3 minute read
Brett Davis provides exclusive Preview of Sha Tin races.
Rail - B Course
Awt - 4,10
Race 1
#1 CIRCUIT MIGHTY is a three time winner in class 4 and therefore must be highly regarded dropping into the lowest level for the first time in his career. The booking of Zac Purton further compliments his prospects especially when you consider he's been aboard on five occasions, for all three of his wins. Drawing well in gate 4 also gives the champion jockey plenty of options and attempting to lead throughout is definitely a card he could play.
#2 LUCKY MAN was put out of business by the wide barrier over 1200m last start but the effort prior suggested he was definitely ready to win. With the favourable inside gate to exit from today and services of champion jockey Hugh Bowman there shouldn't be many errors made during the run. He's only recently found his way in to the lowest grade of class 5 and this appears his best chance to finally hit the jackpot and crack it for a win.
#8 FLYING ROMANTIC has produced a patchy set of results this campaign but his best sectional data informs you he can win a race in class 5.A regular and familiar jockey in Mathew Poon is booked to ride, a low draw reads well and the rise to 1400m certainly makes some appeal. The key now is to step well, be given a conservative and unimpeded ride because he possesses the ability to win.
#3 GLUCK RACER has been competing in events over distances beyond his capabilities recently but can turn his form around back in trip and grade.His last victory, which occurred in January, was precisely over this course and distance, plus in this grade. The same rider who won aboard him that afternoon in Harry Bentley reacquaints himself here, so there are multiple reasons to include him in your calculations.
#5 POCHETTINO is his own worst enemy but the drop into class 5, combined with a drop back in distance to 1400m from a mile moulds together nicely.John Size doesn't keep a hold of to many gallopers that are relegated to the lowest grade, so I dare say he's confident he can conjure up a win at some stage. On recent performances you'd think that won't be possible today, but don't be surprised if he bobs up soon.
Selections : 1,2,8,3,5
R2 - 1,6,3,10,12
R3 - 1,9,7,3,5
R4 - 7,9,14,12,5
R5 - 1,4,3,5,12
Race 6
"LION ROCK TROPHY"
(Gp3 - 1600m - Hcp)
#6 SUNLIGHT POWER has continued to climb the ratings mountain this season with a total increase of 29 points leading into this G3 event.What's enabled him to achieve such a difficult feat is his ability to absorb early pressure, before launching into a core strength response via a swooping and overwhelming turn of foot. He displayed precisely that in his first attempt at G1 set weights company during the FWD Champions Mile, and with more mid race tempo anticipated here he's tipped to turn the result around on RED LION.
#9 JOHANNES BRAHMS is furnishing into a potential top liner following two encouraging close up finishes in the 4yo Classic Cup over 1800m, and Hong Kong Derby over 2000m in March. He's since been freshened up by regular swimming and slow easy track work before stepping up and participating in three satisfactory 1200m barrier trials. I've been taken by the space he appears to be in and the race today should be run at a strong pace to suit.
#1 RED LION notched up his maiden G1 victory in the FWD Champions Mile courtesy of a brilliant front running steer by Hugh Bowman. No one was expecting the win, and the price of 90/1 reflected those sentiments, but Bowman reminded us all that unpredictable results can arise under the guidance of perfect sectional ride. This time around however, he's draw the inside marble, rises significantly in weight and is likely to be taken on for the lead.
#4 BEAUTY JOY is an old stager these days and needs plenty to go right but the legs are still pumping reasonably well. Zac Purton interesting jumps back aboard, after a long absence, but previously formed a successful relationship with the 8yo by winning 5 races together back in season 2021/2022. His most recent performance in the FWD Champions Mile was both luckless and competitive, but importantly today, he's almost assured of receiving the harsh tempo he desperately requires to win.
#7 DIVANO can be difficult to trust but overall he's enjoyed another excellent season by winning three and placing on four other occasions. He was brilliant in defeat in the 4yo Classic Mile in January, and equally as good winning a class 1 two runs back, but frustratingly eased down with an action concern at his most recent start. It's his first attempt at G3 level and the big relief at the weights catches the eye, but what does he deliver today?
Selections : 6,9,1,4,7
R7 - 1,7,8,2,3
Race 8
"SHA TIN VASE"
(Gp3 - 1200m - Hcp)
#2 HELIOS EXPRESS has spent the entire season chasing KA YING RISING to the winning post so you'd expect him to break through now the superstar is absent. However, it hasn't all been doom and gloom for connections, despite the seven minor placings from as many start's, because he's raked in a lazy 16.3 million HKD for his courageous defeats. With LUCKY SWEYNESSE participating he's ideally placed at the weights, so it's now up to Hugh Bowman to dish up the competent winning steer.
#3 LUCKY WITH YOU endured a horrid run throughout the G1 Chairman's Sprint Prize so I'm happy to put that in the trash. Prior, he was in career best form winning twice in class 1 before chasing Ka Ying Rising to the line in the G2 Sprint Cup over this course and trip. He'll require a touch of luck from the wide and awkward gate but his track work leading in suggests he's ready to bounce back with a bang.
#8 MUGEN hasn't been privy to a great deal of racing this season following an unsuccessful G1 tilt in Japan. That contest occurred in September 2024 with time away from the race track following shortly thereafter. It's been a slow process since, but remember, he was placed in the G1 Chairman's Sprint Prize back in April 2024 and his two efforts recently have hinted he's close to capturing better form.
#1 LUCKY SWEYNESSE would put all these to bed if he bounced back to somewhere near his best so it'll be interesting to see where he's at. The former star sprinter did however pull up lame in his right front leg following his recent return from a year off the track. He's poorly weighted, considering the depth and form of the highest ranked opposition, so I'm prepared to just watch him again before going in for the punt.
#7 INVINCIBLE SAGE won the 2024 G1 Chairman's Sprint Prize with a dazzling and unrivalled turn of foot down the long challenging Sha Tin straight. The yielding track conditions certainly played a big part in the win that day but as his form highlights he's been unable to win again since.Conversely, it's worth noting that he's almost back to the same handicap mark, draws to receive the run of the race and does this all whilst carrying no weight.
Selections : 2,3,8,1,7
R9 - 5,1,3,2,8
R10 - 7,11,10,2,6
R11 - 9,1,7,14,4
