Brett Davis provides exclusive Preview of Sha Tin races.
Rail - True
All Weather Track
Race 1
#5 ACA POWER has been a slow maturing son of ZOFFANY that's paid his way this season courtesy of a win and a number of placings. He's been effective on all three tracks but it's the all weather surface where he's recently been in a real comfort zone. Hugh Bowman knows him extremely well and from the ideal draw they'll position up nicely and thereafter take beating.
#4 SMART FOLKS is going to provide the resistance and from the lower gate, in barrier three, should find the outright lead. With that position secure he'll lead the field to the home bend before dashing hard at the judge. The all weather track regularly favours horses on speed and that'll give him a terrific chance.
#6 HAPPILY FRIENDS has only just arrived in class 5 and despite poor form can appreciate the change in surface. The wide draw won't make it easy but he does possess a bigger engine than most. A recent trial under LUKE FERRARIS also displayed speed and well being on this surface, so don't be surprised if he fires.
#2 STARRY NIGHT remains winless from thirteen outings but can still be entertained. Class 5 is where he belongs and from the good draw, with Purton aboard, he'll be in the hunt. A quiet and satisfactory trial with cheek pieces on was positive and dually noted in April.
#10 LITTLE PLAYER hasn't raced since January but is a runner certainly worthy of interest. A pastern injury sidelined him in March and he was off the track for approximately a month. His form previous was sound and two trials leading in have been the same, but he must overcome the ugly and tricky gate.
Selections : 5,4,6,2,10
R2 - 4,1,7,2,10
R3 - 2,11,12,13,8
R4 - 5,1,8,7,4
R5 - 2,7,8,10,11
R6 - 7,5,9,1,6
R7 - 3,5,4,14,10
Race 8
#12 HAVA NAGEELA is beginning to blossom and that was evident by the superiority shown at his past two wins. Trainer Frankie Lor has enjoyed another outstanding season, sitting currently second on the trainers championship, and this progressive young beast can notch up the trainer's fiftieth win. It's a similar scenario to that of his most recent and on times he'll cope with the rise in grade.
#9 HANDSOME TWELVE never got into the race at Happy Valley last start and the betting around him suggested that was going to be the case. It'll be a different scenario tonight as he returns to his favourite and preferred surface. The 5yo son of MORE THAN READY has enjoyed a terrific season on the dirt track and another win is close.
#10 SUPER WIN DRAGON like the two horse tipped ahead of him is a specialist on dirt. However, the journey of 1650m is a questionable factor considering all wins have been achieved over a shorter trip. The inside draw does however entitle him to a cushy run in transit so he's therefore worthy of inclusion in exotics.
#6 APACHE PASS is a query in the class but shall be suited by the solid speed up front. It'll take a perfect ride from Purton to slot him in from the tricky gate, but it's more than likely to occur. With a trail gained by the time they reach the back stretch I'd expect he'll be in the finish.
#11 GALAXY WITNESS returns to the all weather track following a solid 4yo Classic Series and effort in the Hong Kong Derby. With a decent pace expected from the outset he can drop out to the rear knowing the race shall be run to suit his style. When push comes to shove, and the pressure goes on, class may propel him into the finish.
Selections : 12,9,10,6,11
