Hong Kong Racing
Sha Tin Preview - 15th March 2026
Brett Davis provides exclusive Preview of Sha Tin races.
Rail - C+3 Course
Awt - 1,5,8
Race 1
#12 PHANTOM CYCLONE closed of well recently on this surface after travelling wide throughout. It's the second time, in the last six weeks, that he's made headway racing on the dirt and for that reason should be entertained as a genuine winning chance. Furthermore, he draws a favourable barrier this time around which is something he hasn't had since he began to improve. After arriving from New Zealand off a rating of 64 points, he's found a winnable race.
#7 FAMILY FORTUNE found the 1800m a fraction out of his range last start but can make up for that performance with a better result here on dirt. Leading trainer Casper Fownes has booked the highly sort after skills of young Irish jockey Dylan McMonagle and the pair have landed the perfect draw. There's a distinct possibility that BRILLIANT FIRE could attempt to lead this race at a seriously fast pace, so the key is a mid-field, or better position, early on.
#1 CELESTIAL HARMONY won first up for the new stable of Brett Crawford over this course and trip and has since won a barrier trial at Conghua leading into this event. He remains in the grade and can offset the wide draw by racing forward but the 6lbs increase may come into play. Nevertheless, he arrived in Hong Kong off a rating of 65 handicap points, so now he's come good, he can't be disrespected in this garde.
#9 MEEPMEEP draws perfectly in gate 1 which is the best starting position he's had in a long time. He's well-placed returning to the 1650m of the all-weather track and the booking of Hugh Bowman can only be graded positive. It's more than likely he'll be forced to settle mid-filed in traffic, which means he'll need luck, but if he drags into the race unimpeded approaching the home turn, he should go close.
#2 COURIER MAGIC has enjoyed a solid campaign from only a handful of starts and a mid-season freshen up has him poised and ready to strike.
With a win in the higher grade of class 4 under his belt he's well placed to take care of the opposition on offer here in class 5. Granted, it's been a while since he's won but a quite trial with race day rider Jerry Chau on board leading in displayed him in a good head space.
Selections : 12,7,1,9,2
R2 - 9,3,7,6,8
R3 - 5,1,10,11,2
Race 4
#4 HAPPY BRETHREN was in commission on debut following a positive lead up but made an error leaving the starting stalls and lost ground. In review, it arguably cost him victory as the remainder of his participation was graded excellent. He'll be better for the experience and has galloped well since so he must be given the opportunity to atone and turn the result completely around.
#1 NYX GLUCK has levelled out under the weight at the top of class 4 but it's difficult to fault his attitude. At his only victory, James McDonald made zero errors, after exiting from gate one, and the pair thereafter travelled perfectly throughout before racing clear to score. The shadow role off, and decision to come back in trip appears a good option this time out, elevating his potential to find the line hard.
#10 ALABAMA SONG hasn't achieved much after winning his only race in griffin company last season but recently displayed signs that he's on his way back. There was plenty to admire about the way he won his second career start after giving away ground early on, before finding the line with ability and force. He's drawn to box seat, which follows a solid contribution last start, and this stable must be respected.
#3 FLYING SNIPER has drawn well for his racecourse debut after participating in three barrier trials during February, two of which Zac Purton rode. He possesses speed and should be able to position reasonably handy in the run with his pedigree suggesting hell be even better over further ground. What he's got to offer under full pressure first-up remains to be seen but he's expected to feature.
#12 COME FAST FAY FAY produced an excellent performance when dropping into class 5 for the first time on January 1st, before barrier 13 made it too difficult behind subsequent winner SHOTGUN. He then overcame early bother, a stop start affair and checkered passage through the final 600m to hit the line strongly last start and win. The wide draw/upgrade are challenging, but he's racing well, drops in weight and the clock say's include.
Selections : 4,1,10,3,12
R5 - 7,5,4,13,10
R6 - 5,12,10,9,6
R7 - 2,4,1,7,10
R8 - 7,1,4,3,11
R9 - 5,1,6,2,10
R10 - 3,4,2,9,7
Race 11
#7 FIT FOR BEAUTY capitalized on the low draw first start by tracking the speed perfectly to the home bend before running away with 50m to go. He then won over 1600m with top weight in what could be described as a hearty professional display. He's since had legitimate excuses on both occasions after arriving in class 3 and returns to the 1400m today, which is the preferred distance. Draw and jockey match up nicely so expected him to run a strong race.
#8 GHORGAN has been peppering away all season and appears close to landing his first Hong Kong win after arriving G3 placed in Germany, Italy and France. Now 16 points lower than his arrival handicap rating, he only requires a touch of luck from the wide draw, and he'll be collecting the sizable "Private Purchase Bonus" that awaits. It'll come down to decisions made during the first 400m as to whether he wins but whatever the case, he won't be finishing faraway.
#2 MIGHTY MASTS ran enormously well over the 1400m two back before being ridden upside down last start when stepping to the mile for the first time. With the cross-over nose band now going on expect him to be ridden more conservative during the first half before finishing with strong winnable power. He has the engine capacity to go much higher in the ratings so he must be given the benefit of doubt.
#11 PACKING GLORY is smart son of sire HARRY ANGEL and should be included in calculations. He drew the worst part of the track for his career debut but produced a ripping finish down the Sha Tin straight to defeat progressive galloper SIGHT HERMOSO. There's plenty of variables here going to 1400m for the first time, but closing sectional data combined with the light weight, and good draw, predict a positive result.
#1 RIDING TOGETHER was superbly rated in front last start after crossing the field early from the outside barrier and got the money at a big price. With another wide draw to deal with here, and a 9lbs increase at the weights, it won't be as easier to find the line in front again whilst making it back-to-back. However, the lack of gate speed rivals can make for a case of Déjà vu, at least for the first three parts.
Selections : 7,8,2,11,1
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