As the local racing season starts to slow down, it's time to turn our attention internationally as we welcome Blake Lalor to the team for his preview of Sha Tin in Hong Kong this Saturday evening.
Many Australians love to punt on Hong Kong racing with the prime time racing perfect for Australian audiences, so we hope to be able to bring you Hong Kong racing previews on a more regular basis moving forwards.
Kick on tonight with our Sha Tin preview as Blake brings us his best bet for tonight's Sha Tin racing card.
Sha Tin Racing Tips – Saturday November 12th
Race 1
(10) Superb Capitalist has appeared on the Hong Kong racing scene only very recently but has already given the impression that he’s a very smart 3 year old and has plenty of wins ahead of him during his career. Two dominant displays in his trials implies he’s ready to win 1st up and the booking of Angus Chung to claim 4.5kg means he’ll carry the least weight of the field and 4.5kg less than most of his rivals. Drawn well in gate 3 and expecting the horse to lead making his own luck and proving very hard to beat on debut.
(6) Multisuper was 2nd best of the debutants to my eye. His trials weren’t as glaringly obvious as Superb Capitalist’s but he worked strongly through the line giving the impression he has more to give on race day when asked for a full effort.
(1) Dashing Triumph won on debut in Griffin company last season at big odds. He returned this season finishing near enough to last down the straight but was badly held up in the run to the point where Dylan Mo eased the horse down and was unable to ride him through the finish whatsoever. With more luck here he can make it into the finish.
(11) Joyful Champion was more a place-filler than anything else in the top 4. His return run behind a smart one in Island Golden left more to be desired but he seemed to be slightly lost in a tricky spot behind horses. Maybe with more clear air he’ll be able to find the line.
(10) Superb Capitalist
$2.40 (2 units)
Race 6
(2) Star Contact should be favourite in this race. He was unlucky as were Casa Legend and Marado in their last starts, but unlike the other two, Star Contact won his start prior beating three subsequent winners in Happy Daily, Stunning Impact and Fire Ball. Had he not been poorly held up last time, he’d be much shorter here so I’m taking the value and playing confidently each-way.
As mentioned, (14) Casa Legend was also held up in his latest effort. He was forced to go back from a wide gate but won’t have the same issue this time having drawn well in gate 4. If he settles closer in the run and gets the luck he msised out on last start he’s right in this.
(4) Marado comes out of the same race as Casa Legend last time. Meets that horse 0.5kg worse off now after running a luckless 3rd there. He gets the services of Zac Purton today and is drawn well in gate 5 but may have a task ahead of him to beat home Star Contact and Casa Legend.
(7) Adefill is one for the minors and exotics with Aussie Jye McNeil riding today. Blinkers go on from gate 1 which gives the impression this horse will improve off his recent performances. Hopefully Jye gets some luck and can get on the board at his first meeting in Hong Kong!
(2) Star Contact E/W
$10.00/$3.30 (0.5 unit E/W)
Race 9
(13) Enchanting Ibis comes into this race as the one to beat after running a strong 2nd last time from back in the field. Silvestre De Sousa is aboard again and from gate 7 should be able to settle slightly closer than last time in a race which should have plenty of pace on up front. Under the light weight expect Enchanting Ibis to be finishing over the top of the tiring leaders late.
(4) Lucky Eight returned with a satisfactory performance running 5th but has trialled quite nicely since that run to indicate he’s improved leading up to his 2nd race this preparation. Has to be considered a top chance.
(2) Bundle Of Charm seems to have been a victim of his own successes last season having had to carry too much weight in his runs so far this preparation. He should improve with fitness but finds another race where some of his rivals have significantly less weight to carry than him.
(9) Phoenix Light looks a level below these top 3 but can fill the minors with a soft run from gate 2. His 1st up performance had merit from a wide gate which he won’t have to contend with this time.
(13) Enchanting Ibis to win
$3.10 (1 unit)
