Neil Morrice brings us all of his best bets and tips for Wednesday’s racing taking place at Sha Tin and Tampa Bay Downs.
Other International Racing:
Vichy
Sunshine Coast
Sha Tin
Belmont Park
Anthony Delpech Best Bets
Sha Tin Best Bets
Race 1: No11 – COOLCELEB
Trainer: Benno Yung – Jockey: Zac Purton
From a dropping mark, COOLCELEB can prove the answer to the opener on an all dirt fixture. The five-year-old had Purton on board for his latest win over course and distance last July and is back on a similar mark. The combination will need to ride their luck, but if getting the rub of the green can prevail. Recent scorer LITTLE THUNDER looms as a danger with his apprentice rider taking off 5lb at the same class level. Support for GRACIOUS RYDER would be interesting, and he’s drawn to enjoy the run of the race.
Prediction: 11-8-4
Race 2: No11 – VIRTUS STAR
Trainer: Frankie Lor – Jockey: Zac Purton
Purton could be the man in the hot seat for another winner on VIRTUS STAR as the gelding debuts on this surface. It’s also his first run at this course since he joined the Lor barn back in March, since when he’s gone close on two of three outings at the Valley. From the rail, HIDDEN SPIRIT promises to be competitive in his bid to complete a hat-trick. He loves the surface and should enjoy stepping up to the 1800 distance. Although he is going up in the weights, SKY GEM could also play a part in the finish.
Prediction: 11-2-4
Race 3: No3 – PEARL CHAMPION
Trainer: Tony Millard – Jockey: Vagner Borges
As long as he’s ready from a protracted break, PEARL CHAMPION can have a big say in this. The blinkered six-year-old has put in some promising workouts suggesting he’s as good as he was, and from a good post can enjoy a clean run through to take home a cheque. JADE THEATRE has been largely out of form, though the presence of Zac Purton may bring about some improvement. DEMONS ROCK got a monkey off his back with his win here earlier in the month and needs to show that it has bolstered his confidence.
Prediction: 3-5-11
Race 4: No3 – KINGS SHIELD
Trainer: Frankie Lor – Jockey: Zac Purton
The mile is something KINGS SHIELD has been crying out for, and with Purton doing the steering for the first time a repeat of his course and distance triumph a year ago is in the offing. There is no doubt his best form is at this distance, and a flirtation with sprinting didn’t really work out. Stepping from turf onto dirt, BUDDIES has to go in following his dominant win the other day. He took full advantage of rider Jerry Chau’s 10lb claim to completely rule that race and is a model of consistency who rarely fails to menace. GLORIOUS ARTIST has been more out than in since returning from a shot at the Korea Cup but is too good a horse to safely ignore.
Prediction: 3-1-2
Race 5: No10 – STAR SUPERIOR
Trainer: C W Chang – Jockey: Karis Teetan
STAR SUPERIOR improved on third start since coming back to finish just out of the money last time. He has the wherewithal to further raise his game, and the signs are that this could be his day. STRIKING MR C looks certain to try to lead, and if getting loose could be hard to peg back. The horse has a good runs to win record and has formed a strong partnership with his jockey. I would also not allow ELITE BOY to remain out of your exotics. He looks to be nearing his peak and gets 10lb taken off by his apprentice pilot.
Prediction: 10-3-8
Race 6: No10 – SUPER POWER MAN
Trainer: Manfred Man – Jockey: Chad Schofield
Providing he can get a sit in behind the leaders, SUPER POWER MAN can complete a fine hat-trick. He got home by the skin of his teeth over course and distance last time, but with only three career outings under his belt there should be further progression to come as he moves up the class ladder. Antoine Hamelin’s mount VICTORY IN HAND is one to put in with the Frenchman on board for the first time. He gained back-to-back Happy Valley successes earlier in the season and runs here for the first time since last November. Veteran GOOD FOR YOU has been in good form of late, and his claims are hard to ignore.
Prediction: 10-12-8
Race 7: No10 – PARTY EVERYDAY
Trainer: Tony Cruz – Jockey: Karis Teetan
If this turns out to be run at a good clip it will suit PARTY EVERYDAY, who is on the cusp of a first career victory. It’s too early to question his resolution, rather look how close he went last time when headed by THIS ONE’S FOR YOU. The latter reopposes on different terms here, and though sure to run well might struggle to confirm it. SMILING CITY finished strongly in the same race but with an outside draw to contend with is not certain to turn it around, even though he’s getting a handy allowance from his jockey.
Prediction: 10-1-3
Race 8: No5 – CALIFORNIA CONCORD
Trainer: Tony Cruz – Jockey: Karis Teetan
This attracts me as a race to bet in, with the completely unexposed CALIFORNIA CONCORD drawing my eye. He should improve a bundle on his debut effort to place on the turning sprint track at the Valley. He has a favourable draw and can outpoint the more experienced pair UTOPIA LIFE and JUST NOT LISTENING. The former is holding his form well and has Jerry Chau taking of 10 lb. The normally consistent Just Not Listening could easily bounce back from a rare flop last time.
Prediction: 5-2-6
Race 9: No4 – LA YAKFI
Trainer: Trainer: Danny Shum – Jockey: Karis Teetan
Former French-based LA YAKFI is of considerable interest on just a third start in Hong Kong. He’s needed his two recent runs but showed more than a glimmer of ability when fifth to Ka Ying Legend over course and distance. Given a bit more progression he can regain the form level that saw him take out three of his four outings at Fontainebleau, Lyon and Longchamp last year. ENFOLDING has won twice over the course and distance this term and Zac Purton knows how to win on him. TURIN REDSTAR is a class dropper that’s worth monitoring for market attention.
Prediction: 4-9-1
Tampa Bay Downs Best Bets
Race 5: No1 – QUEENS EMBRACE
Trainer: Kathleen O’Connell – Jockey: Harry Hernandez
A nap hand of victories awaits QUEENS EMBRACE in what has been a dream sequence of successes since her move to this barn. She’s unbeaten here and can confirm recent superiority over Sugar Fix. The selection has only 2lb to concede to her foe and looks ready to March on, while the lightly-raced Volador is one to include, given her likeliness to improve.
Prediction: 1-5-2
Race 7: No13 – SERVE THE KING
Trainer: Chad Brown – Jockey: Antonio Gallardo
The beautifully bred SERVE THE KING can demonstrate how good he is by stretching his unbeaten record to three. The Kingman colt landed heavy support on both outings over track and trip in the winter. He’s developed physically and mentally for his break and can stamp himself a future star. French Getaway drops in class out of a Grade 3 and can play the experience card with some effect. Coltrane needs to overcome a blip last time, but rates as a player on earlier form.
Prediction: 13-4-5
Race 8: No2 – PURE RHYTHM
Trainer: Michael Stodham – Jockey: Scott Spieth
There’s everything to like about PURE RHYTHM following her notable improvement from debut that saw her chase home Summer Love last time. She’s in a very good spot one off the rail and can outpoint Ever Smart. The latter has almost identical credentials and rates a big threat to the main pick. Any money moving in the direction of newcomer Chacksandbalances could need following.
Prediction: 2-6-13
