Brett Davis provides exclusive Preview of Sha Tin races.
Rail - C+3 Position
Race 1
#4 SUNLIGHT POWER ran right up to expectations on debut just narrowly missing out on the win. The 3yo son of CAPITALIST appears a pretty decent purchased, judged on the aforementioned performance, although time and soundness shall always be the judge. A crowded start followed by an excellent closing 600m spilt suggests he'll be hard to beat at start number two.
#1 SPEEDY SMARTIE is another 3yo with talent who can offset the wide draw with speed. He was tough winning at Sha Tin two runs back, despite the average time, and his recent trip to Happy Valley was inconclusive after losing focus. If he doesn't lead, he'll be outside the leader by the time they approach the home bend which entitles him every chance.
#3 HORSESAIN BOLT has finished top four on seventeen occasions from his thirty two starts but still remains winless. Tipping him to run a place is the obvious safe option with form solid since arriving into class 4. It's does appear however as though he'll get things run to suit, so perhaps he should be kept safe incase.
#12 SPEEDY FORTUNE recorded his best two results down the Sha Tin straight before a heart irregularity unfortunately brought him undone. A recovery trip back to Conghua has since taken place with an all the way win at the trials also witnessed. Drawn well, along with a claim for jockey Mathew Poon create plenty of interest so he's a difficult runner to leaving out.
#2 DREAM PURSUER has gained further race and life experience since arriving in Hong Kong and should be ready to fire. The former Australian won two of three starts in provincial Victoria and has what it takes to win a class 4. Another poor gate unfortunately doesn't help so patience is likely to be the key.
Selections : 4,1,3,12,2
R2 - 9,7,4,3,8
R3 - 8,7,3,13,1,2
R4 - 4,14,3,9,2
R5 - 9,7,2,8,13
Race 6
#1 RED HARE KING is a progressive youngster from the Tony Cruz yard that'll be hard to oppose following an encouraging win last start. He's very new and running on nerves but there's plenty to like about his pedigree, action and endeavour. The wide draw isn't a concern at this point, with plenty of speed drawn low, but the rise in weight to 135lbs maybe a little concern.
#14 CASA LEGEND is a moral if he secures a drop in grade but the way he's racing he might just win at the bottom of class 3. His form without winning at the end of last year was terrific and he backed that up with a ripper run first up this campaign. Injuries to his near fore and off hind absorbed any residual fitness, so he can only be further improved. A fourteen start maiden does shake the nerves but he should be performing well.
#3 FLYING MOJITO has been really good over the longer trips this campaign and shouldn't be underestimated coming back in trip to 1400m. There's a gate full of speed expected to blast along early and they could cut each other to pieces through the first half. With blinkers added, to keep him in touch, he may well absorb initial pressure before launching a powerful burst.
#11 REGENT GLORY shall be fighting for a leading position through the initial stages and once established should perform with credit to the wire. His best results have been lately and the continued services of Karis Teetan create confidence. He's has been up all season but shows no signs of regression.
#5 KASI FARASI should've finished closer at Happy Valley last start after being held up for a run at a vital stage. Zac Purton was aboard on that occasion and he'll be hoping to open his account this time for trainer Dennis Yip. The wide barrier's a concern but when all your wins have been achieved over this track and trip, your a chance.
Selections : 1,14,3,11,5
R7 - 1,8,5,3,7
Race 8
#11 LUCKY ENCOUNTER received all favours before racing away for an impressive, but green, win last start. The rise in class shall further test his development skills but he looks a really nice horse on the way through. The lighter weight and quicker initial pace can both be advantageous, and if Karis Teetan works with him fluently, opposed to flopping all over him when push comes to shove, then he'll win again.
#5 REWARD SMILE had six starts in the United Kingdom before a Hong Kong victory on debut, and you can guarantee there's more to come. Connections have an astute purchase under the care of star trainer John Size and he'll be definitely winning more races. How he went around at 28/1 on debut is a head scratching moment, and it'll be awhile before that happens again.
#6 PRINCE OF PORTY won his first two starts before REWARD SMILE showed a superior turn of foot to deny him the hat-trick. The weight swing's in his favour today but at the draw he appears worse off. It's therefore assured that this flashy chestnut covers extra ground but that mightn't be of any concern.
#8 READY TO WIN has been hit miss since arriving from Australia but is competing at his right track and trip. He should have won last start but traffic cost him momentum along with a very slow first half. Vincent Ho sticks which is a positive sign and a repeat gives him a chance.
#10 SILVER SONIC was handy in Australia before transferring from Chris Waller to Francis Lui. He's yet to completely find his feet and bearings in Hong Kong but did catch the eye last start. Cutting loose with a 21.82 final 400m is no easy feet so he may well be the value.
Selections : 11,5,6,8,10
R9 - 11,6,1,5,12
R10 - 1,3,5,10,2