3 minute read
Brett Davis provides exclusive review of Sha Tin races.
RACE 1 - RACING GOES ON HANDICAP, HK $725,000
Class 5 – Rating 40-0 – All Weather Track – Distance 1200m – Track WS
Time: 1:09.77 Standard Time: 1:09.45 Course/Class Record: 1:08.46
Winner: YEE CHEONG LUCKY (GB 5yo g Acclamation – Melbourne Memories) was a heavily-backed runner to start the day and punters off on a strong note, the gelding $9.00 into $3.80 so no shortage of money about for him. That's his second win in his last three starts for Tony Millard who took over the training in February. Previously just the one start on the all weather track for a ninth, so no background form on the course. Nicely ridden by the in-form Karis Teetan and he pounced at the perfect time, running clear. A 230,000 pound yearling this one in 2016.
Runner-up: EXPONENTS ran on nice and strongly from well back under Joao Moreira to continue a solid run of minor placings. A busy season for him and winless May 2019, but he has placed top three on six occasions and deserves to win his Class 5 for Me Tsui.
Run Of The Race: CORRE RAPIDO and EXPONENTS both did nice work from the corner in a race where the winner really did second rate them.
Disappointment: ADONIS has been backed a beaten a few times this term and another one here, had his chance with a clear run before the corner but just not the dash to threaten them at $3.70.
Comparison: A 'Wet Slow' rating on the all-weather track today and it certainly looked like tough work for them. Outside standard and no surprise.
Market Mover: YEE CHEONG LUCKY $9.00 to $3.80
RACE 2 - WORLD-CLASS LEADERSHIP HANDICAP, HK $725,000
Class 5 – Rating 40-0 – Turf 'C' Course – Distance 1400m – Track Good
Time: 1:22.08 Standard Time: 1:22.40 Course/Class Record: 1:21.53
Winner: RED BRICK FIGHTER (AUS 4yo g Artie Schiller – Tarlaquena) breaks through in start and not off poor form, he'd been racing well in Class 5 for some time and in his ninth start of the season grans his first win for David Hall. He steps back from a mile in his last two runs to the 1400m and did a big job to win from barrier 14, a tough effort after using the gas early to be right on the speed. He was a $NZ225,000 buy at the 2017 Ready To Run Sale in New Zealand.
Runner-up: KELMIMI WINS hit the line well and fought strongly under pressure to place for the first time in 10 starts in Hong Kong. Trainer John Moore has set him several tasks at 1400m and stuck to the game plan here. Yet to race at Happy Valley the USA bred gelding is honest and his Class 5 victory should come in the new season if not in the next fortnight.
Run Of The Race: JOY MASTER was the noted one getting home strongly from well back in the field, clocking 23.44 the final split and well ahead of the majority off the clock.
Disappointment: TREASURE CHEST loomed to win this and appeared to be travelling sweetly off the home turn but failed to see it out as the $5.00 favourite.
Comparison: Under standard a good indication the turf track is again in good order as the Class 5 horses set a solid time before the tighter assessed horses run later in the day.
Market Mover: LITTLE GENERAL $16.10 to $7.40, RED BRICK FIGHTER $6.30 to $5.20
Fined & Suspended: C Y Ho (JOY MASTER) $60,000 and July 2 race meeting for careless riding at the 350m mark.
Bled: FORTUNATE RUNNER (second time).
RACE 3 - UNCOMPROMISING INTEGRITY HANDICAP, HK $967,000
Class 4 – Rating 60-40 – Turf 'C' Course – Distance 1400m – Track Good TF
Time: 1:21.45 Standard Time: 1:22.15 Course/Class Record: 1:20.96
Winner: LEADING FORTUNE (FR 4yo g Sayani – Nayara) takes his second win for John Size after success at the same distance at Sha Tin in April. He ran home particularly strongly when second on June 14 and continues the trend, getting well off the speed and charging late, this time timing it perfectly to take the narrow decision. He was a cheap yearling $385,000 Euros at the 2018 Arqana Breeze Up Sale. A horse with more to achieve, he has a ice loping stride and races like he will win beyond the 1400m distance.
