3 minute read

Brett Davis provides exclusive preview of Sha Tin races.

Race 1

Its a typically open class 5 to kick of Saturday racing at Shatin with the "Panasonic Cup" the feature of the day.

#12 Blazing Partners should start at an each way price and it's the type of race where you'd want to be playing exotics or at least something each way. Not many of these are reliable so finding a little advantage can be the difference. Jerry Chau is the first point of call in this situation and despite his claim now being only 7lbs its still a major draw card. The speed map suggests he can find a trailing position midfield with cover, which works well. The distance is a query but the claim should help to negate that potential issue and Im rating him a reasonable chance under the circumstances.
#4 Happy Win Win finds his way in to class 5 for the very first time and should be highly respected down here. On arrival to Hong Kong, two seasons back, the handicapper allotted him a rating of 73 following three wins in Ireland. Like many from that area of the globe acclimatising got the better of him but he's almost ready to go now. His two runs back at this course and distance have been competitive and they've been against superior opposition.
#1 Circuit Number One has proven to be a precious type that can decline the offer to win when its presented. Now in the lowest grade with an excellent barrier he's difficult to overlook particularly with Moreira now taking over the reigns. His ability can win this race and perhaps the Moreira persuasion might make the difference but it's by no means guaranteed.
#5 Regency Gem ran well first up at Happy Valley and now heads to the scene of his only victory, the 1600m at shatin. This 6yo has a poor record overall however it reads excellent at this course and distance. Zac Purton is the only man to have won on this Chris So trained galloper and it was achieved in this class. There are plenty of clues today suggesting he'll be in the market and go close to winning.
#9 Shanghai Dragon possesses plenty of natural gate speed and shall press hard for the lead. With the rail in its widest position the track should play favour to those nearer the pace and on the rail, particularly earlier on in the day. This is precisely where this guy shall position and he's always suggested he'd be winning in class 5, once he finally got there.

Selections : 12,4,1,5,9

R2 - 4,14,7,6,11

R3 - 7,11,3,5,8

R4 - 4,3,6,9,10

Race 5

#9 Cheerful Days was the most impressive of debutants at shatin in mid October and in review should be undefeated. He settle back early and was then impeded briefly mid race before unleashing a very fast final 400m of 22.48. During that finishing burst he was also blocked noticeably and as I've mentioned should have won. He's raced by the Tom Brown's Syndicate who've had there share of capable gallopers in the past, none more recognisable than 2013 International Mile Winner Glorious Days. This guys got a bit to find if he's going to get to that level but he certainly appears well above average.
#6 Namjong Sings has been more than a nuisance to punters over the entirety of his Hong Kong career, but yet again a case can be made. Plenty of jockeys have had a crack, even the likes of Ryan Moore who rode "International Jockeys Night" back in December 2019 couldn't get the job done. Alexis Badel receives the pleasure again today and the horse returns to Shatin for the first time this season. With his current form again suggesting he's a winning hope.
#3 Helaku Knight steps up in trip and with the potential lack of speed can secure the spot outside the leader. The lack of pace could create problems for the two on top selections but it's likely class shall see them through. However, I do anticipate this guy shall be ahead of the fancied runners when they turn for home.
#2 Care Free Prince is that leader I just referred to and is normally reliable from the gates. He's been leading races his entire career and the claim and rail position are in his favour. He'll turn in front and kick well but it's more than likely the classy gallopers shall wear him down.
#11 Brave Power receives the final selection but it could have gone a number of ways. I was particularly taken by the run two back down the straight 1000m. No horse in that event ran a quicker last 500m and it exposed his potential ability. He's progressive and has plenty to learn but if he does everything right, he's not without a ruff chance.

Selections : 9,6,3,2,11

R6 - 8,5,4,1,13

Race 7

"The Panasonic Cup"

#8 Super Wealthy has been the subject of many discussions since winning three of his four outings last season. He was a one time racer and winner in Sydney where he showed real talent prior to his Hong Kong import. Once arriving he hit the ground running taking no time at all to acclimatise or gather his form. His three wins last season displayed a high level of maturity blended with exciting talent and he's now being aimed at bigger races. Douglas Whyte made it very clear at the start of the season he wouldn't be ready early, as he was aiming towards this race and possibly others around Christmas time. Going in third up with all that in mind Id expect him to be right in the money. He's weighted perfectly for an emerging talent and I'm excited to see what he's got.
#7 Lucky Express is at a different stage of his campaign but is the other lightly raced youngster that's on the way up. His first up win was spectacular producing a brutal turn of foot to put away the opposition. He's since been extremely competitive in high quality races and his winning looks far from over. He'll do no work from the draw and looks well in at the weights.
#2 Jolly Banner as a 9yo continues to racing with great enthusiasm and six of his seven career wins having come over the 1400m. As per normal he'll sit back early absorbing the tempo and work in to the race over the final stages. With Jerry Chau' s 7lb claim utilised and a strong base of form under his belt, he can win.
#4 Band Of Brothers is generally a horse that sits of the speed but today I'd say he'll be ridden aggressively, searching for the position outside the leader. From that spot, even stepping up in grade, Im expecting him to be very competitive.
#3 Buddies has gone to a new level the last few months and he's one of only two noted speed runners in this event, which is a real positive.What's against him however is the weight.

Selections : 8,7,2,4,3

R8 - 12,14,2,13,4

R9 - 11,8,3,4,2

R10 - 3,12,14,5,7