3 minute read
Brett Davis provides exclusive Preview of Sha Tin races.
Rail C+3 Course
Awt - 4,10
Race 1
#4 MOTOR didn't appear to be underdone going into his April debut following six solid barrier trials but in review he was still in need of the run. He's taken a fair amount of time to grasp exactly what's going on but you can see him becoming wiser and more curious with every experience and gallop. I was taken by the way he began and then travelled to the home bend last start over 1200m and fancy he's ready to win. Transferring back to the straight 1000m at start four reads as a potential recipe for success and the wide barrier should provide him with the right position.
#1 QUICK MONEY is a rather appropriate name for this 3yo son of LAND FORCE because that's exactly what he's earning for trainer Dennis Yip 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. The circle track of 1200m for the first time last outing created a few issues after being caught wide, but he still raced hard at the line to just miss out on the win. He's hard to fault and beat.
#2 THE ALL OUT narrowly defeated QUICK MONEY at his debut in April before being scratched at the barriers after coughing at his next intended start. He was then given a few days break from track work before gradually progressing to the barrier trials on two occasions. Both trials were completed in good fashion, with Karis Teetan behind the wheel, however Zac Purton now jumps back aboard. The low draw doesn't provide any favours but it's difficult to say he can't feature.
#10 FIELD MARSHALL warranted respect at his debut following some eye catching track work and three solid trials. He possesses reliable barrier manners along with good natural speed and probably attempts to lead this race throughout. He'll need to lift on what he produced first up when the core pressure kicked in but his track work since suggests he'll give a competitive sight.
#13 WINNING CHAMPION progressed nicely through his first campaign of training which was undertaken primarily at the HKJC training complex in Conghua. He then debut over the 1200m at Sha Tin but struggled with the initial speed of the race before making headway at the end. He's a fluent mover with a daisy cutter action who can get into the finish if stays in contact through the first half.
Selections : 4,1,2,10,13
R2 - 11,1,7,9,3
R3 - 9,3,7,4,2
R4 - 1,8,11,12,6
R5 - 12,4,5,1,14
Race 6
#9 DOUBLE WIN required recovery time after he bled in November 2024 but he's now heading in the right direction. He'll always carry a risk tag alongside his name, courtesy of the unfortunate bleed, but there's been no signs of any further ailments in that regard. His past two efforts with Mathew Chadwick aboard, and the blinkers on, have both been quality runs and the inside draw creates his chance to win.
#3 PING HAI COMET races in the colours made famous by 2018 Hong Kong Derby winner PING HAI STAR, with both horses prepared by champion trainer John Size. The son of MAURICE recently found his mojo at Happy Valley over 2200m before backing that up at Sha Tin with a comprehensive win over 1800m. He's up 7lbs in weight, and Zac Purton takes a ride elsewhere, but the draw and sectional data combined say he can certainly get the job done again.
#2 MIDORI GIANT showed nice potential in country New South Wales/Australia and is definitely worthy of inclusion coming back in trip and to Sha Tin. He's been toughened up physically by a recent pair of 2200m events at Happy Valley and should secure the run of the race from the ideal draw. He had an issue with mucus four runs back before finding bother in two of his past three starts.
#8 YOUTH POWER has won three races this season which is more than any other candidate contesting can boast. He can be a difficult ride, as he like to get things over quickly, and that's precisely what happened under apprentice Brittany Wong last start. He's since been back to the trials and produced a solid win, therefore with a senior jockey back aboard it's advisable to keep him safe.
#13 HAKKA RADIANCE and #12 KINGLY DEMEANOUR finished alongside each other at Happy Valley last start after both burnt to much gas through the first half. It's highly likely the pair again contest for the lead with the long run to the first bend their tactical favour. If they end up getting away with a cheap section mid-race, which depends on the racing manners of YOUTH POWER, then they're both legitimate chances of finishing in amongst the frame.
Selections : 9,3,2,8,13
R7 - 3,1,4,6,8
R8 - 2,1,4,8,6
R9 - 6,2,5,8,9
R10 - 2,11,4,12,10
Race 11
#5 PATCH OF STARS is developing into an exciting and high quality conveyance following two smart wins over the 1400m. His performance last start against older horses was a dominant display whilst highlighting his potential to get over further ground in time. He's being kept at 1400m for what should be another comfortable win, but you can put him in the black book for next season, all being equal, because he has a sizeable amount of rating points in hand.
#13 MASTER OR ALL had barely put a foot wrong this season until an epiglottic entrapment at his first run in class 3 literally got in his way. An appointment with the veterinary surgeon followed shortly thereafter and the issue was successfully released. Plenty of track work during May/June, along with two winning trials, have him appearing in good shape and it's anticipated he'll be hustling for the lead.
#4 ENDEARED has consistently applied himself to the task at hand this campaign and is worthy of consideration. He's a three time winner over this course and trip but found bother in the home straight most recently when commencing to fully let down. He maps to secure a trailing position one of the fence with cover, and his regular final 400m split would have him finishing well enough to get into the money.
#11 BEAUTY GLORY has been around the mark in almost every race he's contested this season without cracking it for a win. Unfortunately, he wasn't himself out of the gates at Happy Valley last start which set up an unassailable margin to real back. A return to Sha Tin and 1400m creates the appropriate environment for him to do his thing, which is to race handy to the speed.
#10 FORTUNE SUPERNOVA ran a credible race first up at Sha Tin before average performances followed at his next two. The former New Zealand 2yo rated quite well when winning his maiden at Riccarton in June 2024 and has been moving fluently during his morning gallops. He's definitely a next season horse to follow with interest but could add some value to the exotics in this open event.
Selections : 5,13,4,11,10