: 1:08.14
Winner: STRIKING MR C (NZ 5yo g Super Easy – Charming Elle) doesn't win often and mixes his form, but he's had excuses over the time. Back to his best form here, dashing into the lead off the one-one sit in the race and then brave to hold off the big challenge when it came. Three wins in his last five starts after a slow start to his career, all at 1200m on the dirt track. He's another who just finds that positivity in effort on the all-weather surface. Sire Super Easy was of course a star performer in Singapore. Great night for trainer Benno Yung, two wins after earlier success with Coolceleb.
Runner-up: GUNNAR took some good money backed 34.00 to 21.00 so punters got a good look for their money, a likely winner 100m out just peaking on that bold finish. Some time since his last all weather track outing, and some punters aware of the fact he'd run second and fifth in his two runs on the surface. Despite that, he was over the odds off some decent turf track form.
Run Of The Race: WAYFOONG CHARMER had a job ahead of him on the turn and many lengths to find, doing a fine job to run the majority down. Once a winner to date and that on the dirt track at 1200m, he's really close to winning again, trainer Paul O'Sullivan has this one and his team ticking well at the back end of the season. The 23.15 final 400m clearly the best in the race.
Disappointment: HANDSOME REBEL offered very little as a drifting favourite and question marks on him right now, still winless in 21 starts. There to challenge beaten turn.
Comparison: Compared to the other 1200m races tonight this a little more leisurely, right on the standard after they dashed along earlier in the night.
Market Mover: GUNNAR $35.40 to 20.40, WAYFOONG CHARMER $11.20 to $7.20
RACE 6 - FLAMINGO HANDICAP, HK $1,450,000
Class 3 – Rating 80-60 – All Weather Track – Distance 1200m – Track
Time: 1:09.08 Standard Time: 1:08.70 Course/Class Record: 1:07.40
Winner: BEAUTY LOYAL (AUS 5yo g Darci Brahma – Singapore Sling) wins his third race in Hong Kong and despite having had now 29 starts to get there, he was in a tough spot when he arrived. Winning a maiden for Cindy Alderson in Victoria as 'Call Me Loyal' he had to step straight into Class 3 and it's not been an easy ride. Now more acclimatised to the situation he's finding career best form for Tony Cruz who gets the best out of the horse in his all-weather track debut, something punters may have let slip under the guard. Bold finish from a back of midfield split, he won't be missed by punters when he appears on the dirt again.
Runner-up: GOOD FOR YOU also came charging from the rear and made up many lengths inside the final 200m for Dylan Mo. Even as a 64-start veteran he hasn't had great exposure to the AW track on race day and has now put two very good runs together on the dirt. After a long career slugging it out in Class 3 on the turf he may find some winning form again soon.
Run Of The Race: Dead-heat the winner and second horse for this prize. They've given them a decent start and a beating.
Disappointment: SUPER POWER MAN looked to have them in trouble coming to the turn, even beyond that point but when asked to go the legs were weary and he could give no more. Disappointing from the favourite who showed significant mucus in the trachea following a vet check. The heavily backed VICTORY IN HAND could also not go on after sitting on the pace.
Comparison: Outside standard, it became hard work over the final stages as the leading group had done their chips.
Market Mover: VICTORY IN HAND $8.80 to $4.30
RACE 7 - SPOONBILL HANDICAP, HK $967,000
Class 4 – Rating 60-40 – All Weather Track – Distance 1650m – Track
Time: 1:38.31 Standard Time: 1:38.75 Course/Class Record: 1:38.02
Winner: PARTY EVERYDAY (AUS 4yo g Snitzel – Scarlett Lady) is another showing his form on the all-weather circuit, placed at 1650m on this track May 9 in his debut on the dirt, and now a winner second up. Back-to-back victories for trainer Tony Cruz and Karis Teetan who won the previous event with Beauty Loyal. There's a lot of money to win yet, he was initially sold for $A870,000 in Australia as an Easter yearling, and then for $HK 7 million at the International Sale in 2019. No surprise there, being out of former Queensland Oaks winner Scarlett Lady (by Savabeel), a very good filly in her time. Second dam On Call won nine races from 1250m to 2400m.
Runner-up: JADE FORTUNE got back middle inner and followed the winner along the rail to become a distinct threat. His effort ended short of the line but a game try. Twice a winner in Class 3 on the dirt he's going to win really quickly in Class 4 and went close to attaining that tonight. Zac Purton has ridden him four starts in a row which would indicate he thinks that win is imminent.
