3 minute read
Brett Davis provides exclusive review of Sha Tin races.
RACE 1 - TSIM MEI FUNG HANDICAP, HK $750,000
Class 5 – Rating 40-0 – All Weather – Distance 1200m – Track Good
Time: 1:10.46 Standard Time: 1:09.30 Course/Class Record: 1:08.46
Winner: DEMON'S ROCK (IRE 5yo g Requinto – Afnoon) registers his second win in Hong Kong in after a good crack at it over three seasons, takes the drop from Class 4 back into Class 5 and that proves the turning point. From three back on the fence and chasing a strong speed, the Irish-bred was a little idle around the turn but once he straightened and Jerry Chau asked for the effort the momentum really came into his finish. Too quick late for a gallant leader who refused to give up when under pressure. Two career wins in Hong Kong at 1200m on the Sha Tin All-Weather track so we all know here he finds his next victory. Another win for the David Hall stable, his ninth this season.
Runner-up: VIVA COUNCIL tried his heart out, led and taken on, looked headed half-way down and nearly kicked back well enough to win. Nice rise in performance from him, another struggling to find his best form but back to Class 5 at his pet track and trip the result came. A winning turn will follow in Class 5.
Run Of The Race: SPICY REALLY comes off 15 unplaced runs to date and his last eight in Class 5 so the signs were not good. But a career-best performance here, dashing home very strongly with a rails run from four-deep the fence, saving all the ground he could under a smart ride from Matthew Chadwick. Trainer Frankie Lor will find some confidence in this and specifically given it wad the first time he had tried the son of Toorak Toff on the all-weather track on race day.
Disappointment: Disappointing if you were on market mover FAIRY FLOSS, stumbled at the start then got back and wide, very wide the turn and game to the line. Bar the early blunder this horse would have troubled them.
Comparison: Time was well outside standard when they appeared to be rolling along so it will be interesting to follow the times and see if this track is in fact playing slow.
Market Mover: FAIRY FLOSS $15.00 to $10.90,
RACE 2 - WA MEI SHAN HANDICAP, HK $750,000
Class 5 – Rating 40-0 – All Weather – Distance 1650m – Track Good
Time: 1:40.87 Standard Time: 1:39.70 Course/Class Record: 1:38.60
Winner: SWEETLY BABY (AUS 4yo g Unemcumbered – Tuckshop Princess) continues this red-hot run of well-backed horses winning in Hong Kong. After a stellar day for punters on the Sha Tin turf last Sunday, we have this one halving in price from 12/1 to $6.80 and the money right on the mark. Midfield then pushed to the fence to be in traffic nearing the home turn a gap was needed soon after and Vincent Ho was swiftly out of there, drew wide to make his claim (a suspension and fine to follow) and the horse did the rest, an impressive sprint from the nine-start maiden. And this his first start on the dirt so something Caspar Fownes will be considering as he plots his path forward.
Runner-up: SHINEALOT ran up to them off a nice sit middle outer and looked the winner until the former dashed into his work and proved too strong. Paul O'Sullivan will no doubt persevere with the all-weather when he can, this horse now placed second in his two starts on the dirt after some moderate form on the turf tracks. He did perform well in October on the turf track at Sha Tin when making up good ground late so this was not unexpected.
Run Of The Race: TURF BRILLIANT is one to follow out of the race. Copped a bad check on the corner when looking to run on strongly, had to be stopped in his tracks then regather to finish on solidly again to run fifth. A 12-start maiden this horse with Chris So but an indication he can do something good in the weeks to come. DRAGON COMMANDER also did a nice tidy job in coming from well back to grab third.
Disappointment: SMART THINKER had a decent run in behind the pace but was first beaten and very disappointing as the $3.60 favourite, running last. Vetted, no findings.
Comparison: Another indication the track is lacking any fire. Also, well above the standard time so we are going to expect slow times throughout the night.
