3 minute read
Brett Davis provides exclusive preview of Sha Tin races.
The FWD Champions Day meeting at Sha Tin comprising the Queen Elizabeth ll Cup, Champions Mile and Chairman's Sprint Prize is still in its infancy as Hong Kong's Spring International Raceday.
It was not that long ago the QE ll Cup and Champions Mile were run on seperate day's a week apart before the Hong Kong Jockey Club rightfully merged the two, then strengthen the day's profile by adding the "hairman's Sprint Prize, creating the now known Champions Day program.
This years addition, primarily due to Covid 19 travel restrictions and isolation protocols, has again been influenced by a lacks overseas gallopers. Japan however has once more supported its neighbouring jurisdiction with five high quality thoroughbreds taking part, and there is every chance they will leave with a major prize in the suit case following the days proceedings.
R1 - 2,10,4,3,6
R2 - 5,9,4,13,3
R3 - 10,1,9,2,7
R4 - 5,11,4,1,3
Race 5
"The Chairman's Sprint Prize
#1 Danon Smash arrived to Hong Kong in pristine condition following his second career Group 1 victory in last months Takamatsunomiya Kinen in Japan. The Hong Kong International Sprint winner from 2020 has been lorded by trainer Takayuki Yasuda as an equal to his legendary father Lord Kanaloa. It is a big statement considering Lord Kanaloa was a six time Group 1 winner and Danon Smash to date has only won two, but the writing seems on the wall that a third Group 1 victory shall be awarded this afternoon. After the barrier draw, where he drew gate five, it seems inevitable he will start favourite, receive the run of the race and ultimately win as he did in December. If only finding a winner is ever so easy but I must admit despite the great unknowns of racing you will get no arguments from me.
#6 Wellington failed against Group 2 opposition in the Sprint Cup but the sectionals he recorded the start prior were incredible and far superior to those recorded during his recent defeat. With all that in mind it can be confidently assumed the victory in near track record time took a toll as he failed to reproduce. He has been issued with light duties since and freshened with intermittent periods at the recuperative Penfold Park. He is an outstanding individual and is worthy of his crack at the big time, with a repetition of his best to be good enough.
#10 Stronger took another step towards the top echelon of Hong Kong's sprinters with a superb fast finishing second in the Group 2 Sprint Cup. His initial form suggested the straight 1000m was going to be his forte and I am still not convinced he is a circle horse. What he does have on his side is youth with his time in the sun well in front of him. The tempo expected should be to his advantage and we will find out from there whether he is genuine or sporadic.
#12 Beauty Applause has elevated himself to a career high rating of 110 following his gutsy third placing in the Sprint Cup. With Moreira riding the likely favourite Danon Smash the opportunity for Purton to team up with John Size has again raised its head. A sensational barrier entitles him to an economical run back of the speed, then a trail all the way to the home turn. He will be a sitting duck for the superior closes over the final stages but should they fail to rock up he will picking up the slack.
#5 Rattan is still searching for that illustrious Group 1 victory following five top four finishes from seven attempts. He has not raced since a terrific third behind Danon Smash in the International Sprint where his performance was categorised to the highest level. An injury to his right tibia in January has taken the gloss of a perfect preparation and a trial recently suggested he will go in slightly underdone. His form nevertheless over the last six months warrants his inclusion and he is a rough chance of springing a surprise.
Selections : 1,6,10,12,5
R6 - 13,10,4,2,3
Race 7
The Champions Mile
#1 Golden Sixty shall front up to Sha Tin Sunday afternoon eyeing off a fourth Group 1 and a remarkable seventeenth win from eighteen starts. I was lucky enough to call him winning five before my departure from Hong Kong but conversely annoyed to call his only defeat. It is similar opposition he will oppose this year with zero International guests and the return to the mile is arguably his pet distance. It should be another first class show so with fingers crossed let us hope the champ is once more raring to go.
#2 Southern Legend is used to bumping in to Hong Kong's King and unless something out of the ordinary occurs he will being play second fiddle once again. The set weight and no penalty conditions favour last year's winner but his long time nemesis again carries saddle cloth one. What you see is what you get with this long time warrior and no one would begrudge him another win.
#5 More Than This finished in the placings on all three occasions during the 4yo Classic's with Golden Sixty clean sweeping that series. There was only a couple of lengths between them back then but injuries have interrupted any further progression. Similar to Golden Sixty he is the only runner to break the 22.00 seconds last 400m on more than one occasion, so if he can stay in touch early he will blast home at a formidable rate.
#3 Ka Ying Star got all the favours when winning a Class 1 over 1600m recently and he will be aching to find the lead. If Purton manufactures one of his freakish front running sit and dash rides he will kick a long way. But there is likely to be another runner searching for the leading roll which will not help his process. You would love to own a galloper like him who races for big bucks regularly but it is inevitable only minor gold is what he will yield.
#4 Mighty Giant was able to secure the lead in the Gp2 Chairman's Trophy thereafter going all the way to score. There is plenty of interest surrounding the tactics today as touched on with Ka Ying Star as the pair could be looking for the same spot. Whatever the case it is unlikely to aid either's chance and minor prize money is likely to be his best result.
Selections : 1,2,5,3,4
Race 8
The Queen Elizabeth ll Cup
#6 Daring Tact was crowned the JRA Champion 3yo Filly last year and became only the sixth Japanese Fillies' Triple Crown Winner of all time.
A third in the Japan Cup behind the incredible Almond Eye ended her undefeated score card, with a narrow defeat as the 1.40Fav in the Gp2 Kinko Show following. This exceptional young lady has draw ideally in barrier one and by all reports arrived happy within her self and surroundings. A strong intelligent ride is vital in International Group 1 contests and with a tactical affair expected a serious challenge may unfold in that respect. Nevertheless she is an imposing and emerging super star who looks the goods and it will be intriguing to see what she has got away from her home ground advantage.
#2 Exultant has not missed a top three finish in twelve Group 1 attempts highlighting his impeccable consistency and dedication to racing. Today he will line up hoping to defend his title after winning the 2020 Queen Elizabeth ll Cup as the 1.50Fav. This years addition does consist of International Representation and the Japanese visitors arrive tuned and highly respected. Incredibly Hong Kong's current Horse Of The Year has yet to win a race this season but his intestinal fortitude can never be doubted.
#3 Glorious Dragon was well beaten in this race last year but he is not the same horse he was back then. Throughout this season he has continued into developing a staying prowess and now appears the fully furnished product. The pace and likely race structure should allow him to work in to the finish but is he really good enough to win.
#7 Loves Only You a daughter of the mighty Deep Impact arrives to Hong Kong following a very credible third in the recent Dubai Sheema Classic. Her form last year was good without being outstanding and she has since been in excellent form following a freshen up after the Arima Kinen in December. Connections have opted to book local star hoop Vincent Ho in hope of finding an edge. She is tactically versatile and receives a surface to cherish which gives her a realistic chance of success.
#1 Glory Vase returns to Hong Kong fit and ready to fire following four runs back from a hefty spell. He has been aimed at this event following a brave fifth in the Japan Cup and the Hong Kong Vase winner from 2019 is the highest rated galloper in the field. There is discussions a plenty surrounding the 2000m journey and whether he is better suited to the mile and a half, which I have to agree could well be the case. With the awkward barrier, distance query and unfamiliar jockey he is worthy off minor relegations.
Selections : 6,2,3,7,1
R9 - 11,2,7,4,10
R10 - 7,1,2,10,3
