3 minute read

Brett Davis provides exclusive preview of Sha Tin races.

Race 1

#8 Great Harvest has become a different horse the last six months with three consistent efforts at Happy Valley followed by a game second at Shatin. What precisely is responsible for the form turn around is debatable however it seems clear  enough to me it's the removal of blinkers. He's now enjoying his racing and is applying himself as his rider commands opposed to blasting out from the word go and over cooking himself. He and Neil Callan are today drawn better than they were recently so with an unimpeded run from the outset he's the one to beat.
#4 Winwin Thirtythree appears the biggest danger with a slender margin separating the pair last time they met. It's likely they both gain a trail with cover today analysing the speed map and work in to the race upon straightening. Averaging their final sectional times in isolation suggests "Great Harvest" should get home best, but I wouldn't expect the margin to be great. It does look an attractive quinella or quinella place to start the day.
#12 Blazing Partners had the perfect run last start and didn't go around a horse. There is every chance he receives similar favours again today and for that reason alone he must be included. He's raced well the past three months and another chance of winning is a genuine possibility. He'll needs to find at least a length on his most recent performance but if others don't rock up he can certainly win.
#9 Alloy Star has drawn the plum alley barrier one following horror gates at three of his past four starts. He'll rise to 1400m for just the second time with his recent closing sectionals suggesting it's what he's wanting. Zac Purton has shown interest and now jumps aboard for his maiden voyage and he's therefore worthy of inclusion.
#11 The Full Bloom is entitled to a mention because he's won six races during his lengthy career with five over this course and distance. He's extremely difficult to predict with his most memorable win occurring at Happy Valley in 2019 when starting at a remarkable 166/1. This is only his third run for the new stable of David Hall and with inform rider Mathew Poon aboard Id suggest you include him in all exotics.

Selections : 8,4,12,9,11

R2 - 9,3,5,12,10

Race 3

#5 Winner Method is unbeaten from two starts and it's going to take a decent animal to turn him over judged on the way he's been performing. This son of Deep Field has plenty going for him with scope, speed, size, youth and a sparkling turn of foot all stamped on his curriculum vitae. A rise in the handicap means an additional eleven pounds must be shouldered and smart progressing opposition shall be hovering should he falter. However, what he's delivered to this point suggests he continues on his merry way to victory number three.
#3 Brilliant Fortune prior to his debut was highlighted in this column as an astute purchase out of Australia. He like "Winner Method" is by the sire Deep Field and likewise has high grade form around "Valiant Dream". This promises to be a fascinating race between the two with plenty of monetary interest invested on how it ultimately unfolds. 
#2 Metro Warrior gave the impression when he first arrived that he'd be winning races but only one win has materialised to this point. David Hayes has called for the 7lb claiming apprentice Jerry Chau to assist and the horse returns to the 1000m at Shatin. In review of his career so far he's definitely acted best over this course and distance which is in his favour today.
#4 Triple Triple makes his debut down the Shatin straight following an excusable performance at Happy Valley when he drew the outside gate. He's won at both tracks, has strength in a finish and his overall form is sound against polished and in form opposition. If straight racing is to his liking there's a reasonable chance he'll go closer than most expect.
#1 McLucky arrives in Hong Kong following his initially racing being conducted in New Zealand before then transferring to Australia. He took seven starts to break his maiden but was placed at Group 2 level as a youngster. He has speed through both sides of his pedigree and he's certainly inherited his fair share from both mum and dad. He'll be right in the mix from the word go with the his real acid test beginning at halfway.

Selections : 5,3,2,4,1

R4 - 1,6,3,8,9

R5 - 3,4,13,11,9

R6 - 4,6,2,12,1

Race 7

#2 Zone D has progressed nicely since finishing runner up on debut and now appears destined for class 3 in the immediate future. He's not overly big so the weight today can further test his strength and for that reason he's best played each way.
The pace looks solid and from gate seven he should slot in one of the fence with cover, before unwinding with his trusty acceleration. His attitude and racing manners are above average for a horse who's inexperienced and I expect he'll be more than accountable.
#10 Mission Start had a delayed beginning to racing this season due to arthroscopic surgery on both hind fetlocks. The two runs back at the valley have both been terrific and a full recovery seems apparent. The bigger track looks a huge positive along with the draw so a strong competitive display is expected.
#11 City Legend took an eternity to brake his maiden in fact thirty two starts to be specific, but he's now on his way. It's uncanny how often non winners finally break through then return to win again. He has been placed twelve times in this class and the 1400m at Shatin is his gravy. Therefore, it's not beyond the realms of possibility that he gets his nose in front again.
#9 Green Envy has come a long way this season with eight of his last eleven starts yielding a cheque. He showed signs of tiring at his most recent effort which may suggest he needs a break, but the drop back in distance can counteract that equation. He's ultimately a once paced grinder who keeps on running and the month between runs is a positive reason to talk up his chance.
#3 Fortune Master looked quite progressive when winning three runs back and he's far from the finished product. In fact he's the most inconsistent regarding output of all runners in the selections, but yet his win rated the best. He's immature mentally and a little precious if he gets bumped around so he's risky should things get rough. But if he puts it together and stays in focus he got the raw talent to put these away.

Selections : 2,10,11,9,3

R8 - 6,4,7,9,10

R9 - 6,4,5,12,8

R10 - 4,1,2,3,10