3 minute read
Brett Davis provides exclusive Preview of Sha Tin races.
"STANDARD CHARTERED"
CHAMPIONS AND CHATER CUP DAY
(12th and final G1 of season 2024/2025)
Rail - A Course
Race 1
#1 QUICK MONEY is a rather appropriate title for this 3yo son of LAND FORCE because that's precisely what he's earning for his trainer and connections. After an encouraging second place on debut in mid April he then blasted home with purpose from mid-field to win his second start over the straight 1000m. Now moving to the circle track for the first time with an additional 7lb to shoulder creates an entirely different challenge, but his closing sectional power should remain the overwhelming force.
#8 BABIECA almost got away with the win at his second career start until QUICK MONEY dropped on him late to score. Zac Purton has seized the opportunity to take over the reigns from Karis Teetan and he'll be further advantaged by a significant pull in the weights. Furthermore, he's pretty much guaranteed to be positioned closer to the lead than QUICK MONEY in the run, which may see him uncatchable running around the circle course for the first time.
#9 FIELD MARSHALL warrants respect on debut following some eye catching track work and three solid trials at Conghua. He possesses reliable barrier manners and good natural speed and could even attempt to lead this race throughout. What he's got to give when hard core pressure goes on is yet to be witnessed but he's a free rolling type that's expected to give a solid and competitive sight.
#3 KING DANCE has progressed nicely through his first campaign of training which has been entirely undertaken at the HKJC training complex in Conghua/China. He's a fluent mover, with a nice long stride and won his fourth and most recent trial with closing speed. It appears as though he'll be out paced during the first half, but conversely, it won't be a surprise if he explodes on to the scene over the concluding stages.
#10 HYANNIS STAR messed up the start on debut but recovered quickly to push through and lead. The effort required to do so saw him tire at the other end but he gained vital race experience during the process. He's since ventured back to the barrier trials on the all weather track and encouragingly chased home a seasoned and established galloper.
Selections : 1,8,9,3,10
R2 - 10,7,3,2,4
R3 - 10,9,6,1,14
R4 - 1,7,2,3,6
R5 - 1,4,3,6,9
R6 - 1,6,7,5,10
Race 7
#3 SHAMUS STORM appears to be an excellent 3yo purchase on what's he's displayed so far and this is a race he should go close to winning. Zac Purton took over the reigns last start and he did everything except score following a small bump out the gates, which ultimately cost him a close position upon settling and the eventual end result. Today, with the running rail to guide him during the middle stages mistakes, discomfort and greenness should all be at a minimal level.
#4 MAX QUE and Hugh Bowman are going to provide plenty of resistance following two hearty runner-up finishes over this precise course and trip. He's a year older than SHAMUS STORM, and likewise a progressive type, with both expected to win more races next season. There could well be cat and mouse tactics going on between the two great hoops, which makes for an intriguing watch, but at this point in there careers I'd lean towards SHAMUS STORM having the superior turn of foot.
#1 SPIRIT OF PEACE, despite his small frame, has carried the top weights with strength and power since winning at Happy Valley earlier on this campaign. Drawn off the track means he'll almost certainly cover extra ground, but on the flip side he'll be produced with clear galloping room down the home stretch. James McDonald jumps aboard, which is obviously a big plus, and the rail in the A position often assists those closing off. It's not just a race in two, he can win.
#2 FORERUNNER is well exposed but can be entertained following positional excuses at his past couple of events. Although his win strike rate reads fair his sectional data when winning a class 4 here in January would label him up to scratch in this event. The good draw helps greatly, however due to his small stature, the 133lbs to carry is a small concern, but he's capable and must be given respect.
#10 GALVANIC receives a few ticks alongside his name today and should go into multiple calculations. He's drawn low, has the blinkers being removed, goes up in distance and most importantly changes venue. He generally takes time building into top gear so the aforementioned combination goes nicely with the longer straight at the Sha Tin race course. Any mid-race move or relentless gallop would also be in his favour.
Selections : 3,4,1,2,10
Race 8
"CHAMPIONS AND CHATER CUP"
(G1 - 2400m - Set Weights)
(3rd Leg - Triple Crown)
#1 VOYAGE BUBBLE is attempting to clean sweep the Hong Kong Triple Crown and become just the second horse in history to achieve such a feat. The almighty RIVER VERDON conquered the task in the early 1990's but since then plenty have tried but ultimately failed. After an outstanding overall season of four wins and two seconds a fourth G1 win is on the line, as the 12th and final G1 for the Hong Kong season takes place. Everything is in order following a strong trial on the 16th of May and a fluent final gallop last Thursday, but attempting to stay out the 2400m remains the curiously unanswered challenge. Nevertheless, a Horse Of The Year title is his to lose should he dually succeed, but a galloper called ROMANTIC WARRIOR , who is incidentally being paraded today between races 6 and 7, maybe looking to have the final nay.
#2 DUBAI HONOUR makes his way back to Hong Kong after a pair of excellent performances in Sydney/Australia at the highest level. His runner-up finish behind VIA SISTINA in the G1 Queen Elizabeth Stakes was a courageous effort behind arguably the best mare in the world at 2000m. Furthermore, his win prior in the G1 Tancred Stakes over 2400m rated equally as high, after relishing the longer journey to eventually prevail. He's yet to win in Hong Kong from four career attempts but if that's ever going to change, it'll be today.
#4 ENSUED made solid headway during the final and closing 600m of the G1 FWD QE 11 Cup which is encouraging leading in to the seasons final staying race. The former James Fanshawe trained English galloper has always given the indication he'd enjoy a taste of the 2400m and that was precisely the case in the G1 Hong Kong Vase last December. He's drawn to do no work in the run and with Zac Purton back aboard I'd be expecting an extremely competitive effort.
#7 FIVE G PATCH is capable of producing a potent final 400m split at the back of any distance which makes him a difficult runner to oppose. His record over this course and distance, and at G1 level, is better than it reads and that was underlined by his courageous chase of behind REBEL'S ROMANCE to finish second in this race last year. Legendary Hong Kong horseman Tony Cruz has won this event on multiple occasions as both a jockey and a trainer, and he's stated during the week that this fellow is the pick of his three runners.
#6 RUBYLOT wasn't forgotten about going into this years Hong Kong Derby starting favourite but was unable to claim the coveted prize. He followed up recently with a 3 length defeat in the G1 FWD QE 11 Cup behind Japanese stayer TASTIER and is now poised nicely to rise to the 2400m. He'll need a career best performance to win at a distance he's yet to race, but his preparation remains on an upward spiral, plus, there are whisper's to suggest he'll atone for a most recent luckless run.
Selections : 1,2,4,7,6
R9 - 10,1,2,13,14
R10 - 8,1,4,3,2
R11- 11,7,8,12,3