3 minute read

Brett Davis provides exclusive preview of Sha Tin races.

Race 1

#1 Eligere has a great opportunity of breaking his duck in the opener with the perfect draw and Zac Purton jumping aboard for the first time. He looked capable of winning in class 3 last season in races over this journey but for various reasons didn't get it done. He's well rated and second up from a break and I expect him to win or at least go close.
#5 Lucky Ruby has won his last two on the all weather by leading all the way and should be considered on that form. This event however is a very different proposition back on turf and it won't be one way traffic on speed. He's a much improved galloper and this contest shall provide more details about his future.
#6 Little Player has already suffered a heart irregularity in his short career, which is concerning, but there's a motor to work with going forward. He was given time to recover thereafter and returned in April with a pleasing effort at the Valley, despite his overall finishing position. He has talent and could significantly improve so watch for clues in the betting.
#8 Sunday Betting hasn't set the world on fire but I'm expecting a better effort this afternoon. He's also had set backs with a heart irregularity and spent his recovery time at the Conghua training complex in China. I haven't minded his track work there and his trial on the 13th of April was very quiet. With Moriera called in to ride he should be finding the frame.
#4 Go Go Sixteen ran well on debut and was then a complete forgive second up over 1200m. He'll be looking for more ground in time judged on his pedigree and he's a brute of a horse with scope and presence. He won a trial at Conghua mid April and with a tick from Jenny Chapman in the paddock he can be entertained.

Selections : 1,5,6,8,4

R2 - 8,5,7,11,12

Race 3

#7 Seasons Bliss produced one of the most impressive debuts of the season with a fast finishing fifth behind "Gallant Express" at the end of March. This 3yo by "Charm Spirit" rattled off a 21.86 final 400m sectional on debut which is rare quality and remarkably outstanding. He's big, raw and full of ability with inexperience from the low gate his only concern. I believe he'll win but if for some reason things go pair shaped just follow, follow, follow.
#1 First Responder is well placed dropping in grade and returns to the scene of his only victory. He's drawn deep but can offset the gate with his natural pace and should settle nicely on speed.
Apprentice Jerry Chau is now reduced to a 5lbs claim following his continued success but that relief is still extremely beneficial.
#2 Pegasus Glory looks perfectly positioned in barrier 3 and shall look to lead before kicking hard in the stretch. A recent change of stable is positive and he returns to his best course and distance. Its likely he'll be vulnerable to a superior turn of foot but the rail in the "C" position is very much in his favour.
#3 Winning Brew has dealt with multiple front leg issues in his short career which is a pity because he can run very fast. His win last season at just his second start was fantastic and the handicapper agreed with a 13 point hike in the ratings. We're yet to see anything similar due to those soundness issues and perhaps he's reluctant to fully let down. But his ability hasn't gone anywhere.
#5 Amazement drew poorly on debut and is worthy of excuse. His owner Benson Lo has never had a slow horse in his life and I expect this guy to improve at some point. Moriera now takes the reigns and he'll appreciate the bigger track so be aware of his presence.

Selections : 7,1,2,3,5

R4 - 9,1,10,6,4

R5 - 3,1,11,13,8

R6 - 7,14,1,3,12

R7 - 9,11,10,6,1

R8 - 3,8,7,2,12

R9 - 7,12,6,3,9

Race 10

#5 Preciousship is an underestimated galloper that represents each way value in the last race of the day. He's not accustomed to the all weather surface like others in this high quality event but judged on his latest effort he's an undeniable chance. There'll be an abundance of speed on from the jump so with luck in running and cover, you can expect him to find the line well.
#7 HongKong Great has developed in to a high speed front running machine and is likely to start favourite. He's elevated quite rapidly in the ratings the past four months so each event now becomes a greater task. He'll again make his own luck driving the speed but there could well be some alternative pace. What ever eventuates he'll keep up a strong sustained gallop and must be included in calculations.
#1 Elusive State has been the benchmark galloper for a number of years on this surface and sparingly raced this calendar year. He'll position behind the pace from the good draw and in the process do minimal work. Moriera knows him like the back of his hand so if you give them an inch they'll make you pay.
#2 King Shield is another expert when it comes to all weather racing but has been a fraction below his best. I envisage him finding the spot outside the lead once they're in rolling mode and from there he'll fight hard to the line. If he bubbles over during the run he could easily gas himself, and those around, changing the outcome dramatically.
#3 Glorious Artist has crept up to a career high rating of 100 following three strong wins this season. He pulled up distressed after a gut busting win last start which is concerning going in to today. He's drawn low and in fabulous form but I've relegated him for that very reason.

Selections : 5,7,1,2,3