3 minute read
Brett Davis provides exclusive review of Sha Tin races.
RACE 1 - TAI WON HAU HANDICAP, HK $750,000
Class 5 – Rating 40-0 – All Weather – Distance 1650m – Track: Wet Slow
Time: 1:39.70 Standard Time: 1:39.70 Course/Class Record: 1:38.60
Winner: CHARITYDREAM (GB 5yo g Oasis Dream – Morzine) had never previously run in the first three in Hong Kong in 12 career starts and last raced back in April for his then trainer Chris So. He's moved on to Michael Chang and found a bit of improvement in a change of scenery and was the big tote move in his fresh start to the season. Leading throughout, the money very well placed, some obvious confidence in the camp off a couple of trials that were not spectacular by any means. And he had failed in six starts in Class 5 and came with a rating of 20 points so there wasn't a lot to go with. Carrying 111lb with claimer Dylan Mo aboard would be regarded as a plus.
Runner-up: SKY GEM did well. He was well off the bit some way from home under the 133lb and kept finding that bit more to wear the remainder down and grab second. Tidy effort on a track rating wet-slow.
Run Of The Race: SKY GEM was the best for bravery, though CHARITYDREAM really did eclipse them on a day where the stars aligned for him.
Disappointment: GOOD RUNNERS WAY was favoured to give this a shake but he got quite leg-weary over the concluding stages to miss a top four placing after looming as a winning chance on the corner.
Comparison: Exactly on the standard time and it looked like that.
Market Mover: CHARITYDREAM $8.70 to $4.80
RACE 2 - SHEL YAM HANDICAP, HK $1,000,000
Class 4 – Rating 60-40 – All Weather – Distance 1650m – Track Wet Slow
Time: 1:38.02 Standard Time: 1:39.00 Course/Class Record: 1:38.02
Winner: SKYEY SUPREME (IRE 5yo g Henrythenavigator – Kykuit) makes it two winners on the all-weather track as the leader and best-backed. And his victory was hollow, skipping away from the field at the 400m in winning by a big margin, his first victory in 15 starts after just two previous placings from 14 after arriving in Class 3 as a two-time winner in Italy for Endo Botti. No excuses behind him, just superior to them today, his first run since June 27 when he ran second this track and distance. Interesting to see him in front here, blinkers on. Had never looked like leading in those 14 previous outings in Hong Kong.
Runner-up: PARTY EVERYDAY missed the kick to end up a conspicuous last. Nothing but brave to reel in the rest and snare second money on the line but never a hope to beat the winner. That's two wins and two second placings in his last four starts on the all-weather track for Tony Cruz. Weight is currently his issue.
Run Of The Race: SKYEY SUPREME was a long way ahead of these.
Disappointment: DOUBLE TAKE had his friends on the tote but could not go with them, a beaten horse turning for home.
Comparison: Equals the class record on a wet-slow which suggests SKYEY SUPREME relished the condition today, running that time without being pressured.
Market Mover: SKYEY SUPREME $3.80 to $2.80
RACE 3 - LEI MUK SHUE HANDICAP, HK $1,000,000
Class 4 – Rating 60-40 – Turf 'B + 2' Course – Distance 1000m – Track Good
Time: 0:55.40 Standard Time: 0:56.50 Course/Class Record: 0:55.07
Winner: FABULOUS EIGHT (AUS 5yo g Dream Ahead – Coco Kerringle) was fabulous, he had to give his major rival a huge 17lb with apprentice Jerry Cjau taking 10lb off the back of UNITED WE STAND. But Joao Moreira had a plan – to scoot straight up alongside the big threat and put him to the sword. Grand win from the Aussie-bred, he'd not run since July 5 and the former had already raced this season so fitness was queried and the market went that way. But he's a classy horse, to carry the 133lb and keep up such a strong gallop was superb and he actually needed that. To rise to Class 3 and drop a bunch of weight should help him, if anything. He's very well poised to take advantage in that class next time around for last season's leading trainer Ricky Yiu.
Runner-up: UNITED WE STAND had the key things in his favour, the claim, the draw, the outside running, a race under the belt. He wasn't disappointing, simply beaten by a better horse. His turn will come and certainly with stable apprentice Chau being able to claim his full 10lb allowance.
Run Of The Race: None better than FABULOUS EIGHT, maintaining such a strong run with 133lb up the long straight at Sha Tin is not easy and he proved his class today. Nice run from GOKO to come from gate one and the low part of the track to sit midfield and run on strongly into third, a really brave effort for a horse that failed to figure in 10 starts last season so a nice upward curve from him and trainer Dennis Yip to start his 2020-2021 campaign off two more encouraging trial runs.
