3 minute read

Brett Davis runs the rule over Sha Tin this afternoon.

It's hard to comprehend Hong Kong Racing could continue to grow through the current world pandemic that is Covid 19, but that's precisely what's happening.

When arriving to the Hong Kong Jockey Club in December 2006 I was introduced to a season 75 meetings long with a horse population around 1000, if that, and a handful of simulcast races from around the world being intermittently beamed in.

It's fair to say at the time the local racing industry was still buzzing after Silent Witness had caught the worlds attention by winning 17 straight races. Hong Kong was an already established and progressing racing Hub well before Silent Witness arrived but in my opinion his career on the track, described immaculately by David Raphael, played its part in solidifying Hong Kong's commercial future to the world.

Hong Kong Racing thereafter gained a Wow-factor, the-X factor needed to catch the attention of anyone and everyone with a sharp eye for thoroughbred investment.

Since then the global crisis in 2008 certainly put a dent in proceedings and Hong Kong Racing had a few nervous years recovering. Whilst the opening of the multi billion dollar "Conghua" training complex in China, a few years ago, has conversely provided the positive expansion required to a very unique ownership environment.

So, we arrive at day one of the 2020/2021 season with now 88 meetings, approximately 1500 horses now in circulation, chasing new record prize money increases. The field sizes are almost at capacity from the very first race, as opposed to the traditional opening six weeks of eight and nine horse fields.

The jockey line up has the potential to be as competitive as ever, with Karis Teetan and Vincent Ho putting there name up in lights last term behind Purton and Moreira. A full season license granted to Alexis Badel, a very talented frenchman who's driven, well liked and very well connected through previous years of networking. Blake Shinn now looking on the verge of a break out season following so many frustrating seconds last year. Chad Schofield the consistant quiet achiever who can no doubt launch to even greater heights with gained personal and professional maturity.

Then there's Mathew Poon who was quiet last season but is a real talent, with a point to prove following some end of season criticism. An of course Jerry Chau the 10lb claiming apprentice who has the world at his feet after being indentured to the legendary Douglas Whyte stable.

The new trainer to the system, the already locally established and world racing giant in David Hayes. Plus grants establish by three more trainers to have additional allocated yards at Conghua.

Ohh, and if your not aware there are plane's arriving regularly full of unraced blue bloods and talented raced individuals, from all parts of the racing world.

So, it seems accurate to suggest Hong Kong Racing is going quite well and has weathered an unprecedented storm so far. The proof however shall be in the turnover pudding, but it's almost impossible to envisage any reason why it won't keep heading skyward. The great challenge for us enthusiasts, professionals and dollar each way players is to sort through it, and find the winners. But that's what drove us to get involved in the first place.

R1 - 5,1,8,6,2

R2 - 11,7,2,12,5

Race 3

#8 Hero Star showed plenty of potential last season with three runner up finishes from his nine starts. In the off season he's enjoyed some much needed rest with three weeks away from the training tracks. He's been back in work since and progressed nicely to a trial win in fast time on the 22nd of August. He suggested first campaign that cover in running was a major plus and from a nice barrier today he'll likely end up in a prime spot with the cover required. Turning for home he'll peel out and should deliver a strong claim thereafter to the wire.
#1 Eligere has often displayed a good turn of foot. He is only a little fella so the weight is some concern however the easier opposition is very much to his liking. The blinkers back on suggest he'll be sharper than normal early and I expect him to be a playable each way price.
#13 Diamond Pegasus has an imposing pedigree and was very up and down through his opening campaign of racing last season. His recent trial looked ordinary but I'm prepared to take a chance anyway as I've witnessed this previously from Cruz runners prior to racing, and they've gone on to run well. His final run last seasons was decent and Karis Teetan did have other options to ride here.
#12 Super Red Dragon took a long time to find his feet but has always suggested he'd win a few races. So far he's still a maiden but he possesses the versatility to handle the turf and all weather tracks. Trialling well leading in to today's event has highlighted that he's lost no form during the break.
#2 Winston's Lad is a 9yo who reminded us of his ongoing zest with two smashing wins to close out last season. With the off season break a chance of breaching his winning momentum I'm reluctant to say he can win again. However, he's going to get a clear run at them final stages down the middle, which is just how he likes it.

Selections : 8,1,13,12,2

R4 - 3,5,7,4,13

R5 - 1,4,6,2,14

R6 - 4,6,3,12,5

Race 7

#6 Metro Warrior was sold to Hong Kong in 2019 following six starts in Melbourne where he posted two wins at provincial level. He was trained by John Moore last season where he produced three very competitive runs from his four starts, two over the 1000m. He's now been transferred to the David Hayes stable following John Moore's recent departure. Ironically, David Hayes initially trained the son of Fastnet Rock in Australia  before his export. The 1000m with blinkers on looks perfect first up and with a good draw, foreseeable strong tempo and the services of Zac Purton all in place, he's very hard to oppose.
#2 Allied Agility climbed twenty points last season with three hearty wins, two of them over the 1000m at shatin. He's since spent time rejuvenating in the lush paddocks and quiet surroundings of the Conghua training centre, where he also trialled fantastically well. The 7lb claim for Alfred Chan makes him very attractive at the weights and it should assist over the concluding stages.
#13 Trust Me clearly exhibits a strong liking for straight course racing with all his wins at shatin over the 1000m. There's a frantic pace expected here with multiple front runners engaged, playing in to his race pattern perfectly which is to close in hard. He does however need to take his racing to the next level this season and a prime opportunity awaits.
#5 War Of Courage one of the on speed runners goes in the tips following a solid first campaign. His recent trial was conservative from an early speed angle but I don't expect him to be to faraway on raceday. He's an imposing creature to look at and it's highly probable he'll continue progressing rapidly.
#4 Prince of Frog is going to need further but his work and trials suggest he's acclimatised quite quickly to Hong Kong lifestyle. The 10lb claim today is extremely attractive so keep your eye on him final stages. A sneaky little chance if it all falls in to place.

Selections : 6,2,13,5,4

Race 8 - "Chief Executive's Cup"

#5 Fat Turtle in a very open contest gets quite a lot of ticks. His course and distance record is super and he's drawn to get a perfect trail behind a solid speed. His fresh record is also exceptional and the jockey aboard knows him well. He maps to be one by two in transit and provided he settles he should present at the right time.
#10 Computer Patch finds himself now in the stable of Tony Cruz following John Moore's retirement from Hong Kong. He's highly progressive and looks a Group 1 horse in the making with the conditions and weights today suiting him perfectly.
I shall be watching closely to see how he parades and appears for the new stable. Tony Cruz is a hardcore trainer who trains them to be tough. John Moore on the other hand was more conservative.
#11 Victoriam steps in to the class one pool for the first time and gets in with a feather on his back. His work and trials have been more than satisfactory but he must find a new level if he's to be competitive. A very interesting runner at a price.
#8 Amazing Star is a speed machine who needs no pressure in running to be a chance. It's likely he'll go close to crossing and leading this field comfortably. If that's the case he can give a real site.
#6 Perfect Match is the other pace influence who probably hands up shortly after the jump. In the process he can gain the ideal trail and be ready to strike after turning for home. He's a real racer with plenty of heart and rarely runs a bad race.

Selections : 5,10,11,8,6

R9 - 4,14,3,1,5

R10 - 1,8,2,6,5