3 minute read

Brett Davis provides exclusive preview of Sha Tin races.

The 2021/2022 Hong Kong racing season commences today with the traditional HKSAR "Chief Executive's Cup" the highlight of the 10 race card.

The new seasons opening race day is the first of 88 meetings stretching over a 10 month period and consists of more than 830 individual races, 12 of which hold "International
Group 1" status.
An overall record amount of prize money is on offer, to those fortunate enough to hold a coveted owners badge, of 1.46 Billion HKD or approximately 190 million USD being the equivalent.

A total of twenty 22 Trainers and 23 Jockeys' are licensed for day one with just a solitary new face to recognise.
It's 19 year old Luke Ferraris son of long time Hong Kong Jockey Club trainer David Ferraris.
Luke spent the majority of his childhood growing up in Hong Kong after his father relocated from South Africa in 2003/2004.
Luke can ride light at 116lbs and has two "Champion South African Apprentice Awards" plus multiple Group 1,2 and 3 victories already under his belt.

This day also holds special meaning for the people of the city with the recent stabilisation of Covid-19 allowing the HKJC to welcome thousands of racing fans back to the track.
The "Gong Striking Opening Ceremony" takes centre stage in the Parade Ring prior to race 1 along with the traditional "Lion Dance" and introduction of the jockeys to spectators.

It promises to be an outstanding day both on and off the track with copious amounts of cash being wagered the biggest certainty of the day.

"New Season Predictions"

"Trainer To Follow"

"Davis Hayes" returned to Hong Kong last season posting 32 winners from 422 runners, a win strike rate of 8%.
That feat was achieved with well under a full complement of stable runners.
This season David Hayes commences with an almost full stable of 71 horses, 12 of which are PPG's (Career Unraced) and approximately 10 new PP's (Overseas Raced/Hong Kong Unraced).
David's been quite up beat in his pre-season conversation even suggesting the stable is a chance of contesting the "Trainers Championship" title.
With those bullish comments in mind and a close inspection of the stock residing in his barn it's easy to envisage in-excess of 50winners for the season.

"Jockey To Follow"

"Alexis Badel" has now been apart of the Hong Kong system intermittently for almost a decade.
With another contract signed and a strong network of owner's/trainers established he'll again be in high demand.
An average win strike rate of just 9% last season was well under his expectations despite accumulating 58 winners from 622 rides.
Alexis Badel can ride light, has a great understanding of the both tracks and is an extremely prudent tactician.
With momentum gained in the opening month a career best season for the Frenchman is likely on the cards.

"Horses To Follow"

1) Courier Wonder
2) Excellent Proposal
3) Naboo Attack
4) Bourbonaire
5) Carroll Street
6) The Golden Scenery
7) Killer Bee
8) Superbella
9) Able Reign
10) Tycoon Jewellery
11) Oriental Smoke
12) Ready To Win
13) Celestial Speed
14) President's Choice
15) Thunderstrike
(No Particular Order)

R1 - 2,4,1,12,14

R2 - 7,4,8,5,2

R3 - 1,8,5,2,12

"HKSAR Chief Executive's Cup"

