3 minute read
Brett Davis provides exclusive preview of Sha Tin races.
Race 1
#1 California Spangle was far to classy for his opponents on debut and is now looking for a second win in griffin company. The task today shall further test his maturity with the race profile completely different to that of the 1000m. However, as suggested on debut he's well prepared and possess encouraging ability which was there for all to see when he won.
#2 Tornado Phantom caught many by surprise with his electric turn off foot first up which ultimately carried him to victory at juicy odds. His preparation had been sound prior to that run and now he's exposed his capabilities he could easily win again. Both last start winners have been penalised by a 7lb increase, however, I don't see it making much of a difference.
#3 Turbo Power has also displayed talent since he began racing in October and does have the benefit of more race experience. They'll shall meet each other at equal weights on this occasion but it does appears "California Spangle" and "Tornado Phantom" have the superior turn of foot.
#9 Smart Idea has an abundance of speed from the gate but it's his stamina that leaves him vulnerable. He meets most of the opposition better at the weights but until he shows improvement regarding his depth it's expected he'll again be overhauled.
#5 Great King is a potential improver after pulling up with blood in the trachea on debut. The following start he stuck to his guns down the stretch and was competitive to the wire.
His trials prior to the debut and another since have all suggested he's better than what we are currently witnessing.
Selections : 1,2,3,9,5
R2 - 5,6,9,4,2
R3 - 1,10,2,8,6
R4 - 1,3,2,6,7
R5 - 1,4,9,6,2
R6 - 4,6,7,9,2
Race 7
#4 Pure Legend should have won a race by now and is becoming costly but I'm confident he's worth sticking with one more time. The combination of Fownes and Chan have been formidable the last three weeks and this fellow is another probable winner for the inform team. He maps to secure the run of the race, his form in general is good enough and the claim confirms him as the on top selection.
#1 Flying Victory hasn't been down at this level for quite sometime with an injury interrupted season keeping him away from the track. Trainer Frankie Lor has now managed to get three runs into his current campaign and he must be considered a chance. The last two runs he's found bother in transit but both have been excellent in defeat.
#3 Zone D pulled and found traffic overwhelming when a recently beaten favourite but he could easily turn that around. He's been back at the trials regaining confidence following that hussle and bustle experience and looked good when asked to find the line. The inside draw could again be detrimental but I'm prepared to give him another chance.
#11 Kung Fu Tee is bred to run a mile and a half but is going well over 1400m for the time being. The stables always had a reasonable option of the slow progressing 5yo so the fact he's found form suggests he can be entertained. He's struggled with this grade in the past but I fancy he can cope now he's found a little mojo.
#8 Chiu Chow Brother is still developing a race pattern but does appear to have potential. He hasn't had a clear run out the gates yet so should he jump cleanly where going to learn more.
I'm putting him in the exotics as I feel he's got something to offer.
Selections : 4,1,3,11,8
R8 - 7,3,2,9,12
R9 - 5,11,13,3,4
Race 10
#13 Charge On has been kept in cotton wool by trainer David Hall after a bled during track work back in December 2020. He's a lovely big rangy fellow that covers the ground impressively and he's no doubt got rating points in hand. I anticipate he'll settle mid-field with cover and work in to it strongly when it's time to go. Bleeders are always risky however, all being equal, I reckon he's got these covered.
#6 All For St Paul's has experienced a marvellous season with 8 top two finishes from 12 overall starts. The 5lb claimer's been called in to gain every advantage and the pair look destined to lead.
The rail position suits and the opposition for pace is minimal therefore he's a great chance of leading all the way.
#5 Hall Of Champ has been in super form the last three months and today returns to Shatin following a run over the Happy Valley mile. He's proven 1400m is his ideal distance which creates an obstacle to face as he stretches again out to the mile. A good draw and favourable jockey shouldn't cost him any territory so he's difficult to dismissed despite the query.
#1 California Ten is ready to win and continues building strength with racing. He's a good horse to put in the black book for next season when he'll be all the more acclimatised to Hong Kong lifestyle.
Top weight and barrier 13 are harsh to deal with today but nevertheless I don't think he'll be to faraway.
#3 Helene Allibor is former Group 2 winner in Australian that was trained by the Hayes/Dabernig combination. He's been given 5 trials in preparation for his long awaited debut and shall create plenty of interest in this new stable. I don't mind what I've seen in the mornings and I'd expect a solid opening performance.
Selections : 13,6,5,1,3
