Racing this Saturday sees an exciting card at Sha Tin Racecourse which includes the running of ten competitive Handicaps with three races taking place on the All Weather Track. The best bet, value bet and bi-pot must be followed closely.
VALUE BET – TRILLION WIN ridden by A. Badel
BEST BET – GOLD COMET ridden by J. Moreira
Bi-pot: 7,12/2,3,13/8,14/6,7/8,10/5,11
Race 1 – Time: 07:00 Class 5 Handicap – 1650m
Selections: 10/12/3
KA YING BRILLIANCE is better than his moderate last outing when reported to be cut into on his left hind heel. His prior form is attractive and with Purton in the saddle, can bounce back to his best form. VEGA RHYTHM raced in tight quarters last time and still managed to finish well on this track. He is likely to settle just off the pace and should give another good account of himself.
Race 2 – Time: 07:30 Class 4 Handicap – 1200m
Selections: 1/12/8
BLAZE WARRIOR was an impressive debut winner under Moreira. He shoulders top weight in this contest but has plenty scope for improvement and he will be looking to remain unbeaten. SMART WONGCHOY has placed in his last three outings under Badel. He has cracked a better draw and should the top choice fluff his lines, he may be the one to pick up the pieces.
Race 3 – Time: 08:00 Class 5 Handicap – 1400m
Selections: 8/1/5
KWAI CHUNG ELITE was a narrow winner in his last start under Schofield. He remains in Class 5 and it will be no surprise to see him record quick back-to-back wins. SEIZE THE SPIRIT is drawn wide but his last win was with Moreira in the saddle and it is encouraging to see the pair re-united for this contest.
Race 4 – Time: 08:30 Class 4 Handicap – 1650m
Selections: 13/7/5
DRAGON COMMANDER has followed up his most recent win with three runner-up berths. He is drawn wide but on form his next win looks overdue. Teetan jumps aboard and he will give him all the necessary assistance from the saddle. SUPER FAST looked a winner on this track last time. He moved up with intent on that occasion, was only outrun in the latter stages and will be looking to make amends.
Race 5 – Time: 09:00 Class 3 Handicap – 2000m
Selections: 7/12/2
ABOVE finished runner-up over this C&D last time under Hamelin. He has cracked a much better draw and should be able to settle in a bit closer to the pacemakers. MURRAY’S PARTNERS ran on from far back in his last two starts. He is a sort that likes to produce his best run from off the pace and he will be mowing down the frontrunners in the dash down to the wire.
Race 6 – Time: 09:35 Class 4 Handicap – 1400m
Selections: 2/3/13
VICTORY SCHOLARS has placed in his last two outings under Purton. He races off the same mark and looks fairly handicapped once again. He meets the right field today and should find himself in the winner’s enclosure. PURE LEGEND is much better than his two moderate recent efforts. If reproducing his best form he can run into the money.
Race 7 – Time: 10:05 Class 3 Handicap – 1650m
Selections: 8/14/11
GOLD COMET is the best bet on the card. He won his last start on this track easier than the margin suggests and the manner in which he drew off at the finish suggests there is plenty more to come from this individual. It is encouraging that Moreira has kept faith in the ride and the pair should take a ton of beating. UNITE SPIRIT comes in at the bottom of the weights. He placed in this class last time and should be right there at the business end.
Race 8 – Time: 10:35 Class 3 Handicap – 1400m
Selections: 6/7/2
KASI FARASI was given a peach of a ride to win his last start under Piccone. He raced on heels at the 300m and finished strongly up the inside of the track. He takes on stronger rivals and should be up to the task at hand. HORSESAIN BOLT has found one better in his last two starts and races off a slightly better mark today. He will also benefit from Chau’s apprentice claim and should give the top selection a good run for his money.
Race 9 – Time: 11:10 Class 3 Handicap – 1200m
Selections: 10/8/5
DROPS OF GOD followed up his debut victory with a decent effort despite racing three-wide on that occasion. He is a horse that is still on the upgrade and with better luck in running, should take a power of beating. WAR OF COURAGE looked a winner in his last start before being outrun in the final furlong. He has cracked an inside draw and should give another good account of himself.
Race 10 – Time: 11:45 Class 2 Handicap – 1200m
Selections: 11/5/14
TRILLION WIN has placed in his last three outings over this distance. He is a sort that is likely to settle one length off the pace and from his inside draw, definitely represents decent each-way value for Hong Kong racing pundits. MR CROISSANT bounced back to his best form last time. He is drawn wide which is a slight concern but a repeat of that effort should see him finish in the money of the lucky last.
