3 minute read
Brett Davis runs the rule over Sha Tin this afternoon.
It's Hong Kong Reunification Race Day and the traditional day meeting at Shatin takes place in celebration.
The 10 race program consists of eight turf and two all weather events along with two feature trophy presentations.
The rail shifts to the C position for the action on turf and judging on the forecast of hot and steamy conditions, you can expect the track to be lightning quick again, just like it was last Saturday.
Race 1
#10 Exponents heads in to the Class 5 on dirt for his 14th start of the season. Like most in the class he's struggled for consistency over his career but he does boast some reasonable stats on this surface. There's good speed on paper allowing him to sit back and fine the line with a strong opportunity of capitalising. His trainer Me Tsui has an uncanny knack of getting the best out of his horses on this surface, and the stable hasn't trained a winner from its last thirty runners. So with a month between runs and a stat that's due to dissolve, I'd expect him to go very close.
#11 Fairy Floss has been a speed horse in his short career but overall struggled to find the line with any real purpose. His sole placing to date came over this course and distance back in April but since then he hasn't been much chop. With gate one Zac Purton aboard and a little piece of confidence from a slightly better effort last outing, he should be up there for a large portion of the race.
#8 Corre Rapido hasnt quite recaptured form this season being a length or two shy of his best. He maps particularly well today and barring incident from the gates should be gifted an opportunity to win. It wouldn't take a lot for him to turn things around on some similar opposition, and I feel he's worthy of a ticket at an each way price.
#2 Adonis rejoins his friends in class 5 following a fair portion of the season tackling class 4. He handles the track, he'll love the pace and shall claim 10lb with the stable apprentice aboard. The negatives being a hard long season and giving away a start but be looking for him to swamp them the final 200m, if he's still going all right.
#6 Rochford has only had two starts this term and that's likely an advantage at this stage of the long season. With multiple encouraging trials in preparation and two of them against formidable opposition, he's worth including.
Selections : 10,11,8,2,6
R2 - 11,10,8,2,7
R3 - 7,6,2,1,13
R4 - 2,5,10,9,4
R5 - 1,2,4,8,9
R6 - 6,3,12,1,4
Race 7
#2 Mig Energy is likely to start well in the red for the first of the trophy races and realistically that maybe still overs. Despite not having won since his arrival to Hong Kong his efforts have all been particularly impressive, and he truly gives the impression of a real talent on the rise. All opposition today, with the exception of the top weight, have it all to do if there going to cause an upset. A short quote is certain but all fingers point to a favourites win.
#1 Excellent Proposal steps out for his Hong Kong debut and the former Aussie youngster arrives with a handy score card. He was the winner of three from four starts in Sydney and has enjoyed an encouraging preparation under the care of John Size. Although clearly being set for a 4yo campaign next season, he's looking and was also very forward in his most recent trial.
#8 Loriz has been a genuine and reliable performer all season and just like clock work he'll roll early and look to lead. But he's now at a career high rating of 64 and expected to be outclassed when they crack for the line. However the lack of depth, his tactical pace and overall consistency shall take him a fair way when push comes to shove.
#7 Jolly Good Heart hasn't fired a shot yet since his arrival from Australia. However, heading to the bigger track plus utilising the 10lb claim can create an opportunity to improve.
#4 Telecom Puma won his first start this season but since hasn't done much to get excited about. He's well rated and has speed to race handy but lacks that necessary strength to find the line.
Selections : 2,1,8,7,4
Race 8
#2 Butterfield was well prepared for a tilt at the Derby back in March and has carried a strong level of form since. He's drawn wide for today's assignment out in gate eleven but it should prove a blessing. The likely leader can provide a perfect cart across the field shortly after the jump. Once arriving outside the leader he can park until the pair turn for home. He's fit, well seasoned and more than recently proven his racing continues with great energy.
#3 Columbus County effectively heads in to this race second up after being rested following his ninth in the Derby. First up at the valley he was solid a slightly impeded at a crucial stage turning for home. With that under the saddle a favourable gate, plus a HKD 1 Million Dollar High Achieved Bonus on the line, he should acquit himself very well.
#10 Hello Daddy is also chasing a HKD 1 Million Dollar High Achievement Bonus should he be successful. The former Kiwi who won the Waikato Guineas as a 3yo has taken runs to hit his straps, but he's certainly firing on all cylinders now. His rising profile and high cruising speed should hold him in good stead and it won't be a surprise to see him good enough to win.
#7 Righteous Doctrine has found a high level of form in the second half of the season. Initially his best rating performances had been on the all weather track, but he's recently risen the bar to a whole new level on turf. It's taken the Chang yard more than a year to get him right but he's absolutely airborne at present and difficult to dismiss.
#5 Nicconi Express weakend the last 150m first up in a very strong form race behind Lakeshore Eagle. He won 2nd up back in November last year defeating a now Group 3 winner in Chefano. He's had plenty of time away from the track the last few months but can not be underestimated, particularly as he remains fresh.
Selections : 2,3,10,7,5
R9 - 3,1,7,12,9
R10 - 14,6,4,1,9