Runner-up: TRIPLE TRIPLE returns from a brief stint of two starts in Class 3 to perform strongly back in Class 4, a narrow defeat after Zac Purton gave him every chance. The Kiwi-bred by Per Incanto won his maiden earlier in the season at 1400m and he wins his second race very soon for Frankie Lor.
Run Of The Race: Hard to go past LEADING FORTUNE, he gave them a start and a beating. From the back ROYAL RACER was doing good work to run into fourth. Not a win in 14 starts this term but weighted and rated to pick up his second career win, even knocking on the door of Class 5 with a rating in the low 40's.
Disappointment: LADY FIRST got a nice trip behind the speed, had to bump and ease on out to get a run but once through he didn't fire. A frustrating run of misses for him, now winless in 32 Hong Kong outings. A maiden winner in New Zealand in 2017.
Comparison: Good strong clip out n front and this realised a quick time, some seven-tenths under the standard. Track beautiful and 'Good' to 'Good To Firm' from Race 3.
Market Mover: LADY FIRST $4.40 to $3.30, SEAWEED FORTUNE $21.00 to $12.00
RACE 4 - SERVING THE COMMUNITY HANDICAP, HK $967,000
Class 4 – Rating 60-40 – Turf 'C' Course – Distance 1800m – Track Good TF
Time: 1:47.94 Standard Time: 1:48.00 Course/Class Record: 1:46.54
Winner: BEAUTY ANGEL (GB 4yo g Dark Angel – Handana) had been hinting for a few starts that this win would come and today just perfect, Joao Moreira so skilful to get over from the outside gate and find himself fourth on the speed, angled up to take control 350m out and proved too strong when under fire. The money came for him last time to the races and the performance was a good one, leading to his ultimate effort here. He was a 270,000 Guineas sale at the 2017 Tattersalls Yearling Sale. Dark Angel was a 1000m to 1200m horse but the dam placed at 2900m so there is room to manoeuvre, and it seems he will stay.
Runner-up: CIRCUIT NUMBER ONE had mixed his form but was one horse to be wary of if he performed to his best. He's been a mixed bag this season and unable to win in 11 runs, though hints of his capabilities have been exposed. He ran up to win and was outstayed late, but a really good lift in form again. Tony Cruz will get a result with him next season, a former 130,000 Euros yearling.
Run Of The Race: BEAUTY ANGEL too sharp and too tough after doing that work early to find the winning position. Smart ride from a very good jockey.
Disappointment: NATURAL STORM did not fire and punters who had him well in the market failed to get a response.
Comparison: Right on the standard, they did muddle about a bit in this one over the longer journey and it developed into a sprint off the corner in the end.
Market Mover: EPTIWINS $4.70 to $2.90
RACE 5 - CONTINUOUS DEVELOPMENT HANDICAP, HK $967,000
Class 4 – Rating 60-40 – Turf 'C' Course – Distance 1200m – Track Good TF
Time: 1:09.29 Standard Time: 1:09.50 Course/Class Record: 1:08.45
Winner: TRUE LEGEND (AUS 3yo g Deep Field – Jolie Bay) set all the terms and kicked on so strongly, looked very likely to be overhauled by the runner-up at the furlong but just would not be denied, his second win in just six starts for Frankie Lor and a progressive horse. He will jump into Class 3 now, but with a light weight and very useful speed to race on the pace he'd certainly not going to be outdone in the higher grade. This horse is out of the Group 1 placed race mare Jolie Bay, and was a $A530,000 sale at the Easter Sale in 2018. He will pay for himself.
Runner-up: MONKEY JEWELLERY is battling it out so well at the top of the handicap in Class 4. Now five runs back in the grade he's had to carry 130lb and more in each of those starts and has been brave given he'd drawn wider. Into gate three today there was a little respite and after looking the winner halfway down the straight the edge went to the winner in the final strides. A good consistent earner for John Size with two wins and seven placings from 20 starts.
Run Of The Race: TRUE LEGEND had to scoot over from gate 12 and from there to dictate terms and kick back under pressure was the notable run on the race.
Disappointment: HAPPY VICTORY was slow out and in the last few but never got going today, a disappointing result from the horse favoured to run well after a good fourth on June 21.
Comparison: Just under standard and perfectly rated by the form rider Karis Teetan. He could have pushed the issue a little more but knew what he needed to do.