Run Of The Race: RIGHTEOUS MATE was a conspicuous last, four to five lengths off the second to last horse, caught them on the turn and charged home into fourth. Top effort to make up so much ground and he did run the fastest final three 400m sectionals of the race (22.59, 23.23, 23.41).
Disappointment: Good money for SMILING CITY with the full claim but he was trapped very wide after trying his luck from gate 13 and paid the price for that.
Comparison: They gave the class record a nudge until they crawled home the final furlong after racing seven-wide into the first turn in a real rush to be handy.
Market Mover: JADE FORTUNE $4.00 to $3.00, SMILING CITY $15.20 to $6.70
RACE 8 - FLAMINGO HANDICAP, HK $1,450,000
Class 3 – Rating 80-60 – All Weather Track – Distance 1200m – Track
Time: 1:08.61 Standard Time: 1:08.70 Course/Class Record: 1:07.40
Winner: CALIFONIA CONCORD (AUS 4yo g Fastnet Rock – Miss Concorde) was a big drifter, very short but easing right out in the market which was a surprise. He was a highlighted runner after debuting at Happy Valley when third. Two wins for the Snowden's in Sydney before import. He's the third winner in a row for a hot Cruz-Teetan combination, a big night at the office for them. Perfectly ridden into a striking trail early, he pounced when asked to extend, good win. He's been in Hong Kong since August 2019 but did not trial until January 2020.
Runner-up: ZERO HEDGE has won five races in Hong Kong but all on the turf track. He adds his third second placing on the dirt from just a handful of starts on the inside track. Bold finish, behind the pace and hitting the line hard. Right on the verge of a Class 4 drop again and when that happens he'll be winning.
Run Of The Race: PRANCE DRAGON picks up the field to fly from last into third and this was a notable performance given the leaders were allowed to dictate the terms and kick off the corner. Into perspective the winner ran 23.96 the final 400m, this horse in 23.23 in a sparkling dash for home. His first start on the poly track – take note. MEGA HEART came with him and was also good from the rear.
Disappointment: Favourite UTOPIA LIFE trapped wide enough for long enough and wilted, as did strong fancy JUST LISTENING who loomed large tracking the pace and just failed to run on, finishing 11th.
Comparison: Standard time, on or near pace got the jump on them off a soft middle and ran clear.
Market Mover: CALIFORNIA CONCORD $2.40 to $5.80 (drift) UTOPIA LIFE $4.10 to $2.70, STRIVE FOR GLORY $30.00 to $15.30, HALL OF CHAMP $18.70 to 12.00, ZERO HEDGE $32.70 to $17.30
RACE 9 - PEACOCK HANDICAP, HK $1,450,000
Class 3 – Rating 80-60 – All Weather Track – Distance 1650m – Track
Time: 1:37.83 Standard Time: 1:38.20 Course/Class Record: 1:37.22
Winner: ENFOLDING (IRE 6yo g Fastnet Rock – Althea Rose) was terrific, win of the night coming from barrier 14 to take short cuts from back on the inner and save every inch of ground. He won by inches and those that backed the horse can thanks Zac Purton for a brilliant ride – his third on the night to match Karis Teetan's hat-trick. Win three from start 27 for the gelding who won two at Wolverhampton in Great Britain, both at 1895m. He rarely steps foot on the turf track, despite this he had in his previous two starts so relished the opportunity to return to his favoured surface for trainer Casper Fownes. Super sire Fastnet Rock sires the last two winners on the programme.
Runner-up: TOUCH OF LUCK loomed to win it and looked the one most likely but was shaved late by the thundering hooves of ENFOLDING. He's flying along two wins and a placing in his last five starts, both wins on the all weather at 1200m then 1650m in a step to Class 3.
Run Of The Race: ENFOLDING was great, rider Zac Purton exceptional guiding the gelding to victory from the widest gate to take rails runs and win. Good from last was LONDON LUCKYSTAR. He's got to win soon, racing well.
Disappointment: PING HAI TREASURE was there to challenge on the turn but the others dashed away as he peaked on his run.
Comparison: A good solid gallop in the final event, under standard on a track that played very fair all night.
Market Mover: LONDON LUCKYSTAR $12.30 to $8.00, OWNERS STAR $20.60 to $13.40, UNITE SPIRIT $10.00 to $6.60.