Market Mover: SWEETLY BABY $12.80 to $6.80
RACE 3 - SHEK UK SHAN HANDICAP, HK $1,500,000
Class 3 – Rating 80-60 – All Weather – Distance 1800m – Track Good
Time: 1:49.45 Standard Time: 1:47.75 Course/Class Record: 1:46.68
Winner: ELITE PATCH (JAP 5yo g Hard Spun – Toko Yuzuki) bounces back to his best form on his favourite track to career away and win this by a long margin in second-rating the Class 3 gallopers – yet another betting plunge landed. He won a double on this track over 1200m in November and December 2019, so a good year since his best but off three runs this season very fit and ready for the big step to 1800m for the first time in his career. Big ups to trainer Francis Lui for getting a 1200m sprinting winner to do the job at this distance, not an easy task. Nice easy ride for Matthew Poon, soon tracking the pacemaker and just waiting for his opportunity to go. Never in doubt. Future looks bright at the 1650m to 1800m on the dirt track. This horse did win twice in Japan before joining Lui in Hong Kong.
Runner-up: DEAL MAKER was gallant in second, set the pace and looked a big chance at the turn off another cagey Vagner Borges front-running ride but once ELITE PATCH made his move that changed rather rapidly. Brave to keep fighting his way all the way to line in holding second money. This his debut race for the season after just five runs for the total of the 2019-2020 season. He also ran well fresh when winning over 1650m on this track in September 2019. Sparingly raced so maybe a hint of an issue or two to manage, but a nice start to his campaign here. Also his first try over 1800m tonight.
Run Of The Race: ELITE PATCH a big margin superior to the field, no excuses the rest. CLEAR CHOICE brave if nothing else in fighting on into third.
Disappointment: NABOO STAR was again a long way off his best form. Looked so sharp in resuming and has not backed that up in his last two runs. Work to do there for Caspar Fownes. Always well back in his all-weather track debut and beaten a long way out. Vetted, no findings. RIGHT CHOICE was also heavily backed but after sharing the pace a beaten horse on the turn.
Comparison: A long way outside standard, heading towards two-seconds. This track seems very testing and a number are well beaten a long way from the winning post so far tonight.
Market Mover: ELITE PATCH $10.00 to $4.50, RIGHT CHOICE $11.90 to $5.70
RACE 4 - TIN HA SHAN HANDICAP, HK $1,000,000
Class 4 – Rating 60-40 – All Weather – Distance 1200m – Track Good
Time: 1:09.49 Standard Time: 1:09.05 Course/Class Record: 1:08.14
Winner: GUNNAR (AUS 5yo g Hinchinbrook – Hot Diamond) proves far too slippery for them first up for the season in showing sharp speed from barrier 11 to lead inside the opening furlong - from that point the rest were running for second. Significant victory in the fact rider Jerry Chau loses his 10lb claim with this win, an easy front-running ride for the skilled young apprentice who now rides with a 7lb claim from Sunday. A second race victory for the son of Hinchinbrook who sired two winners on the programme last Sunday, and straight into his work again here. Taking a line through his form a win was very likely here, from three previous attempts on the all-weather track he had finished second on each occasion so going one better was a logical step forward tonight. Good handy sprinter, the test will now come as he finds his way into Class 3 for the first time off the back of this success.
Runner-up: GOLD COMET made up many lengths from the tail of the field to run into second. Just his second start after a fair sixth on debut on September 13 so a good lift in performance which will please trainer Tony Millard. He is an Argentinian-bred bought by the HKJC then sold at the Hong Kong International Sale for $HK2.5 million.
Run Of The Race: GUNNAR was as good as the previous winner tonight and clearly superior to the field. Worthy of a mention is HAY PAL who raced quite keenly on his outside and did not flinch in the straight when the pressure went on, fighting back gamely into third. He is now a three-start maiden and first up for this season and one John Size will win with soon.
Disappointment: HANDSOME REBEL found his way into the trail and following the winner every step but failed to give anything in the run home, a moderate run from a horse with all-weather track credentials. He was well backed, as too WAYFOONG CHARMER who was off the bit some way out and only battled.
Comparison: Fleet-footed and an extremely easy win but still outside the standard.
Market Mover: WAYFOONG CHARMER $8.10 TO $4.10, HANDSOME REBEL $9.90 to $5.40
Fined & Suspended: C Y Ho (SWEETLY BABY) $30,000 and two days for careless riding at the 400m mark.