Disappointment: REGENCY POET was favoured to run well and show improved form but not even Zac could lift him today, a bit dour from the midway point to the winning post in finishing sixth.
Comparison: Very quick, a long way under standard and not far from class record speed. Outstanding track management, Hong Kong was plundered with rain on Saturday.
Market Mover: UNITED WE STAND $3.10 to $2.50
RACE 4 - LAI KING HANDICAP, HK $1,500,000
Class 3 – Rating 80-60 – Turf 'B + 2' Course – Distance 1600m – Track Good
Time: 1:33.82 Standard Time: 1:34.50 Course/Class Record: 1:33.27
Winner: TIANCHI MONSTER (NZ 6yo g Shocking – Princess Biscotte) was once a very handy horse, winning three of four starts in a stellar period during late 2018 and early 2019 at 1800m and 2000m. But he was left in the wilderness last season, after continuing to show form when twice placing to start the season he was poor in 10 subsequent starts and lost his way. And there was no real indication he could win today off a rating of 75 despite giving a small hint his resuming ninth over 1400m was a shade better on face value. Nice to see the son of former Melbourne Cup winner Shocking bounce back for Chris So, and a smart ride from Vagner Borges, a really good jockey that young man. He saved the ground with inside runs and was the there to pounce when the gap appeared. Big winning odds here nearly 60/1.
Runner-up: CHARITY GO was a touch unlucky, just a touch, but second was probably his best placing here. Sixth the fence and waiting the space was at stages minimal in the home straight and his momentum never really at peak until too late. Nice start to his season as he gets out to 1800m and 2000m his best trips.
Run Of The Race: None better than TIANCHI MONSTER at huge odds he gave them all their chance and he came out clearly superior. After getting a bit wobbly wide out on the final turn a nice final dash from CHEERFUL LEADER to finish fourth and he will win his Class 4 even a Class 3 in the near future. Rated 65 here so not far from the class drop.
Disappointment: HELENA BABY never raised a gallop and very bland for a horse of his capabilities. Vetted no findings.
Comparison: Track is great, midway between standard and record time is a nice indication the track is just perfect.
Market Mover: CHARITY GO $16.80 to $9.90, EVER LAUGH $33.50 to $17.30
RACE 5 - SHEK LEI HANDICAP, HK $1,000,000
Class 4 – Rating 60-40 – Turf 'B + 2' Course – Distance 1200m – Track Good
Time: 1:08.67 Standard Time: 1:09.25 Course/Class Record: 1:08.45
Winner: EXCELLENT CHARIOT (NZ 4yo g Jimmy Choux – Tantrum) makes his Sha Tin debut after running three consecutive fifth's at Happy Valley last season to begin his career. Residual fitness in place given he had last raced July 8 so not a long gap between races but further time to acclimatise. He was unbeaten in three trials in New Zealand as a two-year-old. Savabeel dam Tantrum was a winner up to 1850m so there could be further to get in the future, he was strong enough through the line at 1200m here. Lovely ride Neil Callan, into the box seat one-one and ready to go off the corner. Won't be the last win for this horse.
Runner-up: DIAMOND PEGASUS used gate two to jump and hold the rail to lead. Kicked on strongly and only one better than him on the day. From 11 starts no placings previously for the former two-time winner in South Australia as 'Abshiroo' for Tony McEvoy.
Run Of The Race: SHANGHAI GRACE was doing nice work and an improver into the new season after not looking that likely in Class 3 last term in six starts. Won't be long making his mark in Class 4 – a three-race polytrack winner in Great Britain. NOBLE DESIRE was on heels in the straight and trying to shift ground and lost all momentum. Tidy run to get out and run fourth.
Disappointment: BELUGA tracked up into it three-wide with cover and appeared to have a lot left in the locker when the they turned but he seemed to get on one rein for much of the home run and he battled away into third. Improvers run given a gear change could be crucial to him.
Comparison: A touch over two-tenths outside record speed so they rolled along at good tempo once again.
Market Mover: BELUGA $3.10 to $2.70
RACE 6 - SHEK LEI HANDICAP, HK $1,000,000
Class 4 – Rating 60-40 – Turf 'B + 2' Course – Distance 1200m – Track Good
Time: 1:09.41 Standard Time: 1:09.25 Course/Class Record: 1:08.45
Winner: SCORES OF FUN (AUS 4yo g Reward For Effort – Montana Hilton) was going to be unlucky not to win, the gaps were eerily closing as he went to open them, and twice Joao Moreira had to grab and wait until the run finally came. This horse was seeking to remain unbeaten after taking success debut success in late May for John Size. A quick rise for the son of for Blue Diamond victor Reward For Effort who was prepared by Patrick Payne in Victoria before export. Dam Montana Hilton (by Brahms) won nine of 64 and $150,000 on the provincial circuit in New South Wales and her handy race record led to her leaving a smart looking horse.
