3 minute read

Brett Davis provides exclusive preview of Sha Tin races.

Race 1

#5 Moneymore rates as one of the top chances in the first of the afternoon. A new addition to the David Hayes stable at the start of the season "Moneymore" has delivered consistent results which is rare in this grade. He's drawn superbly today with plenty of speed around him and judged on his recent barrier manners should receive the perfect trail. A 1400m race may have been preferred but the early pace can be the necessary assistance to offset the shorter journey.
#4 Iron King has done very little racing the last year and he's still yet to win. He'll line up today for just his second race start in ten months following a severe bone injury to his right humerus and radius. In the past he's produced encouraging efforts in higher grades but today is only his second start in class 5. There's been two trials witnessed since his first up run in mid December with the first exposing his well being. The Trainer and Jockey are a formidable combination and if they've got this horse right he'll most likely win.
#10 Alloy Star has drawn deep which is not ideal however as mentioned there's going to be a hot pace early spreedIng the field out. He's only placed once from twelve starts which occurred in class 4 a year ago when he was on debut. Mathew Chadwick has been aboard the last three runs with his closing 400m splits,on all three occasions, vastly improved on the clock. If he absorbs the early pace and produces a similar closing section then he's a live hope.
#7 Super Eighteen won a race in class four a few seasons back which is something not many of these shall ever achieved. Conversely, throughout his four seasons of racing he's developed in to an under achiever after looking promising as a youngster. Recently he's raced well and often from bad draws but today receives an ideal gate. With Blake Shinn to ride the pair can race handy doing no work which entitles them to consideration.
#2 Alloy King has so far been classified as a speedy squib meaning he has fantastic gate speed but lacks any strength. The drop into class 5 and senior rider Vincent Ho jumping on create interest with his best performance last year very handy on the clock. However, the weight and numerous opponents with pace can over work the tempo leaving him vulnerable.

Selections : 5,4,10,7,2

R2 - 12,13,4,2,10

R3 - 1,6,7,9,8

R4 - 1,4,2,13,9

R5 - 1,13,5,7,10

R6 - 9,12,13,4,7

R7 - 2,8,6,11,4

Race 8

#9 Dublin Star has now had the four attempts in class 3 and they've all rated highly despite his defeat. The unbeaten likely favourite "Fantastic Way" shall be a tough nut to crack but if he's to go under it's to this fellow for me. From the nice draw in gate six he slots straight into a trailing position just back from the expected leaders. Upon straightening he'll launch his assault at the winning post and I'm confident not many shall match his finishing power. If the favourites been worked or had issues in running this is your likeliest alternative winner.
#12 Fantastic Way did the right thing on debut and waltzed in as most thought he would. The handicappers whacked him with the traditional ten points for a smart overall performance which now sees him elevate to the bottom of class 4. He jumped at a 1.40Fav on debut and you'll be expected to take red figures again. He's progressive with plenty of upside and improvement to follow and what ever beats him should win. But skinny odds, a wide gate and up in class, does not excite.
#4 Mighty Valour was extremely impressive first up in October when he reeled off strong splits throughout. With an eight week gap between runs, due to and a lameness concern following his last start, he'll go in fresh and raring to go. The competition for the lead is an interesting battle and there are concerns as to how that unfolds for him. His trial leading in was more than satisfactory and he has the ability to go close.
#10 Keep You Warm is drawn pole position and can settle mid field the rail depending on the riders wishes. His form is up and down but he's confirmed in the past he has a sizeable engine. His record suggests a win bet might be risky but he is courageous.
#6 Wine And Win is a former Australian that's spent the last three months at the Conghua training complex in China. Whilst their he's continued acclimatising to life in Asia and improved sharply in the mornings and at the trials. He's to be ridden by new arrival in the jockey ranks, Brazilian Ruan Maia, who won the Macau Jockeys Premiership in 2018/2019 before basing himself in Singapore. What the pair can produce when they get together is still to unfold but they're both worthy of respect going forward.

Selections : 9,12,4,10,6

R9 - 2,14,7,10,3

Race 10

#2 Silver Express won three from four in Australia including a metropolitan race at Flemington before landing in the stable of John Size. It hasn't taken long for the son of Canford Cliffs to make a positive impression with two extremely competitive efforts at Shatin. Their's been another trial leading in which confirms further progress has been made. He's drawn awkward but Moriera can offset the gate with his natural speed and there doesn't appear many challenges.
#14 New Future has been awesome since his racing switched to Shatin with a classy win in January and a luckless minor defeat in February. That defeat was rated by the handicappers as a further improved performance and he's now been elevated to the depths of class 3. There is plenty to like about this unexposed 4yo who seemingly has lengths up his sleeve. Once he fully matures he can end up a very smart horse.
#3 Uncle Steve hasnt raced for eight weeks but returns today with plenty of residual fitness on his side following a consistent opening half to the season. He's had rest and relaxation at Conghua recently whilst continually working during the mornings. His final trial back at Shatin was extremely encouraging with Karis Teetan aboard and he looked superb and ready to roll.
#5 Kyrus Unicorn again didn't cope with the city circuit last start but has run some very nice races this campaign. Zac Purton has bailed after riding two of his past three and switches back to his old mate "Regency Bo Bo". However, I'm not done with him just yet particularly as blinkers are now applied.
#4 Star Performance has only had three runs in this class for a win, a second and most recently and average tenth. He was involved in some crowding out the gates on that occasion and never fully recovered. With a good barrier and a lack of tempo I expect him to jump well be riden aggressively to find an attacking position and settle. He can be in the finish from that position and is worthy of consideration.

Selections : 2,14,3,5,4