3 minute read

Brett Davis provides exclusive preview of Sha Tin races.

Race 1

#4 Jimmu is one of the most consistent low grade gallopers on the circuit despite the fact he remains a Hong Kong maiden. When reviewing his career form it's obvious he's currently well rated after arriving to Hong Kong on a rating of 81. But the question remains is he just a non winner, and the answer is likely to be yes, but with Moriera continually offering his services the elusive win remains possible.
#9 Diamond Star is a below average conveyance and it's surprising to see him still residing in the yard of John Size. His best performance was over this course and distance last season, with Zac Purton in the saddle, and a repetition of that effort see's him go close.
#12 Jolly Forever has the benefit of a run under the belt and in the early weeks of the season thats often advantageous. He's the lowest rated runner at the races today, which doesn't create confidence, but there were positives first up. The question that forever hovers over this class of thoroughbred is can he back it up.
#2 Super Hong Kong was unlucky to have not won a race back in April and that form-line stands superior against that of today's contest. Excuses at his next three outings are valid and he's first up this afternoon in class 5. The draw shouldn't concern as he'll settle back and search for cover and a prudent preparation by trainer Tony Millard is recognised. The value runner.
#5 Mister Monte has only just returned to the lowest grade and the 8yo hasn't missed the frame when he's been here. He's a tough and durable type that relishes a battle and is difficult to overlook.
He'll be up on pace and with a claiming rider atop is attractive and still capable of winning.

Selections : 4,9,12,2,5

R2 - 9,8,2,5,1

R3 - 4,5,8,6,11

R4 - 8,6,2,12,4

Race 5

#1 King's Capital has now received the necessary relief in the handicap and relegated to class 4. He's well drawn in gate 2 for the formidable combination of Zac Purton and David Hayes and the two trials leading in are graded sound. He's no world beater but today's contest appears a race he can certainly win.
#3 Speedy Fay Fay picked up a cheque 8 times from 10 starts last season with the 2 wins coming over this course and distance. It's felt by a few good judges that he's likely to be on his mark considering he's had eighteen starts, but I'm not convinced. He's an enormous beast with scope and presence and I feel he'll go higher with more racing and distance.
#4 Xiang Yin is a class 3 animal, ability wise, but unfortunately right front leg injuries have played havoc with his career. It's taken a long time to get him back racing and provided no soundness concerns reappear I'd expect he can win a few races this season. It's worth remember he won 3 of 6 in England before his arrival with one being a deep race at Goodwood.
#5 The Anomaly overcame difficulties to win on debut at Happy Valley and notably the runner up won last Wednesday. He's a quirky son a "Real Impact" but possess a reasonable sized engine.
He remains mentally immature and could eventually need assistance, by virtue of head gear, but a trial in preparation was likeable. He's drawn well and the jockey aboard has the experience to deal with his antics.
#11 Best For You is particularly well rated with his last win off a rating five points higher than his mark today. He's not a trustworthy individual but maps well and was going good at the end of last season.
He'll look a moral in class 5 when he eventually drops to that grade but don't underestimate his presence today.

Selections : 1,3,4,5,11

R6 - 7,8,6,4,3

R7 - 11,1,6,5,2

R8 - 9,2,1,4,7

R9 - 7,1,10,5,6

Race 10

#3 The Golden Scenery is a horse to following going forward in to the season. He's not overly big in stature but possesses an engine capable of running fast sectionals and breaking 22.00 over the final 400m. The former Queensland/Australian galloper has nice upside and despite it being 1400m first up should go close to getting it done.
#5 My Sugar displayed a large portion of talent last season when winning impressively but has struggled with ongoing left front fetlock issues. He had surgery in March to remove fragments from the area and his work and trials since are satisfactory. He's drawn well with Zac Purton  aboard during his last two gallops so I'll be watching for market confidence.
#4 Super Winner was a revelation last season winning 4 of 9 over this journey. A solid pace appears on the cards here and he'll fit right in amongst it nicely. He can dash well thereafter and should again make his presence felt to the line.
#9 Invincible Missile had a poor campaign last time in and he's now settled in to the stable environment of Casper Fownes. He's got a terrific record fresh and the pace to run at suits.
Rated as high as 90 in the past strongly suggests he'll be back winning races this season.
#13 Win Win has won with a rating of 65 in the past and today is rated 63. He's a two time winner over the track and distance with his recent trial win at Conghua an encouraging piece of work.
He'll better suited once he drops in grade but today's race is going to be run to suit. I expect he'll find the line hard through the final 200m and wouldn't be surprised if he sneaks in to the frame.

Selections : 3,5,4,9,13