3 minute read

Brett Davis provides exclusive preview of Sha Tin races.

With the "FWD Champions Day" program just around the corner the inner sections of the Shatin Race Track receive rest and respite as the rail moves to the "C" position for the 11 race card. The opening event see's the Griffin's unveiled for the first time this season with the young up and comers quite evenly matched. The mounts of Moriera and Purton shall draw plenty of attention however there's no pressure like race pressure so be weary of the unexpected.

R1 - 2,9,1,5,7

R2 - 10,1,9,3,5

R3 - 13,4,9,14,1

R4 - 3,9,13,10,5

Race 5

#7 Rhapsody produced a very encouraging win in November last year when he took the scalp of subsequent winner "My Sugar". An ordinary draw got the better of him next time out with an irregular heart beat sidelining him thereafter. It's been a back to the drawing board process for trainer John Size and a trip to Conghua was ultimately the right move. He's gradually worked his way back in to the grove and is now ready to go to the races. A nice draw, a handful of trials and Moriera behind the reigns make him the hardest to defeat.
#5 Gluck Racer made his debut at Happy Valley in January and caught the eye through the final 300m. He's been given plenty of time to recover from that opening display and debuts at Shatin this afternoon. Alexis Badel has allocated plenty of time towards his continued education and there's certainly a nice sized engine to work with.
#9 Branding Power got himself in to a pickle last start with blinkers on and they have since been removed. He's another youngster with potential but he's very green and has drawn awkwardly. It's likely he'll be deep from that starting position but it can also provide him with some room. He's been knocked about quite a bit during his four starts so clear air would be a blessing.
#3 Divine Era was also buffeted around substantially during his two starts and is also worthy of strong consideration. Karis Teetan rode like a man inspired last Wednesday evening and from a good barrier he can be entertained. He's an International Sales Graduate that's ultimately wanting further but he'll be winning races before too long.
#1 Shadow Runner has taken time to get rolling since his arrival to Hong Kong but its evident the addition of blinkers have helped. The Paul O'Sullivan stable have a very tight relationship with these owners and they haven't had to many runners that are common. He's not there yet but the return to Shatin can have a positive effect.
 

Selections : 7,5,9,3,1

R6 - 4,3,12,1,13

Race 7

#1 Master Hero has start seven this afternoon and he's drawn pole position in gate one. This race on paper appears very winnable for the son of Savabeel and he's well and truly on the upward spiral. The winner was to good for him at his latest race but his run in defeat was humongous. He takes some encouragement to initially get moving but once he's up and going he just gets faster. There's plenty to like about this fellow and he has a bright future.
#3 Dandy Years is the other runner in this race that has a decent career ahead. It's been difficult to split the top two selections as both are capable of winning. Trainer Danny Shum seems to have a well educated, focused and sizeable conveyance on his hands and that might be the difference. He just might need more racing to find this campaign peak but he's a talent on the rise.
#6 Plicklone is in career best form with the question now being, how much more is left in the tank. With a rating of forty eight you'd expect there's at least one more win going forward as David Hall has turned his career around. He's still searching for that win in class 4 but he'll be hovering around when the race draws to a close.
#10 Voyage Star struggles with the journey and should be overhauled half way down the straight. However, he'll sizzle from the gates to lead and carries a feather on his back. Opposition for speed appears minimal and holding the rail is to his advantage.
#7 Sam's Love in my opinion should have transferred to another trainer by now with just the two wins to his name. He was threatening to be a good class horse when I was calling and under the care of Dennis Yip he's gone nowhere. He gains the fifth selection because his form is better than many others and he can add value provided he rocks up.

Selections : 1,3,6,10,7

R8 - 2,4,1,5,8

Race 9

#12 Pakistan Friend looked an exciting talent when he first came on to the scene but was unfortunately declared a roarer. he form soon dropped away as receiving oxygen when under race pressure became a serious problem. The owners gave him time off before proceeding to the surgery table, an option which has worked out a treat. It took a few runs to fully regain race fitness but he's now at the top of his game. He'll find the lead shortly after the jump, as per normal, and thereafter take a stack of running down.
#10 Looking Great has settled quickly in to his new environment since moving from the Gold Coast and a win is imminent. Moriera dropped the whip at a crucial stage in defeat last start and it's a no brainer he'll be out for redemption. A trail on pace from the nice drawn is expected and he'll present to win once they corner for home.
#5 Beluga continues to build his strength and is destined for class 2 in the not to distant future. He hasn't drawn a favourable barrier all season but yet he continues to rise in the handicaps. Where he ends up from the gate today is a mystery however his tactical versatility isn't an issue. Closing hard from downtown looks his best attribute but he's a contender from any position.
#9 Right Choice hasn't won for almost two seasons and is subsequently well rated, with his last win occurring off a mark of eighty four. The 1800m has generally stretched his stamina but his recent form has improved. A good draw helps plenty and the economical seat in transit is likely on the cards. That combination seriously increases his viability and today he should be entertained.
#6 Vincy took an eternity to win his only race but followed up with another honest effort. It's not beyond his ability to be in the finish however he's proven in the past that unreliable is his middle name. He'll get out to a reasonable price and if your playing the wider exotics he's worthy of inclusion.

Selections : 12,10,5,9,6

R10 - 5,10,1,3,8

R11 - 1,6,8,11,12