Brett Davis provides exclusive Preview of Sha Tin races.
"SUMMER RACING SERIES"
(First Race at 4pm HKT)
Rail - C+3 Course
Awt - 1,9
Race 1 (Griffin)
#6 JEDI SPURS trialled well on two occasions in Adelaide/Australia under the care of Richard and Chantelle Jolly before transferring from Price Bloodstock PTY LTD to its current owners in Hong Kong.The 2yo son of COSMIC FORCE has since won two barrier trials following his arrival to the stable of David Hayes with the first at Conghua, the second an all the way win at Sha Tin over 1000m.A fluent high knee action sees him cover the ground nicely whilst manners in the stalls are satisfactory.
#7 QUANTUM WUKONG gave away plenty of territory on debut over 1200m courtesy of barrier 14 but he'll find a more favourable position in running today after drawing ideally over the 1000m.Track work since his debut has been light with only the one gallop but he moves well and with a professional and focused approach.He'll be beaten for early acceleration but can close in strong at the end.
#1 CHANCHENG SPARKLE began fairly at his debut over 1200m but found the line better than most despite suffering interference turning into the home straight.With a smallish field to manoeuvre through, down the straight 1000m, it's anticipated his excellent closing sectional power shall greatly assist.
#4 SHARP PLANET jumped favourite and eventually finished runner-up at his racecourse debut before drawing horribly in barrier 13 at his second start.With blinkers on for the first time a sharper approach is now on the cards which'll help to offset the low and normally difficult barrier draw to win from.
#5 SHOW ME YOUR LOVE made a reasonable start to his career finishing just behind the winner on a rain affected track before finding the line with some purpose second up over 1200m.With check pieces being applied a slicker beginning should be witnessed which'll entitle an improved performance overall, and when full pressure is applied.
Selections : 6,7,1,4,5
Race 2
#4 ALWAYS FLUKE has been up and going now since early February after spending a year away from the racetrack due to injury.During that time, he's gained in race fitness but often found bother, or worked hard in the run, which has consequently cost him wins.The low draw is attractive, along with the booking of James Orman and I'm quite confident resentment was present on the wet track last start.
#7 THE ALL ROUNDER rated well when finishing 2nd to CIRCUIT FERRY back in March and that level of output shall be good enough to feature prominently here, particularly now he's found his way to class 5.All three runs since have held legitimate excuses pertaining to defeat and today's contest sets up nicely from a draw perspective and speed map.He'll be looking for cover early around mid-field before joining in when it matters most.
#8 COUNTRY DANCER recorded two career wins in class 5 company last season with the most recent of those victories coming in January 2025 off a rating of 40 points.With his current handicap mark now hovering in the mid 30's he's given a chance now he transfers to the bigger spacious track at Sha Tin.Add to that, the booking of Ethan Brown who's riding better than his Hong Kong record suggests.
#3 ROBOT KNIGHT has found his best form over the past couple of months and from the inside gate he'll give plenty of cheek in front.What's against him today, is the change of surface back to turf but I wouldn't be completely right him off.A 7lb claim on a front runner does send the rating meter into a frenzy, so he must be respected.
#9 VIVA CHALEUR is in the same boat when it comes to preferred surface because he is also yet to win a race on the turf.His form at present on the all-weather track is terrific but the last time he competed on turf he was beaten multiple lengths.However, he's racing to well to completely ignore.
Selections : 4,7,8,3,9
R3 - 9,1,12,5,13
R4 - 6,2,14,12,3
Race 5
#1 JUICY DRAGON has improved significantly on the all-weather the last 6 weeks and finally got it done under jockey Andrea Atzeni three runs back, and again last start.With a 9lb rise at the weight's now coming into play, a change of jockey and a slightly worse draw the challenge becomes riskier if you're looking to back up.Conversely, he's now at the peak of his campaign and clearly better than this grade.
#7 MEGA CAPTAIN appeared an above average 3yo following his effort behind JUICY DRAGON at his only start on dirt so returning to this surface is acknowledged.Zac Purton now takes over the wheel from fellow Australian Hugh Bowman, and the pair have galloped together on no less than four occasions leading in.He's likely to giveaway ground at the beginning but a strong finish is guaranteed.
#2 PEJIBAYE was building a solid record earlier in the season before a ligament issue sidelined him for the best part of 3 months.Trainer Casper Fownes has him back moving freely on the training track and his barrier trial performances have been extremely encouraging.As a noted-on pace runner expect him to cope well with the dirt first up.
#3 HAPPY SHOOTER holds the desired race pattern for all weather racing which is to get out the gates quickly and position favourably.With that in mind, he should be able to either cross the runner to his inside and find the running rail first or, whilst the battle for the lead goes on, take a sit.Whether he holds the front or gets crossed, expect him to run well and fight out the finish hard.
#5 ONE MAN SHOW is the leader, if HAPPY SHOOTER hands up, and we have seen on many occasions already that he's most comfortable in that roll.Gate 1 shall be helpful apprentice Brittany Wong along with the 7lb claim so he can't be left out of primary discussions.
Selections : 1,7,2,3,5
R6 - 2,11,1,13,7
R7 - 1,3,5,6,7
R8 - 8,3,5,2,10
R9 - 1,3,2,9,10
R10 - 8,2,3,14,1
R11 - 4,3,7,12,9
