Hong Kong Racing
Sha Tin Preview - 20th December 2025
Brett Davis provides exclusive Preview of Sha Tin races.
Rail - C+3 Course
Race 1
#2 GALE SAGA has been racing better than his form suggests and should be considered a strong each way option in the first of the day.With the Happy Valley 1650m and all weather track assignments recently unsuitable a return to the scene of both career wins, whilst dropping in grade, appears ideal.Furthermore, the booking of Maxine Guyon is marked positive following a confidence boosting win in the G1 Hong Kong Vase.
#1 CIRCUIT FERRY and Zac Purton have been the runner's up on three of the last four occasions so they must be included amongst the possible winning hopes.A trial at Conghua in early December was graded satisfactory and interestingly accompanied, either side, by multiple aqua walker and swimming sessions.With freshness both physically and mentally now apparent another strong showing is expected and the wide draw wont be much of concern because he rolls forward.
#6 DOUBLE SHOW made full use of the inside draw to win over this course and trip recently before being scratched prior to his last intended start due to a heart condition.He was then cleared by the stewards following a barrier trial where he raced on speed before finishing under a his own steam via a strong hold.A stable transfer during the off-season break has played a positive role in his recent rise so it wont be a surprise to see him win again.
#7 KA YING POWER was an undefeated 2yo from three starts in Italy before arriving in Hong Kong so an abundance of rating points remain up his sleeve.What he produced to win two starts back over this course and distance was a brief display of the ability he possess and there were legitimate excuses last outing.With the rail a long way out, and an ugly draw in gate 10 to deal with its difficult to predict where he'll end up in the run, but I'd be nervous leaving him out.
#5 DECRELOT trialled well before the season began but come race day he's an unreliable character.When he won, at 36/1, the cheek pieces were applied and he began well to race forward before staying on down the home stretch to win.He then made an abnormal breathing noise at his next attempt before being eased out of the race at Happy Valley over 1650m last start.He's won a trial since under the stewards eye and interestingly the cheek pieces are back on.
Selections : 2,1,6,7,5
R2 - 7,10,12,9,1
R3 - 3,10,5,4,12
R4 - 2,9,5,1,10
Race 5
"THE POK OI CUP"
(Class 4 - 1200m Hcp)
#4 EMBLAZON covered plenty of extra territory first up but was still to good for the opposition in the run to the line.He then gallantly chased home #1 PEJIBAYE after giving him a start before winning his most recent attempt, which was unfortunately declared a no-race following an incident with a riderless horse.He's drawn perfectly today in gate 5 to enjoy the cushy run and with a pull in the weights, over PEJIBAYE, he can turn the result around.
#1 PEJIBAYE found himself in the new stable of Casper Fownes for the start of the season and immediately hit the ground running with a win and narrow defeat.He's a big striding boy with plenty of talent who'll only get better with further experience following regular mistakes when exiting the gates.He's a class 3 horse in the making with plenty of tactical speed so a wide draw with weight shouldn't stop him running well.
#6 MALPENSA is one of the more exciting debutants at the meeting following a handful of improving barrier trials, all of which were under the guidance of Zac Purton.The inside draw provides the ideal position, and rail for guidance, during the early and important hustle and bustle.He remains a work in progress and bumps into a couple of handy customers first time out, but I anticipate he'll hold his own even if he cant challenge for the win.
#8 KA YING RESILIENCE draws low and that'll accommodate his natural gate speed which shall more than likely allow him to lead.With more than a dozen runs now under his belt he's well exposed, so he'll be more than likely vulnerable to a superior turn of foot.Nevertheless, out in front and out of trouble can often be the preferred position.
#10 HAPPY SHOOTER has uninspiring form alongside his name but is worth considering for the wider exotics following a right front tendon injury in late April 2025.He'd performed well in numerous trials previous to the aforementioned issue and has subsequently built up nicely towards today's long awaited return.Market movements are the key to highlighting any potential winning hope.
Selections : 4,1,6,8,10
R6 - 7,8,14,1,3
Race 7
#2 FIT FOR BEAUTY capitalized on the low draw first start by tracking the speed perfectly to the home bend before running on by with 50m to go.The handicapper adjusted him 7 points for that win before drawing a tricky gate at his next run and consequently finding trouble at the start.The effort, despite the slow exit, was fabulous in defeat and as a big strong boy with plenty of scope and strength, he's tipped to adore the additional ground.
#7 SMART FAT CAT was unlucky recently after beginning poorly and then copped a decent Pratt as the field turned for home.He then picked himself up and began to once again build but the established momentum and margin of winner AUDACIOUS SPIRIT held him narrowly at bay.However, he meets him better at the weight here, and likewise the draw, so expect him to be featuring in the finish and potentially even win.
#3 AUDACIUOS SPIRIT was heavily punted in the final moments of betting last start and those who were involved got a decent collect.It'll be a different task this time out with a harsher draw to deal with, although, the minimal rise in weight of just 3lbs makes it an achievable task.You'd fancy Hugh Bowman to play his cards early and potentially drive forward in search of a position outside the lead.
#1 NEZHA won a maiden in New Zealand before relocating to Hong Kong so we know he can gallop.A change of stable a few months back definitely helped the process of acclimatisation because his form is now starting to improve.The outside barrier draw, along with top weight, doesn't really inspire but you'd be brave leaving him out because his final trial and track gallop were great.
#12 AMAZING DUCK attempted to lead throughout recently and almost succeeded after exiting from the inside gate.With barrier 3 to jump from on this occasion, and again no opposing pace, he'll attempt the same tactic with the exact same rider aboard.In his earlier days, he displayed a real talent for dictating in front before kicking strongly for home,so with a run under his belt he can be entertain.
Selections : 2,7,3,1,12
R8 - 4,1,3,5,9
R9 - 2,7,3,4,5
R10 - 7,6,1,2,11
R11 - 5,4,10,8,12
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