3 minute read

Brett Davis provides exclusive preview of Sha Tin races.

With the December Internationals now a memory racing in Hong Kong is primarily focused on "Five Feature Race Days" that incrementally fall a month apart over the next sixteen weeks. Today's bumper program is the first and January edition..!!! There are three prestigious categories of which all commence today. "The Hong Kong Speed Series" (1200m,1400m,1600m), "The Triple Crown" (1600m, 2000m, 2400m) and "4YO Classic Series" (1600m,1800m,2000m). "The Centenary Sprint Cup" 1200m, "The Stewards Cup" 1600m and "The Classic Mile" make up this remarkable day of racing and are equally valued at 12 million HKD a piece. As highlighted all carry significant financial reward and prestige, for those fortunate enough to be involved, along with the coveted and highly sort after black type that stamps a pedigree page.  With the exception of the "4yo Classic Series", which is officially embargoed by the HKJC and only accessible to equine residents, all of Hong Kong's Group Races are open to overseas entry, should there owner's aspire to be involved. Today's features are glowing with anticipation as the "Sprint Cup" appears an even affair, the "Stewards' Cup" looks a one act affair and the "Classic Mile" a puzzling affair with this years edition remarkably challenging. The weather in Asia's World City is now cool but a new era of blue bloods are ready to raise the mercury as Hong Kong Racing approaches the half way point of its season.

R1 - 13,8,1,14,2

R2 - 8,1,7,11,13

R3 - 7,5,14,6,13

R4 - 8,2,1,12,11

Race 5

"The Centenary Sprint Cup"
#4 Wishful Thinker was at his prime in March 2019 when he contested "The Alquoz Sprint" at Meydan/Dubai, with the race eventually won by Blue Point. Although he returned in good health and continued racing for the next twelve months he always appeared a length or two inferior to what he'd been, prior to that unsuccessful travel. It would be eighteen months before he won again with victory occurring in the "Premier Bowl" at 44/1 earlier this season. The win was breathtaking as he reeled off last half sectionals that stopped the clock at 1.07.89. It was the Wishful Thinker of old. A blemish at his next run again raised concerns but his effort in the "International Sprint" since was again tremendous. Christophe Soumillon now takes the reigns and I'm very confident of another big performance.
#1 Hot King Prawn looked all set to finally win a Group 1 in the "Hong Kong International Sprint" when starting favourite but it was again not meant to be. Today, he'll receive all favours from gate two with Moreira staying seated on the John Size conveyance. He's worth a forgive with tightening in the stretch his legitimate excuse last start but you'll be required to dive in at a short quote once again.
#2 Voyage Warrior throughout his career has been dynamic when leading at pace and running opponents off there legs. Although the majority of his wins have occurred at 1000m his stamina since returning from a six month break has improved. With Purton aboard and barrier one to jump from Id expect they'll do all they can to lead.
#3 Jolly Banner has emerged a rejuvenated 9yo that's arguably never raced better. His career high rating of a 110 was registered in March 2018 which praises his continued output, soundness and durability as he's currently rated 109. I'm minutely sceptical he'll front up again but his form warrants a spot in the selections.
#5 Computer Patch put in a dreadful performance in the "Bauhinia Sprint Trophy" when carry a big weight and starting odds on favourite. It was a concerning watch as he faded terribly from the 300m appearing a flat and tired horse. He's since been forced to trial and nothing seemed a miss but there were definite signs that previous race day he may need a breather.

Selections : 4,1,2,3,5

R6 - 7,9,13,14,6

Race 7

"The Stewards Cup"
#1 Golden Sixty finally received the accolades deserved after claiming the Group 1 "Hong Kong Mile" on International Day. With that win now widely recognised its on to chasing further Group 1 success and potential records the now retired Beauty Generation just left behind. With similar opponents, weights and measures its no rocket science to suggest he just keeps winning. A trial in preparation has shown no abnormalities so without trepidation it's onward and upward to Group 1 victory number two.
#3 Waikuku ran incredibly well when resuming from an eight month spell in the "Hong Kong Mile", won by the mighty Golden Sixty. It'll be fascinating to watch his second up performance because he was the real deal prior to the long lay off. Remembering, he won this race last year and took the scalp of the champ Beauty Generation in the process.
#2 Southern Legend hasn't won a race this season because he keeps bumping in to Golden Sixty but he's accumulated 800K USD in price money for his efforts. Another trial has been recorded since his silver medal in the "International Mile", and he defeat Golden Sixty and Rise High during that process.
#5 Rise High can also boast victory over the now retired Beauty Generation, and for that matter Waikuku, after he put them both away in the "Shatin Trophy" first up last season. He's had a year off due to a tendon issue with his left front but he's recuperate well spending time at both Shatin and Conghua. He's trialled nicely with his body weight close to perfect so it's time now to see what he's got.
#4 Ka Ying Star has been poor his last two but there's been excuses on both occasions. Zac Purton takes over the reigns this afternoon with the set weights scale more to his liking. With gate one and no hard core pressure the initial stages expected you can guarantee he'll run a better race.

Selections : 1,3,2,5,4

Race 8

"The Classic Mile"
#3 Enrich Delight has made quite an impression in his short Hong Kong career and goes in to the first leg of the "4yo Classic Series" as a genuine contender. Interestingly trainer Casper Fownes has not trialled the horse leading in to today's contest and galloped him only once since his last race start. He was exceptional first up when winning fresh and it's clearly the approach the trainer is adopting today. It's a race we'll review and learn plenty from but with the good barrier and inform class rider atop I'm jumping on board.
#7 Shadow Hero has blinkers off and cheek pieces on in an effort to spark enthusiasm in to his finishing powers. The two time Group 1 winner from Australia has struggled to match it with the better opposition thus far but a recent trial with the new head gear was encouraging. He's had a sound preparation and Im optimistic he'll discover the improvement required.
#1 Sky Darci is the top rater on 103 points but it's worth remembering he received a five point hike for running second in a Group 3 carrying no weight. Its been an incredible rise to stardom this campaign and he's coped superbly, but how much is left in the tank with the three biggest and defining races of his career approaching.
#2 Excellent Proposal was ultra disappointing first up when he failed to flatter following a brilliant beginning at the start of this season. He carried the big weight under handicap conditions first up and is far better placed at set weights and against his fellow 4yo brothers. John Size has trialled him again with a quiet spin on the dirt witnessed and Blake Shinn aboard. There's clear reservations following a bland return but he's already proven he's got the goods.
#5 Lucky Express has done very little wrong and enters the 4yo feature one hundred percent race fit. Although there appears questions over his ability to run out the Derby distance, the mile today is no concern. It's worth reflecting on the slender margin between he and Sky Darci when they clashed a few starts back at near equal weights.

Selections :  3,7,1,2,5

R9 - 9,12,1,3,4

R10 - 7,3,2,9,12