3 minute read
Brett Davis provides exclusive Preview of Sha Tin races.
Rail - C Course
Race 1
#2 KING OBERON has been very consistent on the output scale monitor since returning from a six week freshen up undertaken in March.
His two efforts since the aforementioned break have been excellent whilst racing in class 4 and over this course and distance.
With the drop into class 5, a good draw, solid preparation trial victory under his belt and Hugh Bowman to ride, he registers as the testing material and is near impossible to taken on.
#1 MY FLYING ANGEL appears the danger on overseas form in Australia where he didn't miss a place from four starts.
Acclimatisation has been an issue however which is why he's now regressed into class 5 for the first time.
Conversely, there's been a number of competitive runs along the way when he's found a comfort zone and settled.
With Zac Purton to ride, he'll likely appreciate the return to Sha Tin and make his presence felt.
#7 MODEST GENTLEMEN was unable to gain clear running at a crucial stage in the home straight last start at Happy Valley but the run remained solid in defeat.
He now transitions to the Sha Tin 1200m course for his debut at headquarters and draws ideally close to the rail.
Both career wins were established in this class last season so he's entitled to a fair amount of respect
#11 FLYING PHANTOM is one thoroughbred that even the great John Size hasn't been able to extract a win from just yet but I'd include him in the exotics.
He produced a career best grading when finishing 2nd here over 1400m in December 2024 but his career inconsistency is why he's nearing end of season compulsory retirement.
Nonetheless, there should be a decent pace on for him to run at and that's generally when he performs at his best.
#3 SPICY SMART should run a reasonable race on speed now he's back in class 5 so don't be concerned with the wide draw.
In fact, he and RUBY SAILING should both have the speed to carve across and set up one two positions in the lead.
Both should thereafter run honestly all the way to the line which creates a reason to include them in calculations
Selections : 2,1,7,11,3
R2 - 3,5,6,10,8
Race 3
#2 CASHISCASH ran a strong race for this column at 9/1 last start and he's worth sticking with for the win/place.
He trialled up encouragingly at Conghua leading into that performance and he'll only strip fitter for the outing.
Lyle Hewitson certainly made the most of his opening ride on the 3yo son of CAPITALIST and I'll be surprised if he doesn't back that up with another tip top steer from the saddle.
#1 ONLY U has registered just an average score card from his ten starts this season with just the one minor placing and a few fourths to report.
However, finding his way into the depths of class 5 should end up being a confidence builder and that's precisely what he requires to get back in the game.
A helpful draw and positive rider booking further enlighten his hopes so he must be included in the selections.
#4 YOUNG HORIZON looked to be moving nicely in a trial at Conghua a few weeks back and is perfectly placed to run well.
His career stats also highlight his suitability to the specifics of this contest and for those reasons he must go in.
He's also brewed up plenty of extra fitness over the 1650m at his past couple of starts so he's dangerous to leave out.
#5 THE CONCENTRATION wasn't suited by the all weather track at his latest start so you can completely put the pen through that form.
I like him stepping back up to the 1400m this time out because he consistently finds the line hard over the 1200m.
He'll need a solidly run race throughout to help him produce his best which does seem likely to unfold.
Furthermore, the re-booking of James Orman to ride is also assessed as gold.
#11 EVER SMART ran an excellent race at Sha Tin over the 1200m two start ago and if he brings that effort to the 1400m he can run a solid race.
There's no doubt he's been costly on a win line for punters from his total of 15 starts but a patient ride stepping up in trip is the key to him performing well.
He's also jumped favourite at his past two starts so be weary of leaving him out.
Selections : 2,1,4,5,11
R4 - 4,13,5,2,11
R5 - 1,5,3,2,10
Race 6
#7 MAX QUE provided plenty of resistance during the final stages of his last three starts but runner-up positions are all he's been able to achieve.
Nonetheless, he's displaying all the signs of a better than average type and he chased home a smart one last start.
There's a strong chance of cat and mouse tactics going on early up the front which should generate the required and helpful mid-race speed.
#10 QUICK CONTRIBUTION, despite his small frame and stature, has carried some hefty weights with strength and power during this campaign and must be included in discussions.
In fact, the booking of Hugh Bowman and a sub 22.00 final 400m last outing would suggest he's a promising type.
He's got some work to do regarding his consistency out of the gates but if he gets that right he can win.
#9 KA YING RADIANCE races in the colours made famous by the late and legendary South Australian trainer Colin Hayes, so it would be advisable to respect his presence on that fact alone.
He didn't do a great deal during his first campaign but six additional trials leading in, the last two of which he's won, suggest he's ready to rock and roll.
Zac Purton steered him through those two most recent winning heats and is now booked to take the ride.
#1 ENJOY GOLF has a strong record over this course and trip and the young lad in the saddle, Ellis Wong, is riding with great confidence and in a purple patch of form.
The 7lbs claim is vital from the wide draw and I anticipate he'll attempt the instantaneous hustle out the gates and try to lead.
If he finds a rhythm in the process and doesn't get knocked about the he should run an ultra competitive race.
#5 SWEET BRIAR holds nearly a fifty percent win strike rate in this class so if you follow the law of averages then he's certainly in the hunt for the win.
However, he's tricky to assess coming back to Sha Tin but the inside draw helps.
There's been a late flicker of money for him at his past two starts and I'm tipping that'll be the trend again prior to the jump.
Selections : 7,10,9,1,5
R7 - 3,7,6,2,8
R8 - 14,6,1,10,5
R9 - 2,8,7,14,1
R10 - 10,1,6,8,2