Brett Davis provides exclusive preview of Sha Tin races.
Rail - B+2 Course
AWT - 1,2
Race 1
#9 LUCKY BANNER is known for his tactics of jump and run and won't be looking to give up the lead from gate 2. It's highly likely he'll be tested by VIVA HUNTER through the first 400m and if they don't barbecue each other they can both run well. With only one solitary victory from 24 starts to brag about he's risky regarding a win, but the best place to be on this particular surface is leading at speed, which is precisely where he'll position.
#2 VIVA HUNTER has already had the benefit of a run this preparation and shall therefore have race fitness on his side. He's already a proven galloper over the 1650m, and in this class, and with the advantage of 10lbs claiming rider Brittany Wong aboard should be right in the finish. If he can secure the lead, and the rail before LUCKY BANNER, then I'd feel confident he goes all the way, but that does appear in some doubt.
#1 BILLIONAIRE SECRET changed stables during the off season break and was recently witnessed finding the line hard in a barrier trial. Now he's been relegated back into class 4 company he's well handicapped and should perform competitively at this level. He'll give away a start and it can often be difficult to make up ground on the dirt but he has the class on his side.
#4 EXCEL WONGCHOY ran his best Hong Kong race at the end of last season and that effort gives him some hope here. He's spent most of his preparation time in the relaxed environment of Conghua with all three barrier trials preparing him well. The best of those hit outs was on the all weather track in August where he closed in hard to score, and coincides with his only victory in Ireland where he won on the polytrack at Dundalk.
#5 SOLAR GOGO arrived to Hong Kong as a potential stayer after finishing second in the Listed Tasmania Derby as a 3yo. After initially spending most of his first season with trainer David Hall he was transferred to the Benno Yung stable in April following poor form. He's been a liability to this point and you may struggle to give him any hope, but there's been definite improvement behind the scenes over the last couple of weeks.
Selections : 9,2,1,4,5
R2 - 1,2,3,5,6
R3 - 5,7,4,1,3
R4 - 2,1,5,4,3
R5 - 5,2,4,1,3
"GOLDEN SIXTY"
(Farewell and Retirement Ceremony)
R6 - 6,4,1,3,9
Race 7
THE CELEBRATION CUP
(Gp3 - 1400m - Hcp)
#6 CHIU CHOW SPIRIT continued his rise up the handicap mountain with a dominant win first up. It was a copy book ride from Alexis Badel on that occasion from gate 3 but a slightly trickier assignment here from gate 7. The rise in class shall alleviate the big weight and the initial pace in the race can suit his rangy swooping style. He'll have to lift an additional length or two if he's to be successful and I'm backing him in to do exactly that.
#4 PACKING TREADMILL was hip and shouldered out the gates first up in the Chief Executive's Cup which put him against the grain from the very start. He continued on with purpose thereafter and in the process recorded a strong final 800m on the clock. He's drawn much more favourably today as he rises in class and trip and is expected to bounce back. He's only been defeated on one occasion previously when racing second up and that was due to traffic congestion.
#2 FLYING ACE chased home KA YING RISING at the back end of last season before doing precisely the same first up in the Chief Executive's Cup. The concern second up is that he'll again almost certainly give away ground at the start, ultimately setting himself a task. Making up the necessary territory from that position today however, won't be such an unassailable job, because the rise to 1400m assists him greatly. He has an excellent record second up and despite the weight could goes close.
#7 WONDER KIT was extremely honest and super competitive at all outings last campaign and should be given every chance in the run. With an economical trail leaders back expected, he'll spend no energy and be poised to strike the lead when they turn. He's officially untried at Gp3 level, according to his form, but I won't be letting that put me off following his superb piece of work when winning a lead up trial.
#1 TAJ DRAGON arrives at a career high rating first up in this Gp3 event and always gives away a start. He elevated himself an impressive 36 handicap points in total last season with a tally of 4 wins over this course and trip. There's plenty against him first up and I'm happy enough to take that approach. With his two barrier trials giving the impression he'll most likely enjoy a run.
Selections : 6,4,2,7,1
R8 - 3,2,7,4,1
R9 - 1,5,9,4,7
Race 10
#5 SUPERB CAPITALIST is a blisteringly fast running machine through the first 400m and likely to be near the lead. A familiar claiming rider further enhances his prospects to run well along with the inside barrier draw and benefit of a run. There was even a hint of some never seen before tactical versatility at his opening performance for the campaign, which entitles him to further improve and run well at a win/place price.
#2 COPARTNER PRANCE built an incredibly impressive record during his first campaign of racing by winning 6 consecutive races from 10 starts. With an overall rating of 97 points he now finds himself first up off a career high peak, and, at a track where he's only been successful once. He's largely considered by most as a star on the rise and there is little to suggest he can't win again, but the off season break can often stall momentum so I'll be interested to see where he's at.
#6 YOUNG CHAMPION is an exciting and lightly raced former Irish galloper with plenty of room to improve. It's been a longtime since the HKJC Racing Club syndicate had a potential top liner but that could be about to change. Everything about him from trainer to jockey is pointing in the direction of further success, including his two recent barrier trials where he found the line with purpose under his own steam.
#11 FULL CREDIT won three of his final four starts at the end of last season as a jump and run leader at all cost. The Mark Newnham stable is certainly firing early doors and I'd expect this horse to follow suit. It's a rise into class 2 that he'll need to conquer if he's going to win again first up, but its the depth of opposition, plus, there opposing gate speed that potentially overwhelms him first up.
#10 WATCH BUDDY also finds himself in the depths of a rise in class and significant change in venue. He was all about class 3 and Happy Valley last term but today enters a whole new racing galaxy and realm. Nonetheless, the 10lb claim utilised by female apprentice Brittany Wong is gold in a race like this, so he should be kept safe.
Selections : 5,2,6,11,10