RACE 5 - TIN HA SHAN HANDICAP, HK $1,000,000
Class 4 – Rating 60-40 – All Weather – Distance 1200m – Track Good
Time: 1:09.90 Standard Time: 1:09.05 Course/Class Record: 1:08.14
Winner: SUPER ALLIANCES (NZ 4yo g Zacinto – Footsie) had promised a win, three previous starts this season all had merit and off the back of a 1200m placing on October 18 when last seen it seemed this would be his race. Matthew Chadwick had to keep him interested early as the pace was on and he was back of middle ridden along until he found his rhythm and ran into the race well between the 600m and home turn. Once they straightened his answer was immediate, a swift finish putting them away with ease. His one Hong Kong win was on this track at this distance and John Size recognises his liking for the dirt having sent him around on the track in five of his last six starts. He was a $NZ110,000 yearling then prepared by Shaune Ritchie to trial and win before his export to Hong Kong. Dam Footsie is a three-quarter sister to former top-class galloper Wall Street who took the 2010 G1 Emirates Stakes among several Group 1 wins in both New Zealand and Australia.
Runner-up: VICTORY IN HAND was another to relish his work late as the leading brigade folded after working hard up-front. He held a spot closer than the winner but took a little longer to wind his way into it, finishing off well late. Quick out in the front here given this horse has raced a lot handier than he did tonight. Third run back for the season and easily his best effort so far. Failed in his only other all-weather track run so a nice change in fortune for him here.
Run Of The Race: HERCULES was well back in the run and darted home strongly to run third, a nice performance from the horse that won first up for the season at Happy Valley on the turf track. Another who has done little racing on the dirt, this just his second start on the surface after one failure in May this year. He may have even put his hand up to be tried later at the 1650m.
Disappointment: Hot favourite RESOLUTE was close enough if good enough, drew up on the corner to look a chance but the winner went straight past in a flash. A bit plain this time at $1.70 after an impressive first up win for the season on the track at this distance. Underfoot conditions may have varied if there was to be an excuse, slow times indicating hard work tonight. Vetted, no findings.
Comparison: Again, nearly a second outside standard and we had three pacemakers annoying each other so really hard work on the track tonight as times suggest.
Market Mover: VICTORY IN HAND $18.30 to $10.00
RACE 6 - TIU YUE YUNG HANDICAP, HK $1,000,000
Class 4 – Rating 60-40 – All Weather – Distance 1650m – Track Good
Time: 1:40.09 Standard Time: 1:39.00 Course/Class Record: 1:38.02
Winner: PARTY EVERYDAY (AUS 5yo g Snitzel Scarlett Lady) was set a task in May by Tony Cruz that he would not look back from, culminating in more success here. Cruz had persevered for 10 starts on the turf track and was seeing some progress but decided to have a try on the all-weather track. He ran second that day, and now, after six consecutive races on the dirt a record of three wins and three seconds in that time. A loyal trainer in his corner, as too a jockey who sticks by him – Karis Teetan on board in each of that half-dozen and rewards all with another lovely ride. He put the gelding to sleep three-fence, angled out to make his run just on the point of the turn and the response good enough to wear them down. Big effort under 133lb, giving 15lb to the second horse.
Runner-up: DOUBLE TAKE tracked them all the way, lost contact when the sprint went on around the turn then rallied very strongly to make it interesting late. Back to is better form third up for the season after success on this track to end his 2019-2020 campaign on a high. The Aussie-bred had not noted to race as close to the speed as did tonight and apart from that flat patch on the turn it seemed to work for him, albeit from a nice draw. Well worth the follow next time to the races.
Run Of The Race: On a night where it was hard to get the feet going on what seemed quite a testing surface the run of UNITE SPIRIT was one of real merit. A long way back in the field he made up a big slice of ground to finish fourth at 20/1 and signals he may break through in Hong Kong soon. A maiden winner in South Africa on the poly over 1900m.
Disappointment: Not the same result for CHUNG WAH SPIRIT tonight after a brilliant win last time a similar run expected but he just never got galloping. We will forgive him.
Comparison: A full second and more outside standard in solidifying the fact the track was slow.
