3 minute read
Brett Davis runs the rule over Sha Tin this afternoon.
R1 - 1,7,11,10,6
R2 - 5,3,2,4,8
R3 - 3,2,6,1,12
Race 4
#8 General's Delight commenced racing in Hong Kong back in November last year after arriving from Australia. The expensive and highly touted son of Fastnet Rock had a forgettable beginning after pulling up with an irregular heart beat following his debut. After a three month lay off he bounced back quickly and has since recorded some excellent performances, including a win in class 2 company. There's no doubt his best racing is clearly ahead of him and he'll go into today's event a major player who's not overly taxed from a long season. It's very likely he trails the speed early and thereafter has claims on the race from the 200m. But rest assured there shall be closers he'll need to shake off.
#4 Preciousship hasn't won since February but its worth remembering he's trained by Ricky Yui. The stable is looking to secure its first trainers Championship and they have two runners engaged here, both booked by a claiming rider. With the 10lbs off for talented apprentice Jerry Chau I'm predicting a slightly more aggressive ride through the first half of the race. There's been nothing wrong with this guys efforts recently he just gives away to bigger start. If he can settle closer then produce his regularly sectionals from the 800m onwards, he's right in the money.
#2 Fast Most Furious has always been genuine and as a 7yo he's now at a peak rating of 105. Zac Purton knows him better than anyone and together they have achieved plenty over the years. It's very hard to fault his chance but he does meet other fancied runners worse at the weights.
#3 Helene Leadingstar has only won twice in Hong Kong since arriving a South Australian Derby winner in 2018. In his defence there's been a number of occasions where luck has rolled against him, or he's been set an unachievable task.
#7 Savvy Nine should be spelling in my opinion after giving his all the last 6months. I'm a big fan of this horse going forward and feel he has the makings of a top liner next season. He has the heart and mentality to win this race despite dropping back in trip, but for me, he needs a good long rest.
Selections : 8,4,2,3,7
R5 - 3,5,1,6,11
R6 - 7,2,3,6,11
R7 - 1,2,12,9,5
R8 - 3,2,6,7,8
Race 9
#6 Beauty Applause had multiple excuses last start when first up from a break. This flashy and easy to spot chestnut today chases a One Million HKD Dollar Bonus. I'd fancy Moreira stokes him up early finds the lead and then rates him to the wire. It's his final crack at this High Achievement Bonus and I'm positive connections shall want to take bad luck out of the equation.
#12 Fantasy is another that is chasing a disappearing bonus following today's event. He's generally cut his teeth and progressed to his current mark by sitting back, then closing hard. But it's worth noting he was riden forward two runs back at the valley from a wide gate. He showed another string to his bow that evening and Im expecting him today, to be right in the action from the outset. With plenty of scope to further improve I rate him highly.
#10 Amazing Chocolate has taken ages to recapture any of his overseas form but it's fair to say right now, he is airborne. The rise in class and lack of foreseeable pace make his task more difficult but he's never been going this good.
#1 Super Oasis steps back in trip to 1400m for the first time. It's in an endeavour to notch up a win and at the same time collect that One Million Dollar Bonus that everyone is chasing. The claim today certainly makes him attractive and I'd want him in the exotics.
#2 Mongolian King has won only three races in Hong Kong but he can produce something special on his day. The last five months his forms been rock solid and the win on dirt back in April was remarkable. If he rips out a blinder from his magical back of tricks, you'll enjoy the watch if your on.
Selections : 6,12,10,1,2
R10 - 12,9,6,4,10
Race 11
#9 Winning Brew exposed his above average ability with an effortless victory at his second race start. He draw the outside gate and subsequently sat deep to the home turn, before dialling off a mighty impressive 44.67 last 800m. Today he meets a strong bunch of youngsters that are fit and ready to test his maturity. But with the pull in the weights a good draw and the Champion jockey in the saddle, it's likely he'll take all the beating.
#2 Good Luck Friend also a son of Swiss Ace has pretty much taken all before him since his debut back in March. He has tactical speed, a turn off foot and great intestinal fortitude in a finish. Conversely, the 131lbs a tricky draw and a hard run last outing may reveal some cracks, making him slightly vulnerable. But then again he might just keep on winning.
#7 President's Choice also goes into the talented progressive youngster category, but interestingly today there's a change of rider. Karis Teetan has been with him the last three months but rides last start runner up #3 Smart Leader, which is probably a tip in itself. I'm happy enough to forgive a below par effort last time but he may well be looking for a break.
#4 Cruising had a long time away from the races due to injury and he is just now regaining peak fitness. With a front runners profile and the 10lb claimer on top, he'll give you a good sight.
#1 Quadruple Double likewise holds the key to the speed up front. A natural born leader with a claiming rider on top suggests he's the other runner set to produce a strong performance out in front.
Selections : 9,2,7,4,1