Market Mover: WHISKEY NEAT $32.00 to $17.90, SPARKLING STAR $14.30 to $8.80
RACE 6 - RIDING HIGH TOGETHER HANDICAP, HK $967,000
Class 4 – Rating 60-40 – All Weather Track – Distance 1200m – Track Good
Time: 1:09.89 Standard Time: 1:09.05 Course/Class Record: 1:08.14
Winner: THOU SHALL SING (NZ 5yo g Your Song – Shalt Not) has realised he's pretty well bred and now putting the wins on the board. That's three of his last five starts and even though they are all on the dirt he is now fashioning a strong record for Francis Lui who just keeps training winners at the moment. Very good ride from Vincent Ho, he had one horse to beat out wider and he waited and used the petrol he had left late in the race, the decisive strides.
Runner-up: STAR SUPERIOR was back and wide, doing all the work on his own around the final corner so his performance to keep charging at the line was excellent. Of the 10 starts this season nine have been on the all-weather track including an October win this track and distance. Deserved to win this.
Run Of The Race: STAR SUPERIOR was superior, terrific run and belied the long odds.
Disappointment: NAMJONG SINGS led and stopped today, an off run from him, usually better than that. A frustrating winless season from the horse, Class 3 to begin after winning two in New South Wales as 'On The Top' for Mark Newnham, but without a victory in Hong Kong in now 11 starts. A Class 4 drop imminent and that will help a lot.
Comparison: This one was run a tick under standard on a track making them work hard today.
Market Mover: COOLCELEB $10.80 to $6.40
RACE 7 - THE GUANGDONG HONG KONG CUP HANDICAP, HK $1,450,000
Class 3 – Rating 80-60 – Turf 'C' Course – Distance 1200m – Track Good TF
Time: 1:08.39 Standard Time: 1:09.25 Course/Class Record: 1:08.31
Winner: FALCON TURBO (AUS 5yo g Nicconi – Queen Of The Falls) picks up a late season win for Douglas Whyte who took over the training of the horse this term and has banked two wins both at Sha Tin. He won a $A100,000 race as 'Falconic' for Gary Portelli in Sydney before being exported to Hong Kong and started off slowly in Class 3 company. Dam Queen Of The Falls was good enough to contest a One Thousand Guineas at Caulfield in a brief career spanning seven starts for Peter Moody. She won two.
Runner-up: EXCELLENT PROPOSAL dashed home beautifully and went under in the photo in his Hong Kong debut for John Size after winning three from four in Sydney for Richard and Michael Freedman. Showed what he could do in Australia and first impressions suggested he's going to be a big player in Hong Kong.
Run Of The Race: Loved EXCELLENT PROPOSAL here, no need to acclimatise or get a feel for the place, he charged straight into it. None better. The 22.61 final split really sharp versus the field.
Disappointment: MIG ENERGY was odds on to win this but he weakened the final 250m and not really up to the mark here. Mixes his form, good when good, but others average.
Comparison: Slick run, just outside the class record and when they run low 1:08.00 you know they're flying.
Market Mover: FALCON TURBO $12.90 to $7.80, LORIZ $7.50 to $4.20
RACE 8 - THE HONG KONG REUNIFICATION CUP HANDICAP, HK $2,100,000
Class 2 – Rating 100-80 – Turf 'C' Course – Distance 1800m – Track Good TF
Time: 1:46.43 Standard Time: 1:46.95 Course/Class Record: 1:45.88
Winner: COLUMBUS COUNTY (NZ 4yo g Redwood – Spirit Of Sandford) looked sharp and ready to fire today second up off a nice break and definitely a nice horse in the making despite being heavily rated for a horse that won a 10k maiden in New Zealand. But a Group 2 placing in the Waikato Guineas took its toll and he had to kick off in Hong Kong in Class 2. Now seven starts for Casper Fownes and a win and three second placings on the board. It may just take him a little while to fully find his feet given his rating is nearing 100 points, but they will get their success again next season, a good type with plenty of scope. Burst through and away once Zac Purton showed him clear air today, lovely win.
