Neil Morrice brings you his Best Bets for the card at Sha Tin, Hong Kong, on Sunday, April 19.
Race 1 No2 JOY MASTER
Trainer: Caspar Fownes – Jockey: Zac Purton
Back to the level of his last victory, JOY MASTER can look lively in the opener with Purton back in the hot seat. The six-year-old has gone eight races since that win in October, showing most recently that he was punching above his weight. However, he now competes with most factors in his favour and is well drawn to turn back the clock. SEIZE THE SPIRIT returns from a more than two month break after scoring here and is out to show he’s an improved performer, whilst LIVERBIRD STAR is one to have on your mind if he can overcome a tricky wide gate.
Prediction: 2-3-4
Race 2 No7 FULL POWER
Trainer: Richard Gibson – Jockey: Zac Purton
The blinkered Frankel gelding FULL POWER has run well in all four starts since being handed the headgear, opening his account under Grant Van Niekerk by a paper thin margin a month ago. With that jockey now off limits Purton can prove an able deputy in a contest in which few have shown much of late. CALIFORNIA LEGEND is amongst them, but could stage a revival back on turf. DEFINING MOMENT did us a favour when getting home by the skin of his teeth last week and can be competitive if this doesn’t come too soon
Prediction: 7-10-1
Race 3 No14 SUPER RED DRAGON
Trainer: Chris So – Jockey: Karis Teetan
Getting weight from each of his 13 opponents, SUPER RED DRAGON looks to be in a good place from which to consolidate his good recent form and make it third time lucky for the season. The five-year-old has been in the zone on both outings this year and after hitting the woodwork last time only needs a little more progression to deservedly put his head in front. THIS ONE’S FOR YOU has been consistently effective on the dirt course, and with the prospect of plenty of pace on early can turn up for a cheque at the business end. CROWN AVENUE failed to spark and was beaten a long way last week, but with new boy Antoine Hamelin on board could pop into the exotics at a working man‘s price.
Prediction: 14-6-4
Race 4 No6 COT CAMPBELL
Trainer: Tony Millard – Jockey: Chad Schofield
The South African-bred COT CAMPBELL should not attract too much of the handle for this wide open contest and can defy his lengthy odds with an earning run. The former Justin Snaith-trained galloper is yet to score in ten outings for Millard, but ran well from a poor draw last time, suggesting he’s getting ready to win. An outside post is not ideal for FOODIE PRINCESS but it’s hard to knock his stats under Moreira, while similarly SUPERICH will need his sprinting boots from stall 14, but is without doubt nearing D-Day.
Prediction: 6-2-14
Race 5 No6 EXCEL DELIGHT
Trainer: John Size – Jockey: Joao Moreira
EXCEL DELIGHT looked all over the winner on the first day of the month only to get mugged on the line by Goldie Flanker. Taking into account that short head defeat was preceded by one of an equally frustrating nose, the Exceed And Excel gelding could do with a change of luck and he seems destined for another solid run. The lightly-raced SUPER POWER MAN is out to show his all the way triumph back in February was no fluke, having been given a new and higher mark that means he’s conceding weight all round. GENERAL TRUMP is a must include into all exotics granted the sheer consistency that has afforded him two wins and two seconds from his last four outings.
Prediction: 6-1-9
Race 6 No4 TEAM POWER
Trainer: Ricky Yiu – Jockey: Zac Purton
KA YING EXCELLENT landed some good bets here two weeks ago but his jockey that day Zac Purton appears to prefer TELECOM ROCKET, who since getting off the mark four starts back has done very little wrong and seems carded to go close. However, TEAM POWER has attracted market support and shown ability in his short three outings career and is proven at this level. He enjoys a potentially race-winning draw and from his perfect slot on the inner can swoop to conquer.
Prediction: 4-6-1
Race 7 No4 FANTASY
Trainer: Danny Shum – Jockey: Joao Moreira
Since his arrival here FANTASY has posted two victories from six starts and is at the same Class 3 level that saw him open his account as a long odds-on favourite over course and distance last month. The five-year-old has a progressive profile and in the belief that he hasn’t stopped winning is taken to confirm his superiority over HANDSOME BO BO. In the latter’s favour is that he should improve off that first run back, although the book suggests the placings should be confirmed. With GRADE ONE drawn wide, GLENEALY GENERALS is the most appealing of the bigger-priced runners.
Prediction: 4-2-9
Race 8 No4 JUST NOT LISTENING
Trainer: John Moore – Jockey: Joao Moreira
It can surely only be a matter of time before JUST NOT LISTENING recaptures the form that saw him convert three times over course and distance last season. His defeat by Utopia Life at the start of this month was the closest he’s got in five outings this year and significantly his jockey that day Moreira is back in the irons. UTOPIA LIFE could again prove the main stumbling block as the pair reoppose. He’s well placed one off the fence for a good run through in the straight. On a return to his favoured dirt STAR LUCK should also be considered.
Prediction: 4-2-9
Race 9 No4 ENCORE BOY
Trainer: Ricky Yiu – Jockey: Antoine Hamelin
Hamelin has grasped his opportunities with both hands in his brief time in the old colony and the Frenchman can expect a bold bid from ENCORE BOY, a dual scorer over the course and distance. The gelding is certainly not in this off a lenient mark but the combination of his love for the track and favoured draw can help him get competitive. At the bottom of the weights WILL POWER attempts to defy an astonishing 29-point rise in the ratings. He’s looking to make it four wins from five attempts on dirt and should make a bold bid as he’s also been handed a great spot in the gate. SEVEN HEAVENS figures to get into the argument at longer odds, and can play a part on second run back.
Prediction: 4-12-8
Race 10 No8 JUNEAU PARK
Trainer: John Size – Jockey: Joao Moreira
One of the best bets on the card is JUNEAU PARK who can complete a fine hat-trick. The New Zealand-bred is creeping up the ratings but remains a horse with untapped potential. This will be only his sixth career start, and those wishing to back him should get a nice line from his recent victim Telecom Rocket who competes in Race 6. MIGHTY GIANT won well on his Class 3 debut last time and jumps off the page as a pea out of the same pod. One of the pair should complete the hat-trick and I fancy Juneau Park as the one most likely to deliver.
Prediction: 8-2-12
