3 minute read

There are G1s happening and the Gran Premio Latino Americano.

The Kikuka Sho is the Japanese St Leger over 3000m at Hanshin and the third leg of the Japanese Triple Crown but neither winner of the first two legs is contending.

There are three horses very close together in the betting: Stella Veloce, Orthoclase and Red Genesis.  All three are around the 4.0 on the Japanese TAB.  A fourth pick could probably be Titleholder.

The other G1 is the Prix Royal Oak at Longchamp over 3100m of very soft ground.  12 go to post with Dermot Weld's Search For A Song on 3/1.  Colin Keane rides.  Godolphin's Kemari is on 4/1 for Appleby-Buick and we like the chances of Skazino 5/1 and Valia comes in on about the same quote.

It's the 36th running of the Longines Gran Premio de Latino America which will be run at Maroñas in Uruguay. It wasn't run last year and is usually held in March so this time is a bit different.  There are 13 runners from Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Peru and the host nation lining up.

The Uruguayan authorities are allowing 3500 people in to watch.

The star billing probably goes to the Argentinian Miriñaque who has been campaigning recently in the USA and has impressed the trackwork watchers.  Compatriot Village King also could be in the finish. 

The fastest work during the week came from the Brazilian Mapa Mundi.  The Peruvians have three starters and are leaning towards Novillero.  The Chilean Savitar has quite a fan club as well, and the locals only have one representative, Atletico El Culano.

Sha Tin Sunday 24th

We have to wait till the end to find a Class 2.

That is the Swan Handicap over 1400m with David Hayes's Master Montaro heading the field on 3.9 with Zac Purton, who rode a 4-time at Happy Valley, hoping to continue his winning streak. 

We like Mr Snowdon on 4.8 as he was a bit unlucky last time out.  Then it goes wider with Californiadeepshot on 8.8 and Sea of Life on 12.0 not the roughest with a big weight advantage.