3 minute read

Brett Davis provides exclusive preview of Sha Tin races.

The "SaSa Ladies Purse" is an annual Group 3 handicap over the 1800m that often see's the return of Hong Kong's elite stayers. Exultant is very much just that and the current "Horse Of The Year" commences his return to racing on this day, just as he did twelve months ago. With the rail returning to the true position for the first time since late September the other interest shall centre around how the track plays. Often, well of the fence is the desired position once they've turned for home, with leaders thereafter struggling to fend off emerging challenges deeper out. However, it's certainly not written in stone that it trends that direction so I'd be looking closely at the first couple of events, to see if there's anything unfolding. 

R1 - 4,2,1,3,6 

R2 - 7,5,9,11,3 

Race 3

#5 My Sugar has performed particularly well in his short career despite his defeat at both attempts this season. The son of Deep Field won three trials prior to his debut as favourite back in early July. Then first up this season he again faced unexpected hindrance at the start, which in review cost him the race. With a sound feel now for race day pressure and experience amongst runners, I'm expecting he'll be difficult to beat. 
#12 One Happy Star turned his form completely around when he ventured to shatin second up and ran a blinder out in front. Mathew Poon is again behind the wheel and together they look a certainty to snare the lead uncontested. From that position with no expected mid race pressure the pair should get all the favours. The obvious dangers are going to close but it's highly likely he'll fend them off for a long portion of the stretch.
#4 Jade Phoenix looks one of the major players following his narrow first up defeat. He's drawn slightly more awkward but shall no doubt come on for that first up run. He has already been a beaten favourite on three separate occasions so he's been very costly to this point, but it's only a matter of time before he wins one.
#7 Charity Grace is on debut and has drawn ugly in gate twelve which is not ideal. Im expecting they'll elect to sit back with cover early, then allow him to let down once they turn for home. He'll be a decent price but I haven't minded his barrier trials. There's every chance he may need a run but I'm confident there'll be a response when he's asked to sprint at the line.
#3 Helaku Knight is taking his time to win a race and I'm losing patience in the process. I thought he had everything in his favour last outing where he ran an honest race, but he was well beaten. He's fit and gains another opportunity today but he'll have to produce more going forward if his to go any higher.

Selections :  5,4,12,7,3

R4 - 2,4,6,1,8

R5 - 3,4,1,6,8

R6 - 3,11,14,7,1

R7 - 1,7,4,5,3

Race 8

"The Sa Sa Ladies Purse"

#12 Savvy Nine has finally arrived in a race where he's is exceptionally well placed and appears on the verge of his first Hong Kong victory. He was outstanding last season for a long period contesting the 4yo old series, including the derby, as well as a Group 1 over 2400m. His two runs this campaign behind a very exciting animal have been sensational and despite the presence of Hong Kong's current horse of the year, he'll take some beating.
#5 Dances With Dragon was simply awesome when winning the Premier Plate last season under almost the exact same conditions. The only difference being he'll carry 4lbs more and is drawn slightly wider. His two returning runs have suggested he's fit, well and on the verge of repeating that annihilation.
#1 Exultant is of course the aforementioned current "Horse Of The Year" who commences his return to racing this season. He carried 133lb when resuming last year in this very race and was good finishing third, beaten just under two lengths.
The handicap conditions are again very much against him but it's impossible to suggest he can't win. He's was such a dominant force last season and it's great to see him back. It's worth noting however he does return today forty pounds heavier than he was last start, the heaviest he's ever been.
#2 Southern Legend is looking for his second victory in the Ladies Purse after taking the race last year. As an 8yo you would think racing at this level might becoming a little more demanding, but no that is certainly not the case. He's two returning runs have been fabulous and I keep leaving him out of contention and he just keeps proving me wrong.
#3 Furore was well beaten first up but I'm not reading to much in to that overall performance. His final 400m sectionals we're exquisite and he's extremely classy on his day. He's no doubt like most in this looking to peak around International Day in December, but with Moreira jumping on and a good draw he's a definite inclusion.

Selections : 12,5,1,2,3

R9 - 10,8,1,5,3

Race 10

#2 Gift Of Life Line in an even contest shall represent good each way value in the last of the day. There's good speed forseable early and a large portion of it looks to be drawn deep, which should hopefully spreed things out. He'll settle midfield or worse and be looking to trail a tail in to the race from the home bend. His biggest attribute is his last section which is generally a ripping piece of work. He's certainly going well enough to get the job done.
#11 Chancheng Prince enjoyed stepping to 1400m last start because it allowed him time to find some rhythm. As he's progressing he's developing in to a high speed cruising vehicle as opposed to a dashing sprinter. He's still only a 3yo and is vulnerable to pressure against the older horse but he just keeps improving.
#3 Heza Beauty is progressing nicely under the care of John Size and has drawn to do no work. The competition is a rung higher but he's coped remarkably well with whatever has been dished out so far. He is owned by the Kwok family who sponsor the entire race day (SaSa) and it's uncanny how often they at least win one race on there special day.
#4 E Star has been a hit miss type in the past but in his defence he's been sharp since he's returned. He'll enjoy the high speed pressure early, should it eventuate, and could easily be joining in at the right time.
#9 Angel Of My Eyes is a smart youngster who's stepping up in grade following some impressive performances. He's a natural speed horse that's drawn deep so he'll be forced to press the issue early. There are other speed horses drawn around him so the outcome from that gate could potentially turn ugly. But it's not a for gone conclusion.

Selections : 2,11,3,4,9