Hong Kong Racing
Sha Tin Preview - 27th December 2025
Brett Davis provides exclusive Preview of Sha Tin races.
Rail - A+3 Position
Awt - 4,7,9
Race 1
#2 SALON S denied a betting drift on debut to get the money in good style following four decent trials.He's since gone back to the all weather for another 1200m hit-out and literally blown the opposition away with a smart all the way victory in fast time.Pedigree outlines his likely desire to appreciate the rise in trip and if he makes no mistakes leaving the gates then he'll be mighty difficult to beat again.
#9 SUPER DRAGON had problems in running on debut before justifying a short quote second up to finish strongly behind all the way winner SALON S.He's a lovely looking son of EXCEED AND EXCEL with races to win but continually makes mistakes every time goes around.He's drawn of the track which doesn't read overly well but conversely has a pull in the weight over the likely favourite.
#1 MOTOR has been freshened up following what appeared to be a below par effort over the 1400m at the end of November in class 3.He'd been super consistent at all outings prior to the aforementioned disappointment and is therefore worthy of respect.I'm not convinced he's a 1400m galloper, so I'm partially sitting on the fence, but if he comes back in trip second up I shall be more than interested.
#3 TURIN CHAMPIONS had clear excuses on debut after being caught off the track throughout.He then ventured to Happy Valley and produced a solid overall performance at his second start whilst finding the line well at the same time.The rise to 1400m appears doable and the draw probably wont matter but he'll need to lift dramatically to win.
#14 JUST FOLLOW ME is hard to be confident with now he's been declared a roarer but there is a sizeable engine hidden beneath his bonnet.A fast closing fifth on debut, as a griffin, would've ignited excitement for connections after he gave away a decent amount of ground at the start.Nothing has really worked out for him since so he maybe the runner at value to pop up.
Selections : 2,9,1,3,14
R2 - 10,2,3,12,8
R3 - 3,4,5,6,2
R4 - 1,3,7,6,9
Race 5
#1 PACKING PHOENIX arrived at the races for his much anticipated debut at the end of September and didn't let his supporters down.It was obvious, before he even arrived, that he was a talented individual and he's only going to improve with racing.He's got speed, he's got size and a huge amount of upside, despite two recent defeats, so it's difficult to imagine him out of the finishing frame.
#9 LEADING AGILITY began ordinarily from gate 11 on debut but made up significant ground in the final run down the home stretch.Furthermore, he produced that performance of the back of two 800m trials suggesting he's a natural born runner with much better results on the rise.I also like the fact he's being prepared at the Conghua training complex because he's a flighty type.
#6 CLOUD NINE makes his debut under the care of leading trainer Mark Newnham following three barrier trials with Luke Ferraris firmly atop.He's physically robust, and gifted with early acceleration which has been evident during the final two, of his three barrier trials.What he's got at the pointy end remains to be seen but I'm tipping there'll be energy available.
#12 BROWNNEEDSFURTHER is capable of running well from this low draw provided he drops his head.He pulled badly at his last outing and has done so again at trackwork during the week but ability is there if he can calmly stay in focus.The cheek pieces are now off, and a tongue tie goes on so lets see whether that assists.
#8 GRAND MASTERMIND has only been in work since August 20th but he's ready to run a reasonable race first start.He's now trialled on four separate occasions and although they haven't been dazzling they have indicated ability, size and scope.Hugh Bowman has been aboard on four occasions during track work over the past 12 days and prior, Zac Purton was aboard for two trials.
Selections : 1,9,6,12,8
R6 - 1,4,9,5,2
R7 - 8,12,14,9,5
R8 - 4,3,2,1,6
R9 - 8,5,1,13,4
Race 10
#5 SZERYNG was unable to be fully released in time by Zac Purton the last time he raced which was a horror watch for those who happened to be on.A trip to the trials on two separate occasions has since taken place and he's now perfectly prepared to go back to the races, and atone.The wide ugly draw makes it look difficult on paper, that's for sure, but from out there traffic shouldn't be an issue.
#9 GREATER BAE is the undisclosed talent who may inflict a result during his Sha Tin debut following an eye-catching run at Happy Valley first up.The former Australian won his maiden by a big space at Port MacQuarrie under the care of Kris Lee's before jetting off to Hong Kong with the 4yo Classic Series in mind.He'll need to improve on his first half, because he couldn't keep up first up, but there's a venomous turn of foot to his finishing attack.
#6 STORMY GROVE is a sizeable unit with scope in hand following two encouraging performances in Australia before arrival, and two solid runs in Hong Kong.At over 1200lbs, more racing is the key to him building a fitness base strong enough to step up in trip, which in time is where he'll be most affective.He's one of a handful in this event also chasing the "Private Purchase" bonus, plus, the required handicap rating to access the 4yo classic series.
#13 FIND MY LOVE on face value would be better suited to the drop back into class 4 but can't be omitted from selections.His runner-up finish two back behind Mr DESIRA at Happy Valley, with 135lbs, rated the best he's gone in a while and was followed up by a luckless effort last start.Barrier one may pose as a risk returning to Sha Tin but you'll get an each way price if your interested.
#4 PRESTIGE ALWAYS is entitled to a position in the tips following two hard fought minor placings at Happy Valley recently where things didn't really go his way.The low draw also provides him with the option to race forward of the median speed which then hands him a handy mid-race margin over most.He runs another honest race thereafter, despite the above average depth of this contest.
Selections : 5,9,6,13,4
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