Runner-up: CLASSIC POSH did not jump from gate three and left himself with work to do. That would ultimately mean the difference between winning and not given the slender margin and effort in making up such decisive ground. Jump well and sit front five and it could well have been race over.
Run Of The Race: Rather unusual to see a race of little tempo come down to the back-markers dominating. But it happened here with the top four midfield and a lot further back in swooping home. Top three all really good but the real eye-catcher was SMART CHARADE who was last of the 14 runners on this slow speed and powering home into fourth. Off gate 14 he had little option early, Off a rating of 43 into this he's looking a winner at any stage soon, bottom of Class 4 or a snatch and grab win if he sneaks into Class 5.
Disappointment: INNO LEGEND was expected to offer a lot more after leading but he was gone when the pressure came to him inside the final 200 metres. Prepared to forgive this one.
Comparison: The pace really came out of it here, above the standard in a walk along and sprint.
Market Mover: STOCK LEGEND $12.70 to $6.40, CLASSIC POSH $10.50 to $7.90
RACE 7 - SHEK WAI KOK HANDICAP, HK $1,000,000
Class 4 – Rating 60-40 – Turf 'B + 2' Course – Distance 1400m – Track Good
Time: 1:21.89 Standard Time: 1:21.85 Course/Class Record: 1:20.80
Winner: ARMOR STAR (NZ 5yo g Dalghar – Worship) extends the Moreira run with win four today for the champ, perfectly rating the Kiwi-bred to victory after holding the rail from barrier-rise and setting the tone for the rest to chase. They couldn't get close, this horse registering his second win in just five starts for Frankie Lor after a belated start to his racing career in May this year. That's two wins at 1400m, likely his pet distance, though he seems a logical type to handle 1600m in the future, or further.
Runner-up: ULTIMATE GLORY kept fighting hard, took a handy sit from a low draw and ground out a solid second placing, narrowly in a grinding finish for the second and third money. The veteran was busy last season with 17 runs claiming one win in November 2019. Good to see him continue to race well as he edges towards 100 starts, now 82 in Hong Kong and three in Australia.
Run Of The Race: ARMOR STAR trumped them, gave nothing else a look in. There were no notable performances behind him.
Disappointment: SUMSTREETSUMWHERE was quite the same as last week, solid but quite bland from the turn as the well-backed commodity.
Comparison: Another against the grain as they tilt over the standard on a day where the track had played a lot quicker than this.
Market Mover: SUMSTREETSUMWHERE $4.20 to $3.40, ARMOR STAR $4.30 to $3.60
RACE 8 - KWAI SHING HANDICAP, HK $1,500,000
Class 3 – Rating 80-60 – Turf 'B + 2' Course – Distance 1400m – Track Good
Time: 1:21.48 Standard Time: 1:21.65 Course/Class Record: 1:20.62
Winner: THE ROCK (GB 4yo g Dutch Art – Barynya) looked to have them well beaten at the furlong then along came the fairy footsteps and some thundering hooves out wide and things all of a sudden got very interesting. Joao Moreira had dictated the play outside leader Simple Elegant throughout and went for home at the 300m looking money-back odds to win. Nice to see him break through, he was successful in the UK in June 2019 and made his way to Hong Kong soon after. Three races last season was his lot and consistency notable, three good efforts in Class 3. Trainer Caspar Fownes has found further improvement though it's now a tough line in the sand for the two-win gelding now he is nudging his way into Class 2.
Runner-up: GREAT TREASURE clocked a blistering 22.35 his final 400m in comparison to THE ROCK who ran 23.37. Brilliant sprint wide, his trademark, the veteran of now 69 starts lacking in nothing for effort this season with two charging finished from the rear. Deserves win eight of his long career in Hong Kong. He did win two in New Zealand before his arrival.
Run Of The Race: GREAT TREASURE fantastic. WIN WIN and CHEVALIER PRINCE were also really good over those final metres and two horses that are going to win at any tick of the clock. CHEVALIER PRINCE continues to impress.
Disappointment: BEAUTY SPIRIT was heavily backed and given every chance by Neil Callan, produced him to finish hard from the top of the straight but the expected bold finish did not eventuate.
