3 minute read

Brett Davis provides exclusive review of Sha Tin races.

It's arguably the most celebrated day on the Hong Kong calendar but "Chinese New Year" race day 2021, "The Year Of The Ox", shall be at least partially remembered for an eerie precedence of near
silence on course. As a commentator, in fact in any career, their are moments you acknowledge through reflection that stand among others, this day every year was one of mine. The level of noise, hysteria, disappointment and excitement projected in to the atmosphere via the monstrous crowd is vividly remembered. Let's hope it's a situation soon overcome. Although crowds are absent turnover in Hong Kong continues to blossom with seemingly record breaking amounts of money wagered every meeting. Throughout my 14 seasons I can never recall total turnover for one particular day reaching the two billion HKD mark. Phenomenal amounts of cash I hear you...but I ponder, under the current restrictions on travel, climate and magnitude of the day's celebrations whether perhaps that tally maybe vulnerable to breach.

R1 - 3,4,11,5,9

R2 - 10,2,3,7,4

Race 3

#2 New Future caught out plenty when he produced an overwhelming turning of acceleration through the last 300m at only his second race start to win. On debut at the valley prior he was unable to properly balance in running which inturn smothered his ability to unleash that unexpected sprint, however things were very different via the open spaces of Shatin. He's since trialled down the straight 1000m quietly in preparation, as he did previously before winning, with the mornings work confirming he's again ready to cut loose. Stepping up to the 1400m shouldn't hold any issues but their does appear a single leader that could be difficult to reel in. This fellow however has plenty of class and a promising future and I'm suggesting he'll arrive just in time.
#5 Super Ten is the aforementioned front runner that secures the lead comfortably and with the 7lb claim looks difficult to peg back. He's young, raw and has a big frame to fill but theirs plenty of natural talent plus high gate speed to work with. Last start jockey Jerry Chau made the error of going to slow mid race and when they quickened he was beaten for a turn of foot. Today, I'd expect he'll roll at a higher cruising speed and further build from the 500m, as the young rider has now learned bulk and size can make it tough to sit and dash.
#3 Takingufurther has produced his better efforts at Happy Valley to this point so a warranted question surrounding a race at Shatin is entertained. He'll enter this assignment almost spot on fourth up and can race forward potentially settling outside the leader. Rider Keith Yeung knows him better than anyone and he's well rated on his best performances in the past. Overall plenty is in his favour today despite the track concerns and I suggest he needs to be genuinely considered.
#9 Dandy Years hasn't had much luck with barriers in his short career and he's again drawn a shocker. His morning work and trials have continued to look sharp and despite the awkward draw is a potential improver under race conditions. Outside the top two or three the race drops away quickly in depth but theirs plenty of inexperienced and unexposed types. He appears a runner that can find himself in the frame.
#12 Sparky Star is another who's displayed ability with a decent run recorded last season when finishing third at only his second race start. He was ok first up this preparation only to pull up with blood in the trachea most recently. It wasn't a registered bled but connections have given him three months to recover and now he returns with two satisfactory trials under the belt. I'll be watching the market closely for any movements because he's a definite keep safe type for multiples...Gold Comet,Light Of Wanashi and Shadow Runner are other possible exotic inclusions.

Selections : 2,5,3,9,12

R4 - 12,2,14,3,1

R5 - 4,5,2,3,8

R6 - 10,7,13,6,12

Race 7

#7 Master Montaro was visually impressive on debut when he settled back early before launching a superior turn of foot to land the winners prize. Since then the pace went against him two back and last start he found trouble out the gates and in running. David Hayes has since trialled the previously unbeaten Australian import with cheek pieces on and applies that gear change today. The speed is likely to assist his closing credentials and the rail position should entertain the closers from midfield or worse.
#3 Highly Proactive is like a few others in this particular race, nicely placed under the 60-85 class 3 rating span. His better efforts in the past have been achieved in this grade but primarily at Happy Valley, however his most recent run here at Shatin was solid. He'll roll forward from the widest barrier and position outside the speed, from there I'd expect him to kick and stick quite well.
#2 The Crown has drawn what looks to be a shocking barrier on paper but it may not be as off putting as it seems. It's highly likely he'll settle back looking for cover initially with an option to close during the second half, opposed to racing close or handy. His two wins in New Zealand were by big margins on heavy tracks so it's still unestablished where exactly he fits in. A recent trial in preparation was terrific and he gives an impression he's talented.
#1 Beauty Legacy arrived to Hong Kong on a rating of 92 which is just about as high as you'll see when it comes to overseas PP imports. Furthermore, he then won a class 2 on debut which elevated that rating to 100. He held a competitive level for the rest of last season but the tough racing plus tactical changes to his racing pattern have taken a toll. He's now always ridden for speed and subsequently overrun but in the process has dropped to an all time low of 83 points. He's fit, lands in class 3 today and may take a more conservative approach tactically. I'm weary of his current status knowing his capabilities and respect him greatly.
#5 Yo Beauty won his maiden over a mile by ten lengths at Leopardstown in Ireland back in July last year and is an interesting debutant. He's only been in training since the end of November with his most recent trial his best. He'll need more racing but the speed he possess should see him prominent for quite a while.

Selections :  7,3,2,1,5

Race 8

"The Chinese New Year Cup"
#4 California Rad has developed in to a high caliber athlete and the question that now requires answering is what remains in his armoury. He steps in to the quick sand of up in class and distance by tackling class 1 company today and 1400m for the first time. What's prevalent since his early racing days is ability, courage and want all superbly tied in with natural athleticism and a high level of core strength.
This son of Fastnet Rock appears to have his best racing days ahead and this battle is another stepping stone to eventual group racing status.
#9 Beauty Smile arrived from Ireland a highly touted 2yo with versatility to handle all types off surfaces and distance. Trainer Tony Cruz has done a marvellous job getting the horse to acclimatise quickly after beginning his first day of track almost a year ago to the day. Since, he's raced eight times picking up a check on five occasions and ultimately a win last start which incorporated a high achievement bonus of
1 million HKD. The excellent barrier today can enable an economical run and he's more than just here to make up the numbers.
#1 Fat Turtle has been racing at the highest level on most occasions this season and the drop back to class 1 company, despite the weight, puts him in a very good light. Alexis Badel has been aboard the last two starts and the pair have performed credibly with clear excuses both occasions. He's at peak fitness, drawn to a nicety and despite his ordinary winning record at 1400m cannot be dismissed lightly.
#6 Star Shine returns to Shatin and 1400m which are both positive adjustments. As he's gotten older he's lacked spark over the longer trips but today with no weight and a strong tempo to run at should be considered. His overall racing career has been dented on numerous occasions by injury and it's fair to say retirement is imminently approaching. However, serious prize money is still on offer to minor place getters and who knows perhaps theirs one more win in him yet.
#5 Super Oasis is a horse I've given plenty of time to since his arrival as I felt he could develop in to a group horse, but he's not quite good enough. It's worth nothing though at the end of last season Ricky Yui dropped him back to 1400m, in similar fashion to today's race set up, and he exploded on to the scene the final 100m to win.

Selections : 4,9,1,6,5

R9 - 11,5,10,1,4

R10 - 1,8,6,4,2

R11 - 2,5,11,12,13