3 minute read

Brett Davis provides exclusive preview of Sha Tin races.

Race 1

#8 Alloy Star in a rather open contest gains the most ticks alongside his name and is the suggest each way play. It's a race that lacks any real speed allowing him to find a handy position at least within the first half a dozen. I like the fact Purton sticks following a narrow defeat at 1400m and the return to 1200m should assist his effort in finding the line strongly.
#4 Regency Poet hasn't raced for six weeks and today contests only his fourth start in the lowest grade. Moreira knows precisely how to encourage these low graded runners and he'll be well aware of the initial lack of speed. He was placed earlier this season in class 4 so any similar effort would see him go close.
#1 Smart Charade has won twice in class 4 with multiple placings to his credit along the way. The lack of speed and distance are factors against him with the rail position most likely to suit those on speed. However, should the race be run completely upside down to how it appears on paper, he can win.
#7 Telecom Missile can find the front for new kid on the block Harry Bentley as he takes his first Hong Kong ride for local trainer Dennis Yip. It a great opportunity to lead and dictate with very little opposition for pace. It has been 3months since he's been to the races but positive reports are filtering through regarding his recent trials at Conghua.
#2 Go Ballistic is a smokey and capable of crunching the line at speed through the final stages. It's his first run in 3months and the distance looks on the short side. What makes him interesting however is the fact he returns fresh and possess a turn of foot. A sprint campaign in this class could well be a reasonable and prosperous option.

Selections : 8,4,1,7,2

R2 - 1,8,4,2,6

R3 - 9,1,4,2,10

R4 - 1,8,7,2,4

Race 5

#2 Lady First has eventually found form after many months of frustration for connections. Initially he raced at the valley settling back, before finding the line for minor prize money on a regular basis. He's since transitioned to the all weather becoming a renowned on speed type with a strong kick. It's expected he'll lead today and with the 7lb claim assisting be very hard to run down.
#10 El Valiente has recently found form with fitness being the key to his improved performances. A typical Paul O'Sullivan runner takes a handful of starts before they peak, particularly when they've arrive unraced. The improved effort on the all weather was predicted and a review of the market movements also confirms he's on the up.
#1 Double Take has the score on the board when it comes to winning on dirt and should be well respected. It's an awkward draw gate seven from this starting point and the 132lbs he carry's won't make it any easier. You can however be guaranteed he'll give you his all and if others don't rock up his consistency takes him along way.
#5 Super Fast is worthy of inclusion after an honest return from a very long break. He arrived to Hong Kong following a maiden win by seven lengths in Ireland with that event run over 2000m. He's had soundness issues and is still to find his "A" game but he definitely has hidden ability.
#8 Crown Avenue has been a fabulous money spinner over the years thanks to his incredible durability and soundness. He's a genuine class 4 galloper with seven career wins under his belt, four of which have come on this surface. He's become unpredictable in the later stages of his career but can land the position outside the leader, which is exactly what he wants.

Selections : 2,10,1,5,8

R6 - 4,7,10,2,3

R7 - 7,10,9,4,5

R8 - 6,4,8,3,11

R9 - 8,1,3,4,5

Race 10

#1 Perfect To Great was freshened up prior to his recent fast finishing third and has continued training well. A purchase out of Australia the son of Unencumbered displayed nice ability in three runs down under before making his way to Hong Kong. He's taken time to acclimatise but is now settled following a year of racing in Asia and I expect his rating to now rise.
#7 Moeraki has progressed quickly on the dirt over the last couple of months but today returns to the turf. The change of surface, distance and jockey are all perplexing considering many of today's event's are on the all weather. Nevertheless, I respect him enormously as he's literally flying and I'd recommend you include him in every exotic.
#4 Juneau Park was ordinary at his last attempt and today steps back to his preferred 1400m. Moreira jumps back aboard from an excellent barrier and the pair have a formidable record when they combine. It's possible he's gone off the boil and may need a break but John Size wouldn't send him around if he wasn't capable of winning.
#3 Chancheng Prince was awesome first up but appeared to suffer the second up syndrome when finishing down the track at his most recent attempt. The rise in trip is a positive, as is the continued support of jockey Vincent Ho, and the pair should receive the best run in transit. There's still plenty up the sleeve of this infectious grey galloper and he could easily atone for his last start defeat.
#11 Excellent Chariot returns to Shatin and is the runner down in the weights with claims. He's green and questionable in this class at present, however, there's a nice sized engine under the bonnet. The awkward gate and rise in distance are both area's of concern but an aura of optimism hovers over his presence.

Selections : 1,7,4,3,11