3 minute read

Brett Davis provides exclusive preview of Sha Tin races.

Race 1

#1 Little Thunder ran a blinder at his first attempt in class 5 and was stiff not to have won. That race was on turf in early February but today he returns to arguably his best racing surface the all weather. With senior rider Karis Teetan aboard the inform Tony Millard runner there's plenty to like about his chance. With reliable gate speed and a good draw to complement his current well being a bold showing in the first is expected.
#11 Supreme Patrol took twenty five starts to break his maiden status so tipping him to win from the outside barrier does seem a little outrageous. It's uncanny though how often these non winners receive their day in the sun and then come out and win again. A recent trial victory with Blake Shinn atop confirms the horse retains form and with luck in running he'll be in the finish.
#2 One Happy Star is all about speed, speed, speed and should ping straight to the front given half a chance. He's only been tried once on this surface which took place last start when he uncharacteristically missed the hop. With Zac Purton now taking over the reigns on the Dennis Yip trained runner you can be assured he'll be away on time.
#4 Star Superior lines up for his sixtieth start and the veteran continues to race with great enthusiasm. A horror draw and ride cost him dearly last outing but prior he'd been closing in consistently with a win appearing close. His record in the grade is excellent and a claiming rider that knows his traits well is aboard.
#5 Dr Proactive takes the final selection ahead of other each way hopes because he returns to this surface. He's coped with all tracks and surfaces in the past but displays an affiliation with the all weather. An long issue with his right front has kept him away from the races for months but he's now got two hit outs under his belt and should run well.

Selections : 1,11,2,4,5

Race 2

#2 Thou Shall Sing was in exceptional form this time last year winning three out of his last five by the end of the season. Initially he cut his teeth at Happy Valley winning his first race in December 2018, but it wasn't until he left the stable of Chris So and arrived at Francis Lui's front door that a career on the all weather began. He returned to this surface and class last start performing well considering a decent hiccup occurred out the gates. With long time travelling companion Vincent Ho doing the steering the pair should stalk the speed before working over the opposition in the run to the line.
#3 Moeraki was on the all weather last start for the first time and judged on the result shall be competing on it more often. The former kiwi had shown promise down the straight 1000m initially but his form line is only now starting to improve. The first half of his race needs work with a lack of gate speed a real issue but he can trouble them here if he's close enough at the furlong. He'll be winning soon whatever happens today and it's likely it wont stop at just the one.
#1 Flying On The Turf ran a game second over the course and distance in November when chasing a very smart galloper named Czarson. It was obvious that day a drop in class was necessary for his own winning form to commence and today he contests a second class 4 on the surface. He's fit and possess the speed to box seat, one out and one back, providing him every conceivable chance.
#5 Mighty Power was bursting to win earlier in the season but ran in to three progressive types and was continuously denied. He's since had health issues and lost his form but a recent trial displayed signs he's again feeling well. There's an opportunity to settle outside the leader which puts him in to a winning position when they turn for home.
#8 Magic Supreme has not fulfilled his potential since arriving from Sydney on a rating of seventy two. His win came at the end of last season in an average  class 4 and he's since been quite common. Conversely, two recent on speed trials this surface have produced better results creating some optimism.

Selections : 2,3,1,5,8

R3 - 5,1,8,4,2

R4 - 13,4,1,7,2

R5 - 1,2,9,8,3

R6 - 2,1,13,10,3

Race 7

#6 Juneau Park has returned this campaign suggesting theirs plenty still to come following a blistering final 200m when winning second up. John Size has since returned the son of Ocean Park to the 1200m despite the fact all his wins have come over the slightly longer journey. Zac Purton rode two winners from three rides last Wednesday night for Size with Moriera absent and again the combo have chances today. He's well weighted, drawn nicely and has rating points in hand making him clearly the one to beat.
#9 Chancheng Prince returns to racing after being gelded back in mid November. He's been given plenty of time to recuperate from that ordeal and now looks ready to go to the races following three trials. He's not fully screwed down and shall improve with time but he's a talent that can spark up fresh.
#2 Tornado Twist looked the one to beat entering his last race but was given a torrid ride by the now departed Christophe Soumillon. The facts and figures surrounding his profile say he's right on the mark and ready to win with Karis Teetan returning to the saddle. He can give away lengths early but if the track plays fair and the speed is good he'll go close to getting the job done.
#3 Storm Warning returns from a six week break at the Conghua Training Centre in China and he looks all the better for it. He won a 1000m trial on the 22nd of February and moved very comfortably in his action. The claiming rider goes on and the pair shall search for the lead from the outset. I'm anticipating today he'll fight on stronger than in the past.
#12 Diamond Brilliant is also a front runner that's intriguingly eligible for the drop in class. There is not a great deal of speed on paper visible and from the middle gate he could easily push forward to be in the hunt. Returning back to the 1200m is a real plus with his recent efforts over longer super competitive. I'd expect to see him give some cheek up on the speed.

Selections : 6,9,2,3,12

R8 - 5,10,4,7,3

R9 - 10,1,8,2,12

R10 - 13,11,2,1,4