Market Mover: PARTY GENIUS $36.00 to $17.90
RACE 7 - PYRAMID HILL HANDICAP, HK $1,500,000
Class 3 – Rating 80-60 – All Weather – Distance 1200m – Track Good
Time: 1:09.06 Standard Time: 1:08.65 Course/Class Record: 1:07.40
Winner: LUCKY PATCH (NZ 4yo g El Roca – Gould) remains unbeaten in two countries, two starts for two wins in Queensland, Australia as 'Paleontologist' when trained by Billy Healey, and a victory on debut here to follow that up, incredibly going around at 15/1. He jumped with them but back of middle and three-wide with cover was his spot, found that flat patch at the top of the home turn but balanced up beautifully into the straight and too powerful for them wide. He was fit, five trials since August for Francis Lui who had him well forward for the assignment. The most recent trial on October 10 indicated he could win first up, finishing second and not hurried behind quality performer Savvy Nine. Winners are grinners and this horse is just a winner.
Runner-up: CZARSON was fantastic, three-wide without cover the entire race and then cruised up to them to take command like he had just joined in. Had to peak late on tis effort and was overhauled late by the big finish of the former. He is loving the dirt track racing, that is three starts for three seconds this season on the inside track and off this performance getting better with racing. As we have mentioned before he was a two-time winner and Group 2 placed for the Waterhouse-Bott stable in Sydney.
Run Of The Race: CZARSON was the pick of them, LUCKY PATCH on his heels all the way and obviously great, too. Picking one out of the bunch it' PRANCE DRAGON as one to follow, did some solid work late in his seasonal debut and should only strip fitter in his next couple of starts.
Disappointment: SILVER FIG met big trouble getting on heels early in the contest and the race was over for him at that point. He was a player tonight without that interference.
Comparison: One of the races with a very genuine tempo tonight based on the clock.
Market Mover: BLOTTING PAPER $12.60 to $5.00, ENSHRINED $15.70 to $9.20
Fined & Suspended: Karis Teetan (CZARSON) $30,000 and two days for careless riding at the 950m mark.
RACE 8 - HEBE HILL HANDICAP, HK $2,200,000
Class 2 – Rating 105-80 – All Weather – Distance 1650m – Track Good
Time: 1:39.22 Standard Time: 1:37.75 Course/Class Record: 1:36.75
Winner: KINGS SHIELD (USA 5yo g Scat Daddy – Gender Dance) gets Zac Purton on the board very late in the piece - hello Zac, we knew you were there! A slow night for the champ but no mistakes in the last of the programme in jumping this nifty American-bred to the front and never in doubt after, mirroring his May victory on this course at this distance, also with Purton in the saddle. In fact, three career success all at 1650m, all at Sha Tin on the all-weather, all in front for the duration. Talk about working to his strengths, never through the full set of gears in coasting home with nearly four-lengths to spare. His issue being he tips over the 100 rating points and into Class 1 again with opportunities on the all-weather basically zip. He will have to wait his turn again in a ratings drop.
Runner-up: STAR PERFORMANCE found the line nicely in behind the winner but a long way from looking likely. The son of Per Incanto is racing nicely this term, picked up a resuming second over 1400m on the turf track in early September and tries the all-weather for the second time in his HK career third up, nice work from the Kiwi-bred. He is perilously close to a drop to Class 3 and on either the turf or the all-weather that would really benefit him, he is stuck in a tough grade for a horse who won just one race in New Zealand and one from 15 in Hong Kong.
Run Of The Race: A one-horse affair the last, KINGS SHIELD is in his zone on this track with his own rules in front and tonight probably his best win, just so dominant. The way to track played it was hard to make ground but a handy run from RIGHTEOUS DOCTRINE who has displayed good form on turf this season and is ready to make his mark again on the dirt.
Disappointment: Four times a winner at this track and distance, ELUSIVE STATE was the one expected to make the challenge off a good run in transit but that did not transpire. Not poor by any means just a bit bland from turn to winning post.
Comparison: A mile outside of standard.
Market Mover: BEAUTY LEGACY $14.20 to $8.20, ASSIMILATE $29.60 to $16.70
