Hong Kong Racing
Sha Tin Preview -05th April 2026
Brett Davis provides exclusive Preview of Sha Tin races.
Rail - B+2 Course
Race 1
#4 GRACEFUL HEART was purchased at the NZB ready to run sale in 2024 for NZD $400K after winning two of three barrier trials in good fashion.He's since participated in another four Hong Kong trials displaying speed, reliable barrier manners and a lovely straight line action.Finding the sufficient ability to win under geniune race pressure is now the final test but he's expected to cope well.
#1 ALMIGHTY LIGHNTNING justified the short quote on debut to get the money and should be praised for the effort after dealing with early issues.He remains in the grade, draws a similar gate, on a similar track surface, and should therefore be in the hunt with familiarity on his side.Additionally, Zac Purton remains aboard, so the only questionable factors that remain are, can he maintain composure pre-race, before successfully shouldering the weight increase.
#2 SUPER SIXTY has been prepared uniquely for this contest at Sha Tin which is a track he's only competed at on one occasion during his 20 start career.His last month of training has furthermore intruigingly taken place at Conghua, incorporating three barrier trials in quick succession, with no gallops in between.His response has been absolutely fantastic to the demands of trainer Casper Fownes so watch the market closely, because I expect him to be punted.
#14 ENJOY GOLF is one of many speed influences who's dropped along way in the ratings this season and from an outside barrier should be considered.If he finds his way into class 5, he'll be a near on a certainty, but off a light weight with blinkers back on his overall experience and physical maturity gives him a chance. Add to that, recent late support in the betting.
#9 RAPID PHANTOM was purchased in New Zealand for NZD $120K at Karaka in 2024 by his current Hong Kong owners, one of whom is very famous.Although a lack physical maturity has been assessed during his five trials, and a preference for further ground probable, I like the fact he's trialed against quality gallopers, such as KA YING RISING.He possesses nice gate speed, and the 10lb claim for apprentice Nicola Yeun is bound to assist.
Selections : 4,1,2,14,9
R2 - 5,1,2,9,11
R3 - 1,3,8,13,2
R4 - 3,8,2,1,10
R5 - 12,1,3,7,8
R6 - 4,11,8,1,5
Race 7
"THE SPRINT CUP"
(Gp2 - 1200m - Set Weights/Penalties)
#1 KA YING RISING ended season 2024/2025 with a twelfth consecutive victory claiming the Gp1 Chairman's Sprint Prize and Hong Kong "Horse of the Year" title.It was then a memorable performance in THE EVEREST, at Royal Randwick, to first navigate travel/quarantine procedures before wowing a world wide audience with a truly awesome display.Now comfortably back on home soil, and the record of the almighty SILENT WINTNESS achieved, a rare Gp2 challenge, with a weight penalty, and unprecedented 19th consecutive win await.Everything appears normal following a brisk 1000m straight trial win leading up, so with the fingers tightly crossed, it's on with the show.
#2 HELIOS EXPRESS is rated the third best sprinter in Hong Kong behind the all conquering KA YING RISING and four time Gp1 winner LUCKY SWEYNESSE.He's had multiple cracks at KA YING RISING in the past and is yet to measure up to the champ's dominance so it would be ignorant to suggest that'll change.Nevertheless, with his form peaking he should beat home the rest despite coming back in trip to the 1200m, and in the process chase the champ gamely through the final 200m.
#3 RAGING BLIZZARD was thoroughly deserved of his opportunity to compete at International level for the first time in the G1 Hong Kong Sprint last December where he soaked up the harsh mid-race tempo, before closing wonderfully well to grab 2nd behind KA YING RISING.Another career best is predicted today, although it's unlikely to be enough, but he continues racing well and is tipped to fight out the quinella spot with HELIOS EXPRESS.
#4 TOMODACHI KOKOROE set the Sha Tin track alight during the early months of the season with three high calibre wins over the 1200m in fast time.His first attempt at Gp2 level under the set weights/penalties scale quickly sorted him out, as did the G1 HONG KONG sprint.In his defence however, the sectional data he produced when winning the G2 Premier Bowl confirms he's a talent, so expect him to run well.
#5 BEAUTY WAVES is a better 1000m galloper than a six furlong horse which is why he'll struggle late when the hard-core pressure kicks in.With that in mind, he cant be tipped to finish anywhere near the winner but may run a cheeky race up front from the inside draw.His forms bounced back to a competitive level over the past month, so keep him safe for the first 4.
Selections : 1,2,3,4,5
R8 - 6,4,2,10,9,1
Race 9
"THE CHAIRMAN'S TROPHY"
(Gp2 - 1600m - Set Weights/Penalties)
#10 SUNLIGHT POWER has patchy form when you look at the guide but the majority of his efforts this season have been competitive at a high level.When he produces a result, he's always enjoyed a high speed chase from the get go and often positions mid-field, or not much worse.His greatest attribute is a high closing dash, but it only lasts for approximately 250m, so it's important he isn't impeded or forced to sharply change angles or direction in the home straight.He maps to receive most of what he requires today, so lets see what he's got.
#3 LUCKY SWEYNESSE was the undisputed king of Hong Kong's sprinting ranks a few years back.He then returned first up this season with a hard-core chase of KA YING RISING in the Chief Executives Cup which followed on from a long injury forced layoff.Ultra competitive efforts in the G2 Jockey Club Sprint, G1 Hong Kong Sprint, G1 Stewards' Cup and G1 Queen's Silver Jubilee Cup most recently have further confirmed his well-being. If a good warm up on the way to the barriers transpires, he runs a massive race, because he hasn't been this fitness/sound in an extremely long time.
#6 GALAXY PATCH was undefeated first up going into the Gp2 Sha Tin trophy earleir in the season but an average start and traffic congestion, particularly in the home straight, brought that sequence to an end.James McDonald was then upbeat about his prospects leading into the G1 Hong Kong Mile, after winning the Gp2 Jockey Club Mile, but an average beginning made the process to greater task.With the blinkers going back on in the Gp1 Queen's Silver Jubilee last start a polished performance was once again delivered over 1400m, providing confidence for this contest back over the mile.
#8 MY WISH was superb in last seasons 4yo Classic Series where he narrowly tasted defeat in the Hong Kong Classic Cup and Hong Kong Derby, but won the Hong Kong Classic Mile.He possesses excellent tactical speed, is capable of finding under pressure, whilst importantly possessing the ability to break 22.00 seconds through the final 400m.However, he's yet to fully stand up to the demands of a set weights G1 contest, but, he works, trials and applies himself as though one day he can.Another good draw here provides him with an opportunity to run well.
#5 FAST NETWORK underwent throat surgery during the off season break before being sent forward first up over 1400m.The performance was graded strong, considering the cushion in the track and early energy burned, but he was eventually overhauled final strides.He then bounce back with an exciting win down the Sha Tin straight before chasing home KA YING RISING on two occasions for minor results.A win last start over the 1200m in class 1 was a strong piece of work and as a younger animal he raced well over the 1600m at a lower level, however the longer trip remains a little query.
Selections : 10,3,6,8,5
R10 - 8,4,10,5,6
R11 - 10,8,4,6,7
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