Brett Davis provides exclusive Preview of Sha Tin races.
"SUMMER SERIES BEGINS"
(Twilight Racing Start at 4pm HKT)
Rail - C Course
Awt - 1,5
Race 1
#1 FIREFOOT won a class 4 over the 1650m at Happy Valley last term before holding form for the remainder of the season. He then transferred his attention to the all weather surface in January this year and has since raced consistently on the dirt for the past three months. He's again found his way back into class 5 this afternoon and exits from a low draw with the blinkers back on, which should seal the deal.
#4 MEEPMEEP drew barrier 8 two and three starts ago before barrier 2 gave him the run required to notch up deserved win. With the margin in victory substantial, and only a 1lb increase at the weights, it's highly probable he can win again in this grade. The shifting draw back out to barrier 8 may cause an error or two but he'll go close again.
#3 HAILTOTHEVICTORS has built a solid foundation of fitness on the all-weather track over the past three months and landed his first win during the process. He drew wide last start when reverting back to the turf and it caused interference mid-race on an unsuitable wet track. Back on dirt here from a favourable draw places him as a genuine contender.
#11 SUPER HONG KONG turned back the clock in dazzling fashion with a totally dominant display over the Happy Valley 2200m in November 2025 and has since produced another victory at Sha Tin. A bout of inappetence followed but he's recently produced a pair of hard chasing efforts under race day rider Derek Leung. He continues to race with enthusiasm and the low draw creates multiple options.
#2 I EXCELLE and #12 HAPPYDEARHAPPYDEER are the two major pace influences competing with the former drawn low, and the later drawn wide. Both appear ready to feature but as there records suggest inconsistency across the board is prevalent. Nevertheless, racing on speed is a clear advantage on this surface so they should both be respected.
Selections : 1,4,3,11,2,12
R2 - 1,2,8,6,5
R3 - 1,2,4,3,12
Race 4
#3 SOLID CAR was the subject of some decent bets when first up for the season and despite being narrowly beaten ran according to market support. The former Australian galloper had strong 2yo form in Victoria before landing in Hong Kong but its taken time for him to settle in. He's had traffic issues and made a few mistakes since the blinkers went on but this looks a race where he features prominently.
#12 STORMY KNIGHT didn't cope with Happy Valley at all well last start and in addition was severely checked in the home straight. Efforts here at Sha Tin prior, over the 1200m, were hinting a result and the extra distance today suits. Furthermore, Jockey Brenton Avdulla, who's suffered a lull in form mid-season again takes the ride and with next seasons jockey contracts on the line, I'm expecting a tip top ride.
#2 STRATHPEFFER was on the verge off his 2nd win for the season in early January before a heart irregularity on February 8 halted all momentum. After a 7 week recovery period, he performed ordinarily first up before bouncing back with a better effort last start on a wet track. Gate 4 is the best draw he's had in along time so expect a solid performance.
#10 GOR GOR is another runner who hasn't faired that well with barriers lately coping gates 12,11,11 at his past three starts. When he won here over the 1200m in February he displayed an impressive turn of foot so now he's drawn the inside marble he should be respectfully entertained.
#14 HONORARY has a poor score sheet following his 7 career starts but there's been a number of legitimate excuses along the way. He was eligible to compete in the class 5 over 1400m (Race 2) here today, but connections have opted to take on the slightly harder race, with no weight.
Selections : 3,12,2,10,14
R5 - 2,3,6,9,5
R6 - 10,6,7,1,9
Race 7
#5 VIRTUS GLORY drew poorly for his race debut, which consequently ruined all hope of crossing to lead, but the son of WRITTEN BY appears very talented on barrier trial performances. Trainer Ricky Yui purchased the chestnut gelding from the 2024 NZB Ready To Run sale for NZD $250K after he breezed up in slick time. With 2 race day experiences absorbed, an inside draw and 10lb claim, expected a much better result.
#9 FLYING SNIPER has drawn wide for Zac Purton who reacquaints himself with this David hall trained runner after partnering the 3yo son of BELARDO at his first two outings. His pedigree suggests hell be better over further ground but an additional trial down the straight 1000m gave the impression he's ready to strike.
#10 ENJOY GOLF is one of many speed influences contesting this class 4 feature race and must be treated with respect following a thrashing of all comers last start in class 5. He remains competatively rated on overall career best and draws to travel favourably from gate 6. Now he's found that winning vibe, don't be surprised if he drops in for a potential race winning trail.
#8 LEADING DRAGON was only collared in the final steps on two occasions before finding bother mid-race last start and is now peaking in fitness. With senior rider Andrea Atzeni taking over the steering from the two high claiming apprentices we should anticipate a positive performance.
#4 LITTLE MONSTER stepped faultlessly form gate 11 recently over this course and trip and that allowed the 4yo PPG to expose his high cruising speed when able to roll and dictate. An 8lb rise is the highlighted variable but it's another winnable assignment considering the draw and re-booking of familiar rider Derek Lueung.
Selections : 5,9,8,10,4
R8 - 5,12,11,14,2
R9 - 1,12,6,5,11
R10 - 8,6,3,9,12
R11 - 4,7,5,6,12
