Hong Kong Racing
Sha Tin Preview 09th December 2025
Brett Davis provides exclusive Preview of Sha Tin races.
Rail - C+3 Course
Race 1
#3 PERFECT PEACH was superbly ridden by Zac Purton on opening day, and again last start, and now holds the strongest form line in the event.Class 5 gallopers, as we know, have the inclination to vary there level of output regularly so stepping into a short quote maybe a touch risky. Nevertheless, he's trained on well and the Michael Chang stable has begun the season in excellent form so he remains the most difficult to oppose.
#2 CELESTIAL HARMONY arrived to Hong Kong a two time winner from country Victoria/Australia and should make an impression with the 7lb apprentice to ride.That was the case in a similar scenario last start where he, for the first time, push forward in search of the lead.With that in mind, it's predicted he'll race forward again while coming back in trip to 1600m could be the key.
#4 PANDA LEGEND is a lightly raced 7yo who's unfortunately suffered multiple leg injuries throughout his career.He won a race in class 4 over 1400m impressively two seasons back before injury got in the way.He then found his way into class 5 at the tail end of last term with better movement and minor results following.He's been honest in defeat at both runs back and should go better up in trip.
#1 ONLY U has provided enough evidence so far this season to suggest he can win a race over the Sha Tin 1600m.Trainer Brett Crawford only took over the training of this lowly rated galloper during the off-season break but has him racing with plenty of grunt and enthusiasm. All three efforts this preparation over 1400m have been solid, and he's ready to win, but barrier 14 looks the leveller.
#13 GANGNAM STAR has produced two encouraging efforts this campaign and should be included in the exotics.He's given the impression 1600m is within his range following the two referenced runs and I like the booking of Karis Teetan.Granted, he'll need a good speed on and plenty to go right in the straight but he is moving the best I've seen in a while.
Selections : 3,2,4,1,13
R2 - 2,3,10,11,14
Race 3
#12 THE CONCENTRATION has suffered interference at all three outings this preparation over 1200m and is worthy of playing win/place.He's draw to gain the perfect run from gate six and the predicted solid speed to chase shall have him positioned to launch as they turn for home.His recent work on the inclined treadmill has built up his strength so I'm expecting him to find the line with intent.
#1 CIRCUIT FIERY brought up a third consecutive 2nd place last start over this course and trip after fellow candidate DECRELOT wore him down to win.He meets that opponent slightly better at the weights today whilst also enjoying a more favourable barrier draw.There probably won't be much in it again between the two rivals, with perhaps the best ride deciding the result either way.
#7 MY FLYING ANGEL is the perfect example of how class 5 gallopers mix there form following an outstanding win first up, then a common effort last start.Admittedly, the sectionals of the final 800m last stat weren't fast enough to reproduce that sparkling turn of foot, so we now know the key to his comfort.Whether that falls his way this afternoon can only be determined mid-race but he's too dangerous to overlook or leave out.
#8 DECRELOT had trialled well on more than one occasion before the season began so it wasn't a surprise to see him rally in the stretch 2nd up and win.He raises 5lb in weight this time out but draws better in gate two so if he backs up that effort he'll be in the finish again.However, there are whispers around to suggest he may be capable of even better so he should be included in all plays.
#11 DOUBLE SHOW recently brought up his third career win, and the fourth win for new South African trainer Brett Crawford.With a win-strike rate of 14.8% its been an excellent start for Brett Crawford, with only the leader in the Trainers Championship Mark Newnham bettering at 16.9%.The win also displayed the required leeway to win another race in quick succession, but, in class 5 it's uncommon.
Selections : 12,1,7,8,11
R4 - 8,3,10,6,5
R5 - 2,5,4,1,11
R6 - 1,4,8,7,9
Race 7
"SASA LADIES PURSE"
(Gp3 - 1800m - Hcp)
#8 MASSIVE SOVEREIGN made his long awaited return following surgery to his left hind fetlock and performed particularly well, all considered, in the Panasonic Cup.The 2024 Hong Kong Derby winner had trialled up nicely leading into his first up performance with his body weight accurately suggesting he'd run well.The big picture would see him ultimately at his peak sometime in December, but with a stack of class and trainer David Eustace keeping him fresh in the lead up to his second run back, he can go close.
#4 CAP FERRAT finished off last season with consistency at the highest level after winning the Hong Kong Derby in March.He then enjoyed a solid block of work leading into his seasonal return but was inconvenienced and disadvantaged by the low barrier draw in gate 3.Youth remains on his side, along with all the necessary attributes to make it big, so I'm confident he'll bounce back strongly second up, particularly now Zac Purton jumps aboard.
#3 HAPPY TOGETHER found his best form in a long time at the end of last season and despite the rise in weight deserves to be strongly considered.He should secure an excellent position in running from barrier six and the return of Alexis Badel to the saddle, along with his soft hands, is considered a major plus.The hood also goes back on to keep him relaxed and the rise in distance to 1800m is a strategy that's worked nicely before.
#12 PRAY FOR MIR won his first attempt in G3 company towards the end of last season and is going to appreciate the rise in distance after two runs over 1400m.He shouldered a big weight first up and did plenty of the heavy lifting before a similar scenario unfolded last start.He'll require a touch of luck through the first 200m to find the lead and his rhythm, but with less pressure early on, and weight, he should stick on better.
#11 BUNDLE AWARD has handled most things thrown at him by trainer John Size and you can pretty much guarantee he'll be better following a first up run.The wide draw is generally no concern because he likes to get back but he shall need luck, and speed on, to pick up quickly enough in the home straight.It's a race we'll learn plenty from going forward to the bigger events in the next few months, and I fancy this guy is capable of elevating his rating higher.
Selections : 8,4,3,12,11
R8 - 3,11,10,1,6
R9 - 2,13,4,11,14
R10 - 11,2,12,14,9
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