Runner-up: BUTTERFIELD set the pace until HELLO DADDY took command into the final half-mile, retook control off the turn and kicked back ever so gamely. A trademark of this Brazilian bred gelding, not often out of the fight at the end and today no change. He'd won four from six in Brazil to 2400m so he goes a lot further yet.
Run Of The Race: Hard to split first and second, they had varying runs and were equally as good in being clearly superior to the rest.
Disappointment: RIGHTEOUS DOCTRINE has not raised much on a finishing effort from the rear and disappointing with 123lb in a field that seemed within range.
Comparison: Under standard courtesy of that mid-race dash from HELLO DADDY who picked up what was a moderate tempo at that stage.
Market Mover: CHAMPION SUPREME $8.60 to $4.40
RACE 9 - SPORTMANSHIP 1600M HANDICAP, HK $1,450,000
Class 3 – Rating 80-60 – Turf 'C' Course – Distance 1600m – Track Good TF
Time: 1:34.54 Standard Time: 1:34.65 Course/Class Record: 1:33.30
Winner: PRECISE EXPRESS (IRE 4yo g Tamayuz – Soviet Treat) comes off three quite disappointing performances to bounce back and win for Ricky Yiu. The horse had won two from seven starts in Ireland and neither of great note but that led him to starting in Class 3, never an easy task. Yiu has dabbled at 1400m, even a run on the dirt track in April that didn't go so well. So nice to see him freshen up and bounce back. Had to be decent, too, a long way back in the field and on the fence he was guided home with a huge finish under Matthew Chadwick with a rails run, superb ride, and effort.
Runner-up: EASY GO EASY WIN sat in the trail and gained an inside run, had the rest covered but just couldn't hold the big strides of the winner who scooted through underneath him to get home. Good to see this horse show a return to form, a lean run since he won in December, his only other positive result for the season.
Run Of The Race: PRECISE EXPRESS didn't leave the rail but still had to be good to win. Out wider both RED ELYSEES and EVERYONE'S JOY were good from the turn to the winning post.
Disappointment: DECISIVE ACTION was presented with similar runs to that of the winner after trailing them along the rail. But the $3.70 second favourite did not let down when the gaps appeared.
Comparison: Under standard, more an even run race this one.
Market Mover: EVER LAUGH $33.00 to $14.00, RED ELYSEES $16.30 to $7.60
RACE 10 - BETTER FUTURE 1000M HANDICAP, HK $1,450,000
Class 3 – Rating 80-60 – Turf 'C' Course – Distance 1000m – Track Good TF
Time: 0:55.64 Standard Time: 0:56.60 Course/Class Record: 0:54.89
Winner: WINNING DREAMER (NZ 3yo g Deep Field – Markisa) remains unbeaten and looks like a superstar on the horizon right now. Two brilliant wins in two starts up the straight for Frankie Lor, this son of emerging sire Deep Field had to be as good as they thought he was today, a low draw bringing him under scrutiny as the outside rail looked the place to be. Oddly, he just doesn't look like a 1000m horse, a huge big stride and carefree motion, there's at least another furlong or two in his repertoire. After dashing away with 116lb he will be tested again next start with a little more lead in the saddle. Second win today for Deep Field, a sire going places. A $NZ300,000 yearling at Karaka and two-time trial winner in NZ before importation.
Runner-up: METRO WARRIOR took the outside rail and had them under control until the big horse arrived underneath him and cruised away. Still an excellent performance from this inexperienced hose in HK, just his third start for John Moore after winning two for the Hayes-Dabernig team in Victoria, Australia as 'Viking Warrior'. No slouch this horse.
Run Of The Race: CALIFORNIA ARCHER was huge outside the winner, he got well back from a low draw in gate four and had a big job to do, screaming home strongly, as did TRUST ME at more than 60/1 who made up many lengths, a horse or two to follow there.
Disappointment: WAR OF COURAGE the one ion the race that didn't come out of it reputation completely intact, but in light of the quality of the winner and the fact he is at the end of his campaign simply not disappointing in running fifth. Outstanding season from him, nine starts, two wins, six placings. Manfred Man will have good success with the rising four-year-old son of Declaration Of War next term.
Comparison: Scorching time, a second under standard. Set by a good horse.
Market Mover: WINNING DREAMER $2.40 to $1.70