Race 4

#12 Naboo Attack lifted many eye brows when he recorded one of the fastest 1200m times of the season back in April.
The former Queenslander arrived with big wraps and he's been perfectly prepared by trainer David Hayes for his seasonal reappearance.
The rail position generally favours those runners four to five off the fence once they straighten and that'll be the spot he searches for once they've swung.
A huge amount of upside still remains disclosed and despite the race's overall depth he'll be the horse to hold out during the closing stages.
#8 Winning Dreamer won his first six starts before tasting defeat when he stepped up to 1400m.
He also returned following that defeat with blood in the trachea and was unable thereafter to recapture his best.
Trainer Frankie Lor has stated a lack of confidence in fully letting down as the issue so he was sent to the paddock.
His returning track work and trial display him in good light and from the draw he's a serious contender.
#2 Lucky Patch won a similar race at the end of last season and has lost no condition during the break.
He's now established as a genuine sprinter that's well placed with the claim for star apprentice Jerry Chau.
It's likely he'll settle outside the lead before accelerating hard to the line.
If he's improved during the off season break he'll be mighty hard to beat.
A number of the opposition have a superior turn of foot, however,  they're going to give away a potentially unassailable start.
#4 Duke Wai has bumped in to emerging star "Courier Wonder" at his last couple and by no means been disgraced.
An all the way victory recently in a trial at Conghua was positive as slow starts have often been an issue.
Zac Purton jumps aboard for the first time and if he's lurking within a length at the 100m he can win.
But it's crucial he starts well.
#10 California Rad is a talented galloper who was clearly at the end of his campaign well before last seasons end.
The break and intermittent rest at Conghua should have replenished his mind and body but he's likely to be found out by the potential group horses, however, his enthusiasm for racing and gutsy mentality make him worthy of respect at a price.

Selections : 12,8,2,4,10

R5 - 2,7,1,10,13

R6 - 6,1,3,2,8

Race 7

#3 President's Choice should represent each way value following an average season of racing last campaign.
Initially, positive signs were prevalent when he first began racing but he then lost his way.
A change of stable environment during recent months has brought about improved gallops with a quiet and encouraging trial witnessed.
There's plenty of room to move in the ratings and I expect him to run well.
#8 Smart Wongchoy remains a maiden after 15 starts but that is likely to change this season.
The horse that defeated him last outing is a class 2 standard galloper going forward so his form-line paints a pretty picture.
He'll race on speed and there's no signs suggesting he's lost any residual fitness.
#11 Voyage Star hasn't won a race for more than a year but is well placed today.
He's nicely rated and drawn perfectly to lead before controlling the speed, provided there are no attackers.
A recent trial franked his sound performance at the end of last season so I'd expect a bold showing.
#7 Touch Faith shall claim his fair share of interest in betting due to the Size/Moreira factor and he's no doubt going to win races.
I'm taking the punt he'll need this outing but his form closing out last season was excellent against the clock.
I'll be guided by where he's at following today's run but he's a horse to make money on going forward.
#1 Turbo Power looked a decent "Griffin" at the back end of last season and has plenty of scope to further improve.
He is a colt with a coltish attitude and it's going to get hot heading to the gates.
The wide draw also worries me so I'm happy to sit on the fence and watch.

Selections : 3,8,11,7,1

R8 - 8,7,1,2,11

R9 - 3,2,4,9,1

Race 10

#6 Roman Turbo rated exceptionally well against subsequent Group 1 winner "Wellington" back in February and his freshen up during the break has been appreciated.
Zac Purton has been working with him for a good portion of time and the pair won a trial on carnival night one week ago.
It's a difficult race to sort with quality candidates competing across the board but I'm confident he'll receive his chance.
#9 Mister Snowden originates from the UK and is owned by a long time member of the Hong Kong Jockey Club Mr Michael Caddy.
He showed plenty of versatility and strength during his first two Hong Kong outings plus a high degree of talent.
There's a large bonus attached to today's race should he be
winning and it's worth remembering he defeated many of these the last time they met.
#5 Master Montaro should be in for a good season judged on his efforts last campaign and the quicker they go up front the better his chance.
He's trialled twice leading in to today's race giving him a slight edge in fitness.
It doesn't appear like they'll sit and dash regarding pace so expect him to join in with his customary strong finish.
#2 Californiadeepshot looks awkwardly drawn on paper and a solid pace underneath looks tricky to handle.
He is a big brute however that's won at this level in the past and shall be suited by the tempo.
Moriera should be looking for the spot outside the lead, if not the lead it's self, and he's more than capable of taking the sting out the closers.
#7 Highland Fortune is arguably better suited at Happy Valley and something easier but shouldn't be underestimated.
He goes in as a ruffy due to the fact he maps to receive the run of the race.
He appreciates speed to run at and could potentially add juicy value to the dividends.

Selections : 6,9,5,2,7