Brett Davis provides exclusive Preview of Sha Tin races.
Rail - C+3 Course
Race 1
#9 VIVA CHALEUR remains a Hong Kong maiden from 31 starts but arrived in Asia's World City rated 82 points after being a runner-up in a G1 contest in France.A right fore ligament injury and long drawn out acclimatisation process has now seen him tumble all the way down to class 5. His first run back on the all weather for the new stable of Tony Cruz was terrific in defeat, so expect him to back that up as he transfers onto the turf.
#1 RAGNARR got into a good head space at the completion of last season and was unlucky not to pick up his first win.He clearly held that enthusiasm during the off-season recess after producing a solid 3rd first up at Happy Valley, before cracking it for his first win last start.The up in trip to 1400m along with a 5lb increase in weight may bring him back to the field but trainer David Hall has him flying at the minute, so he's a solid hope of going back to back.
#2 CELESTIAL HARMONY arrived to Hong Kong a two time winner from country Victoria/Australia and should be making a positive impression shortly.He gave very little during his first campaign but improvement was noted during the summer break.His two runs back this season have been ordinary to watch but I'm confident he'll make an impression today as he comes back in distance.
#11 THE CONCENTRATION has suffered interference at both outings this preparation over 1200m and is worthy of including up in distance.He's draw to gain the perfect run from gate six and the predicted solid speed to chase shall have him positioned to launch as they turn for home.His recent work on the inclined treadmill has also built up his strength so I'm expecting him to find the line.
#5 SHINE BRIGHT finished 3rd in a strong class 4 race last season over 1200m with Mathew Chadwick aboard.The pair also won a trial together before the season began and now they're reacquainted after Zac Purton rode 1st up.A quick back up from last Wednesday's day meeting is also worthy of note with that training tactic well known for bringing about success.
Selections : 9,1,2,11,5
R2 - 1,5,11,12,2
R3 - 3,8,13,6,9
R4 - 5,9,1,10,8
R5 - 3,1,5,4,9
Race 6
#3 PACKING PHOENIX arrived at the races for his much anticipated debut at the end of September and didn't let his supporters down.It was obvious before he even arrived to Hong Kong that he was a talented individual and he's only going to improve with more racing.He's got speed, he's got size and a huge amount of scope so it's difficult to imagine the 6lb increase, or class 4 opponents, testing him for the major prize.
#11 PATCH OF TIME ran a tip top race behind PACKING PHOENIX to finish 3rd at his second run back and the blinkers going on made all the difference.The Mark Newnham stable is airborne at the moment and this guy should be running well again.He does meet PACKING PHOENIX much better at the weights, so he's the win/place option, if you don't like the favourite at short odds.
#8 PEJIBAYE finds himself in the new stable of Casper Fownes for his first up run and arrives with some extra condition.He's up 21lbs in body weight for his seasonal debut but has been looking well and trialled nicely on two occasions.He's a big striding boy that'll probably be better with additional ground, but the claim shall assist so he's a solid chance.
#4 EMBLAZON covered plenty of extra territory first up but was still too good for the opposition in the end.The cushion in the track that day seemed to sit well with his action because he was fluent, whilst under pressure, all the way down to the post.He's drawn perfectly in gate 6 to enjoy a cushy run and with the track expected to be firmer we'll learn more today.
#6 KA YING GLORY has the speed to lead from the inside barrier and he's expected to hold off all challengers for the front.He's trialled twice leading into his first run for the new season and jockey Karis Teetan has been with him most the way.However, he has been declared a roareron two occasions, from just three starts, which is an ailment to be weary of.
Selections : 3,11,8,4,6
"SHA TIN TROPHY"
(Gp2 - 1600m - Hcp)
Race 7
#6 MY WISH was the ultimate professional all the way through last seasons 4yo Classic Series by firstly winning the Hong Kong Classic Mile, before being narrowly defeated in the Hong Kong Classic Cup and coveted Hong Kong Derby.He possesses speed and strength, is capable of finding extra under hard core pressure, whilst importantly, possessing the ability to break the 22.00 second barrier during his final 400m.He put everything on the table first up carrying the big weight, so with a 15lb reduction whilst rising to G2, he should be capable of defeating the big guns.
#1 VOYAGE BUBBLE would've been crowned Hong Kong's "Horse Of The Year" last season, if it wasn't for KA YING RISING, after winning four G1 races over distances from 1600m - 2400m.With a rating of 134 he's the second best horse in Hong Kong and despite the handicap conditions of this event shall take a power of beating.His preparation has been terrific at both Conghua and Sha Tin so it'll be a pleasure to watch this athletic specimen return.
#2 GALAXY PATCH is undefeated first up and suited by the weight of 122lbs.The presence of VOYAGE BUBBLE see's him carry only a medium weight in this G2 event which shall be in his favour against many of the lower opponents.Local rider Jerry Chau is given the thumbs up to now take the reins and together they've participated in three encouraging barrier trials.He'll give away a start, as is normally the case, but he's ready to ping with pure freshness first up.
#8 HAPPY TOGETHER found his best form in a long time at the end of last season and followed through up with that output level first up.He's likely to secure a nice position in running from barrier 8 and can establish it without burning to much gas.It won't take as long with only 115lbs to build finishing momentum so I'd be keeping him safe for multiples and exotics.
#10 CAP FERRAT finished off last season with consistency at the highest level after winning the Hong Kong Derby in March.He's enjoyed a solid block of work leading into his return and was able to run well first up last campaign.He has youth on his side, along with all the necessary attributes to make it big if he raises the bar, and I'm confident he'll begin the new campaign with good run.
Selections : 6,1,2,8,10
R8 - 2,6,5,4,11
R9 - 5,3,10,1,14
R10 - 8,5,10,4,14
