3 minute read
Brett Davis provides exclusive Preview of Sha Tin races.
"FWD CHAMPION'S DAY"
It wasn't all that long ago that the QUEEN ELIZABETH II CUP and CHAMPION'S MILE were run on separate days a week apart.
The CHAIRMAN'S SPRINT PRIZE was eventually shifted from its former home and added to the roster creating a triple header of Group 1 racing and ultimately "FWD CHAMPIONS DAY" as we now know it.
"FWD CHAMPION'S DAY" has firmly engrained itself over the last five years as the Hong Kong Jockey Clubs second biggest draw card for International stars behind it's other annual flagship meeting, Hong Kong International Race Day in December.
Although International horses are unable to compete this year due to the city's continuing battle against COVID-19 each individual Group 1 holds its head high for quality and intrigue.
With the Hong Kong Jockey Club recently announcing a further huge increase in prize money for the approaching new season it won't be long til this day is once more scattered with International raiders hunting for a piece of Hong Kong Racing history.
R1 - 9,11,1,3,2
R2 - 10,1,4,5,7
R3 - 4,5,8,9,2
R4 - 4,2,9,5,12
R5 - 7,1,4,2,8
Race 6
"CHAIRMAN'S SPRINT PRIZE"
#2 WELLINGTON was superb in winning the Group 1 Queen's Silver Jubilee Cup and Group 2 Sprint Cup and with no International opposition present is the horse to beat. It was this race last year where he confirmed his greatness with a dazzling burst of speed to overhaul and win under the guidance of Alexis Badel. Set backs through the initial stages of this season brought about below par performances but they've now well and truly been ironed out. As a 5yo he's in the prime of his career and I'm prepared to say what ever beats him wins.
#1 SKY FIELD finished third in this event last year before notching up his maiden Group 1 victory in the Hong Kong International Sprint last December. He'll be hoping for a strong tempo to run at and it appears to be on today's menu. A recent trial down the straight 1000m has topped him off perfectly for this high caliber contest and it's difficult to envisage him running poorly.
#4 STRONGER is one of a handful of stallions currently racing in Hong Kong and a career at stud is on the radar following a Group 1 win in the Centenary Sprint Cup. That career path would be assured with victory here and his best would be good enough. His biggest weapon is his turn of foot so speed is crucial but a lack of consistency is his major and concerning issue. He'll go in to this effectively second up and due to that freshness I expect he'll fire.
#6 SIGHT SUCCESS has elevated himself to the top echelon this campaign and racing on speed is his forte. Zac Purton shall be well aware the majority of dangerous opposition shall be craving a solid clip throughout. With that in mind he'll be out to secure a cheap first half and if successful there'll be plenty of fight to the wire. The weights are against him slightly at this level but he can offset a large portion of that load with a heady dictating ride.
#3 LUCKY PATCH hasn't raced since the nasty fall in The Hong Kong International Sprint in December last year. Many good judges felt barring that incident he would have almost certainly been branded the winner but that is up for debate another day. What is for certain is his outstanding form prior and more importantly times he was recording on the clock. Zac Purton understandably doesn't take the ride and the barrier draw is awkward but his track work and trials at Conghua recently has been solid.
Selections : 2,1,4,6,3
R7 - 6,3,4,1,9
Race 8
"FWD CHAMPION'S MILE"
#1 GOLDEN SIXTY was at his brilliant best winning the recent Group 2 Chairman's Trophy and I get the feeling jockey Vincent Ho wanted to remind everyone of his exceptional talent. The return to 1600m suited the champ and he positioned closer to the lead which was the inspired jockey's game plan. He'll need to again be sharp from the jump to make it back to back Champion's Mile wins with a smart new opponent in the race. It won't be easy reeling in the 4yo running machine CALIFORNIA SPANGLE but it should still end up prosperous provided he's kept in the clear.
#8 CALIFORNIA SPANGLE has been amazing this season and finds himself up against the might of GOLDEN SIXTY. What's in his favour is a high level of tactical and cruising speed allowing him to establish a break, with the ability to then kick hard at the business end. Returning back from the Derby journey of 2000m to the 1600m, combined with his style, is a massive advantage over the entire field. The challenge in the stretch shall be to fend off the Group 1 power surge at set weights.
#6 CHAMPION'S WAY hasn't been good enough in the past to win at Group 1 level but his sectionals through the last 800m in the recent Group 2 Chairman's Trophy were simply outstanding. He'll be required to carry an additional 3lbs and likely give away a start but a repeat performance has him marked as a serious contender.
#7 EXCELLENT PROPOSAL was struggling against the big boys through the first half of the season but has lifted his rating the last couple. He promised to develop in to a top liner following his excellent 4yo term but it's been a slog for most of the year. I wont be surprised to see him go close and expect him to run well even in defeat because he's going much better now and worthy of inclusion.
#3 WAIKUKU produced an uncharacteristic performance recently when beaten nearly twenty lengths. It was later deemed unacceptable by the stewards and he's since passed a trial over the 1200m. It wasn't the first time he's produced an ordinary effort but I'm prepared to give him the benefit of the doubt. He's drawn ideally and won't have to overwork like last start and remember he defeated Golden Sixty in January.
Selections : 1,8,6,7,3
Race 9
"FWD QEII CUP"
#8 ROMANTIC WARRIOR is this seasons Derby winner and the new super star of Hong Kong Racing. An ugly barrier draw cost him victory in the Hong Kong Classic Cup but outside of that he's been unstoppable. Hong Kong Derby winners have an excellent record in this event, even against high caliber overseas candidates, so he'll be extremely tough to beat. The fashion in which he's progressed this term suggest a genuine case can be made for a Horse Of The Year nomination, particularly if he wins today.
#1 RUSSIAN EMPEROR finish a gallant third in the Hong Kong Cup on International Day before winning this years Hong Kong Gold Cup in February. A lameness issue recently is a slight concern but a return to 2000m is the big positive. He's more effective with cut in the ground, which today is unlikely, but he's never raced better and remains the clear testing material.
#4 COLUMBUS COUNTY is a genuine 2400m horse but shouldn't be overlooked. He's endured a forced freshen up and spell following a swollen neck back in February with the rest just what he required. A long arduous season had taken it's toll and he'll benefit greatly from the reprieve. A trial leading in to today's contest portrayed him in good shape and Moreira knows exactly how he rolls.
#10 ZEBROWSKI wasn't suited by the softer track conditions in the Group 1 Hong Kong Gold Cup and despite being the lowest rated galloper is still categorised as on the upward spiral.He's displayed all the attributes that a Group 1 winner requires and a recent trial win over 1600m was superb. He'll need to work early from the wide draw, which likely brings him undone for the win, but I expect him to run well.
#3 TOURBILLION DIAMOND is a length or so short of the top company and shall require a career best to feature. On the flip side his effort in last years Hong Kong Cup on International Day was terrific and against overseas runners. The draw today allows him a comfortable run from a noted tricky start point and he'll therefore be guaranteed to conserve energy throughout.
Selections : 8,1,4,10,3
R10 - 2,9,14,7,3
R11 - 4,3,12,10,1