Comparison: Solid without being spectacular on the clock as Joao dictated terms outside leader.
Market Mover: BEAUTY SPIRIT $23.80 to $13.10, CHEVALIER PRICE $3.40 to $2.60
Suspended: H N Wong (GREAT TREASURE) two race days for careless riding at the 350m.
RACE 9 - KWAI FONG HANDICAP, HK $1,500,000
Class 3 – Rating 80-60 – Turf 'B + 2' Course – Distance 1200m – Track Good
Time: 1:08.68 Standard Time: 1:09.05 Course/Class Record: 1:08.31
Winner: WINNING DREAMER (NZ 4yo g Deep Field – Markisa) is a quality horse, he never raced offshore, trialled twice and unbeaten in New Zealand after being bought for $300,000 at Karaka. Made his way to Frankie Lor and went unbeaten in two races last season a Class 4 debut, straight into Class 3 success, both at 1000m. He now takes the step to 1200m with ease, shows his class to retain this unbeaten run and quickly climb up the rankings.
Runner-up: SUNSET WATCH won two $100,000 races in Melbourne for the Hawkes stable at Caulfield and Moonee Valley but had not mirrored that form in Hong Kong, 10 starts last season for a lone third placing well below his true ability. He moves from Dennis Yip to Francis Lui and fires straight away, this change of scenery really works in Hong Kong, so many horses having already performed so strongly under stable changes this season. Good to see this horse shine, his finishing burst was much like his old self.
Run Of The Race: CHICKEN DANCE and E STAR were both very good against the grain as the hot favourite sat on speed and kicked away. Nice work from that pair, the latter won three times last season and a good performer fresh up off a June 27 victory in Class 3. TEMPLE OF HEAVEN a name to paste in the hat too.
Disappointment: Not disappointing, just disappointing to see CHICKEN DANCE gets so far off the speed and with too much to do. Nearly 12 months since we'd seen this exciting galloper, a two-time winner for Paul O'Sullivan from four starts before obvious issues. Four trials from June to September had the son of Hinchinbrook ready to roll fresh up but those first few steps would make the job a tough one. Final sectional 22.30, a race-best, suggests he's on track for quick success.
Comparison: Lovely sharp race, some quality horses ensued a strong tempo and with odds-on favourite WINNING DREAMER setting that tone outside the leader it was always going to be run in good time.
Market Mover: SUNSET WATCH $13.70 to $8.10, TELECOM PUMA $43.90 to $22.70
RACE 10 - CHEUNG SHAN HANDICAP, HK $2,200,000
Class 2 – Rating 100-80 – Turf 'B + 2' Course – Distance 1600m – Track Good
Time: 1:33.64 Standard Time: 1:34.35 Course/Class Record: 1:32.96
Winner: EXCELLENT PROPOSAL (AUS 4yo g Exceed And Excel – Procrastination) ends the day on a super-high, a brilliant performance from the classy chestnut to sit four-wide the trip with some cover and rocket past them without any fuss, giving Joao his sixth winning ride on the card, another red-letter day for the master South American jockey. This horse won three of four Australian starts for Richard and Michael Freedman and always well above average, but he looks like one of the best in Hong Kong right now, just his third start here and back-to-back victories to start his 2020-2021 campaign. The world is his oyster, this win puts the writing on the wall.
Runner-up: SAVVY NINE was great for new trainer Douglas Whyte, matched the clock against the winner sectionally and fantastic for a horse looking for more ground. Still searching for his first win in Hong Kong, the French-bred looks set to do his best work after tackling Exultant and co last term.
Run Of The Race: EXCELLENT PROPOSAL just brilliant. Head and shoulders stuff. But keep an eye on RIGHTEOUS DOCTRINE and LAKESHORE EAGLE, two horses doing really powerful work from last in their opening runs of the new season. The former had flown on the all-weather track last term and not expected to run so well here, the latter ended his 2019-2020 season with three consecutive wins over 1600m at Sha Tin and his return just as sparkling without success. SUNSHINE WARRIOR was another to like a lot off this run, strong in the middle without real clear galloping room. The son of Pierro won four last season for Tony Cruz and is a very handy horse far from finished yet.
Disappointment: ASSIMILATE was a little more forward than some off a slick trial in early September when leading throughout. He got to be on the pace but had to sit three-deep when unable to fold in one-off. That told though was likely never beating the winner today.
Comparison: Sharp time, well under standard and no surprise given the quality of the winner in particular.
Market Mover: AMAZING ONE PLUS $7.80 to $5.60, ASSIMILATE $10.30 to $6.60
