Hong Kong Racing
Sha Tin Preview - 4th January 2026
Brett Davis provides exclusive Preview of Sha Tin races.
Rail - C Course
Awt - 3,4,9
Race 1
#2 STERLING WONGCHOY has been a solid contributor all season at Happy Valley and now lines up for his first attempt at Sha Tin in some time. Drawn favourably for Hugh Bowman in gate 6 the pair should position ideally on speed or potentially even push hard enough to take up the outright lead. The recent drop into class 5 has him perfectly position to win another race and I fancy the change of venue shall bring it about.
#1 RATTAN GALAXY also found his way into class 5 just recently and judged on what he delivered last start he wont be in this grade for long. That being said, on more than one occasion he's bungled the start and given away vital ground. The cheek pieces go on to improve his focus and likewise Zac Purton, so he should be either winning or finishing extremely close up.
#5 REWARD TWINKLE shall be improved regarding fitness following two efforts over the Happy Valley 1650m which could also be a defining component considering he's just dropped a grade. The low draw should also allow him to position close to the pace whilst giving recent partner Derek Leung the opportunity to conserve energy until the home stretch. The change of venue also appears positive.
#14 THE CONCENTRATION has been the victim of multiple traffic issues and plenty of mistakes this season but remains worthy of consideration. He's draw wide, which is better than drawing low, because from out there he can stay out of bother. His recent track work on the inclined treadmill has continued building strength, so it wont be a surprise if produces an effort good enough to feature.
#7 GALE SAGA has been racing better than his form suggests and should be considered an each way chance in the first of the day. With the Happy Valley 1650m, and all weather assignments recently unsuitable, a return to the scene of both career wins looks a good option. It didn't work out that way last start for Maxine Guyon but Karis Teetan back on it may swing it around.
Selections : 2,1,5,14,7
Race 2
#2 TURQUOISE VELOCITY took his unbeaten trial form to the races on debut and produced a well rounded victory in good time. Track work has since been kept to a comfortable level over the past two weeks with jockey Keith Yeung piloting him through almost every action, outside of swimming. He's now displayed his ability to find under race pressure so it's highly likely he remains unbeaten.
#6 LIVE WIRE completed his first two trials at Conghua/China before returning to Hong Kong to win his only hit-out at Sha Tin. Zac Purton took the reigns on the Doughlas Whyte trainer runner that morning and the only time the two former competitors have linked up this season, they've won. He's a fluent mover with natural speed and shouldn't be overlooked lightly form the outside draw.
#1 SIGHT HERMOSO was noticeably held up on debut before producing a strong closing sectional, and victory, at just his second start. That performance displayed an encouraging ability to deal with mid-race congestion, whilst at the same time offering a substantial turn of foot in order to exit the area. The increase in weight quelled his ability to repeat the dose third up but he's still improving, enjoyed another quiet trial and the pace shall be on here which suits.
#13 CONSPIRATOR was a surprise improver who finished 3rd at over 100/1 recently and this event should be run in similar fashion. The improvement can be attributed to a patient straight line ride because its the first time he's produced any type of race day result. Was it a flash in the pan, only time shall tell, but be mindful of his winning form prior to arrival.
#9 SUPREME VOYAGER is a big hefty unit who's required a lengthy preparation to build the necessary level of fitness to make a start. He's nowhere near the finished product, and on pedigree looking for further, but at the same time gone about his business like a genuine runner. Expect him to produce some encouraging work during the second.
Selections : 2,6,1,13,9
R3 - 12,6,1,2,10
R4 - 1,6,9,10,2
R5 - 3,1,2,7,8
R6 - 2,4,11,10,1
R7 - 2,1,7,6,8
Race 8
"BAUHINIA SPRINT TROPHY"
(Gp3 - 1000m - Hcp)
#6 COLOURFUL KING is still to be fully exposed from a handicap perspective although we did experienced a decent taste of his capabilities when winning last start. The low draw is off-putting, likewise the rise in weight and class, but the ease in which he won for Zac Purton last start was exciting. His racing style of settling back amongst traffic does expose clear passage concerns, but he's difficult to tip against considering the overwhelming muscle recently displayed.
#2 WUNDERBAR could have drawn better for his return to the Sha Tin straight track but after chasing home KA YING RISING at his past couple he's bound to appreciate the lower intensity. With an excellent record over this course and trip and a sharp 800m trial at Conghua recently undertaken he's cheery ripe to return with his natural spark. There'll certainly be attackers challenging when push comes to shove but it's difficult to suggest he wont be batting on until the end.
#4 MAGIC CONTROL missed the start and wasn't suited to the 1200m first up before showing his best to finish 3rd, at Gp3 level, when back to 1000m second up. He was labelled a straight course specialist last season after winning three races in good fashion however results this campaign have been unpredictable. He's drawn unfavourably in gate 3 but difficult to leave out on best figures, especially considering he was beaten narrowly off the same weight in this event last year.
#10 STELLAR EXPRESS has always displayed a liking for straight track racing which even dates back to his first career start/win in France. Since then, nine top 4 finishes from 13 starts highlights his consistency over this course and trip which was topped off by a comprehensive victory last start. The rapid jump from class 3, to Gp3, cannot be confidently assessed but the weight relief and A grade jockey are factors on his side.
#9 CHATEAUNEUF has contested four races since returning from laser surgery for a roaring condition and been very competitive in all. The change of venue, good draw and blinkers going on brought about a victory at Happy Valley two back before an honest contribution over this course and trip last start. He'll need a lift, and a lot to go his way to win, but he's inform and draw the right part of the track.
Selections : 6,2,4,10,9
R9 - 5,1,9,4,7
R10 - 3,5,6,9,12
R11 - 1,10,8,9,4
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