Sha Tin Preview

R1 – L’Oreal Paris Handicap 1400M C5

No fewer than five class-droppers in the field – Diamond Forever, Good View Glory, Noble One, Super Contented, and finally my selection, ONE HEART ONE, for David Hayes. Yet to win in 10 starts, the son of Burgundy has performed well in better company and shaped nicely in recent trials. Karis Teetan takes the reins from the 10 barrier. Of the others Noble One is generally thereabouts in his races and steps up to 1400M for the first time. Casa Legend is 0-17 but his turn is coming. With Hugh Bowman suspended, Zac Purton takes over on the son of Tavistock. Gate 14 is the negative.

RACE TWO – Grace One Handicap 1200M C4

Watch your ‘Awesome’ bets in this one. Lyle Hewitson, onboard Awesome Treasure for his seasonal debut second, returns to the fold after Zac Purton took the reins last month. The Charm Spirit gelding is respected but a 1-20 strike-rate puts me off. Preference goes to ALWAYS AWESOME for David Hall. He showed promise last season and caught the eye when fifth to Sparkling Dolphin on his return. I like his chance from an each way angle but the main vote goes to JOYFUL LIFE, a son of Swiss Ace making his debut for Ricky Yiu. Recent barrier trials have been impressive and he looks primed for a big effort.

RACE THREE – Kate Tokyo Handicap 1000M C4

This looked ‘Mission Impossible’ in my opinion. Newcomer’s Parents’ Love and Sterling Wonchoy look interesting for respective trainer’s, Tony Cruz and Douglas Whyte. Universal Pursuit was a tad disappointing last time but had previously caught the eye over C&D. Blinkers replace cheek-pieces on Multisuper following his second place to Summit Cheers. The vote goes to HONG KONG HALL, a winner on his final start of last season. He returns to the minimum trip and Luke Ferraris takes the reins for the first time. Gate 14 (outside rail) isn’t a negative and recent barrier trials have been encouraging.

RACE FOUR – Canmake Tokyo Handicap 1600M C4

I’ll keep this short – AESTHETICISM (Best Bet) has ran well every start this season and Zac Purton gets the gig for the first time.

RACE FIVE – Eleanor Handicap 1600M C2

This is where I take a ‘left field’ pick with POWERFUL WINGS for Ricky Yiu. The son of Kingman has yet to fire this term, but hit a seam of form at the end of last season and Andrea Atzeni is an interesting booking, given his double for the trainer last weekend, courtesy of Precise Express and Golden Artie. From gate 5 the selection is ideally berthed in a competitive event.

RACE SIX – La Colline Handicap 1400M C4

Another wide open heat with NATURAL GOLD taken to hit the target. Trainer, Douglas Whyte, in sparkling form on Wednesday, retains the services of Keagan De Melo after an encouraging sixth to Noble Pursuit last month.

RACE SEVEN – Sa Sa Ladies’ Purse (G3 H’Cap)

A cracking renewal with last year’s winner, Money Catcher, facing a significantly tougher task off a 20Ib higher mark. Super Sunny Sing will be a warm order, having won a competitive event last start. A revelation last season, he saluted four times culminating in the Hong Kong Classic Cup. Zac Purton rides the tough and consistent, Running Glory but my focus also rests on the Caspar Fownes’ pair, Senor Toba and STRAIGHT ARRON (Each Way), ridden by the excellent Lyle Hewitson. The latter caught my eye in last month’s Sha Tin Trophy under Harry Bentley, and was never as impressive as when tackling this trip last season with two victories.

RACE EIGHT – Suisse Programme H’Cap 1400M C4

BEATO (Next Best) has yet to salute in 8 local starts but that can change on Sunday. The son of Tavistock was unlucky on his comeback, slightly disappointing latest, but reunited with Angus Chung from an excellent barrier.

RACE NINE – La Estephe Handicap 1200M C3

GREENWICH receives weight from all and looks capable of winning under Alexis Badel. The War Decree gelding ran a blinder from gate 14 last time, and from barrier 3, can gain compensation. My second dart at the prize lands on GLOBAL HARMONY for David Hayes.Recent trials have been excellent and he finished second last time in a race that’s producing winner’s this season, in Outgate, Self Improvement, O’Liner and Packing Bole. Karis Teetan keeps the faith.

RACE TEN – Neogence Handicap 1400M C3

Harry Bentley has been pivotal to Blue Marlin’s progress, so with no disrespect to the excellent Matthew Chadwick, his 11th hour absence is a concern. Preference goes to fellow hat-trick seeking, YELLOWFIN, for Francis Lui. For those seeking a value alternative, I like the prospects of Circuit Mighty under Andrea Atzeni.