Sha Tin – Sunday 20 November 2022
Sight Spirit – Race 3
It was a complete horror watch for backers of this guy. He was held up badly when straightening until the 300m mark where he attempted to get out where he bumped eventual place-getter Rise Brethren (who would have gone close if he didn’t cop that bump). Sight Spirit was then held up again until the 150m and was unable to be fully tested. He will be winning soon.
Rocket Spade – Race 10
This horse had promised so much since coming to Hong Kong and delivered very little. He came from near last in this race before really hitting the line nicely, finishing 1.5 lengths off the eventual winner in Good Buddy. This has been his best run since coming to Hong Kong and it coincides with the fact he was gelded in June. Follow him this preparation, he will be winning.
Happy Valley – Sunday 30 October 2022
Wonder Years – Race 3
He was stuck wide and made a long searching run, yet somehow, was sticking kicking at the end of 1800m, to finish three lengths back in fifth. He is the type of horse who needs to make a long sustained run and is probably already looking for 2000m+. With the right draw, he could surprise a few.
Cobhfield – Race 10
This bloke stepped back to 1200m for the first time since coming to Hong Kong and he showed just how much he loved it, with a massive run, finishing a two-length second to Street Scream in the last. That was also his first attempt at Happy Valley, so all in all, it was a fantastic run. I would love for him to stay at Happy Valley next start over with 1200m or 1400m.
Sha Tin – Sunday 16 October 2022
Sky Gem (Race 2)
He was amazing here third-up despite everything that went against him for this race. He drew a poor barrier and they decided to steady him up in the early stages to try and obtain cover but it failed and by the 1100m mark, he was left racing wide without cover, but still managed to keep kicking over the concluding stages to finish 0.75 of a length off the winner in fourth. He needs another 2000m+ race with a nice draw.
Beauty Joy (Race 8)
Another horse who copped no luck whatsoever in the run but still ran admirably in his first up attempt. He shifted in around the 1400m mark before Luke Currie directed him out, which caused him to over-race throughout and travel wide without cover for the remainder of the event. He already had a poor draw but then to race without cover and still fight hard until the final furlong is a tremendous effort. Follow him this preparation.
Sha Tin – Sunday 25 September 2022
Super Sunny Sing (Race 7)
Three race starts so far and he is yet to draw a single digit draw. Even though he has made it work over his last two, you have to think how good he might be with a decent draw. He drew 12/12 on the weekend, settled at the rear of the field, and come home nicely to finish 2.2 lengths off the winner in fourth. Put him in the blackbook and if he can draw a gate here at Sha Tin, it will be go time.
Captain Win (Race 9)
Another who has had no luck with barriers. His last five runs he has drawn double-digit gates with this run included, where he drew 12/14. The winner got the nice run throughout whereas this bloke didn’t, but he managed to cut the margin down to a length on the line with a big weight. Like the other runner blackbooked today, when he draws a gate, it’s go time.
Sha Tin – Sunday 19 September 2022
Towards Success (Race 2)
I know this is a Class 5 runner, but I didn’t mind his run in behind the winner. Despite finishing four lengths back in third, he ended up having to give the rest of the field a start when they decided to drop him back from the outside barrier. Karis Teetan took the shortcuts and finished off the race well, possibly looking for a mile now or at least another run over the 1400m. If he can get another run in this grade with a nice draw, I am sure he is one that can run well again and hopefully get his maiden victory.
Bundle of Charm (Race 7)
Following his 4.8-length win at the end of last season, this bloke had to step up in grade fresh whilst having to carry almost as much as he did in a weaker grade. He led them up and looked the winner for a long way before he just got too tired and faded for a 1.5-length fifth. He will be winning again soon, as he builds fitness so pop him in your blackbooks because he should win one soon in Class 3 before possibly moving up into Class 2.
Kasa Papa (Race 10) & Master Hero (Race 10)
I want to lock in two from the last race. Kasa Papa was unlucky and got restricted in room late, which hindered his chance of winning. He was flying late and will only improve as we have seen on his return for his second preparation in Hong Kong. His Australian stats have him better at a mile and 2000m, so anywhere from 1400m+ is going to be good for him and he will be winning a couple this preparation. Master Hero ran a solid fourth whilst being wide without cover. Whilst he remains down in the weights in this grade, he can win another race soon providing he gets a nice draw.