A huge day is in store in Hong Kong with the Classic 4YO series beginning with the Classic Mile at Sha Tin. The Stewards’ Cup line-up is one of the most exciting and intriguing fields Hong Kong has ever seen with three immensely talented gallopers clashing over the mile. We cannot wait for the day to get started and we’ve found a few best bets to follow throughout the day. Check out our Sha Tin racing tips below!
Sha Tin Racing Tips: Sunday January 29th
Race 2
(12) The Multiplier is drawn wide here but overcame that last time to place at e/w odds. He can do the same and potentially win in a race which lacks speed and should allow this horse to cross quite comfortably in the early stages. He’s in consistent form and is a nice price.
(7) Nice Birdie has looked good in his first 2 career runs and should still have significant improvement left in him as he becomes more experienced. That said, he is short for a horse with only 2 career starts.
(10) Sun Of Makfi is a consistent horse over this trip and although he struggles to win regularly, he’s the type that can never be ruled out as he’s always thereabouts.
(12) The Multiplier e/w
$8.00/$2.90 (1 unit)
Race 5
(1) Handsome Twelve is a backable price here after going down in C1 company last start with a bit of bad luck and a heap of stronger opposition than he meets today. Changcheng Prince and Apache Pass would be odds on in a field of this nature and Handsome Twelve has had the measure of C3 company already on two occasions this prep. He should win again.
(2) True Legend was 2nd to Handsome Twelve a few starts ago and should be around the mark again. There doesn’t look to be much pace on up front here so True Legend should find the front and get every chance from that position.
(10) Satirical Glory was a favourite of mine in Australia and hasn’t yet been able to impact racing in Hong Kong but should be able to do so soon as he acclimatises and grows used to the different style of racing.
(1) Handsome Twelve win
$3.4 (2 units)
Race 7
This would have to be the greatest showdown of powerhouse horses I’ve seen in my time watching Hong Kong racing for at least the last 3 years.
(2) Romantic Warrior absolutely demolished every field he contested winning the Classic Mile and Hong Kong Derby in the 4YO series before his peak performance in the Group 1 QEII Cup. He then returned over 2000m to win the Group 2 Jockey Club Cup and then canter across the line in an embarrassing Group 1 Hong Kong Cup win. He’s an absolute star and is no longer on the rise, he’s at the top and in amongst the best of the best. The drop to 1600m here is a query I’m not willing to overlook, but the horse is clearly capable of winning any race he contests.
(3) California Spangle, much the same as Romantic Warrior, began his career winning for fun and working quickly through the grades. He had to settle for a few bridesmaid results behind Romantic Warrior in the 4YO series but pinched the Classic Cup when Romantic Warrior had a few things against him. Since then, California Spangle has progressed to the top tier of milers in Hong Kong with his only 2 defeats coming to Golden Sixty. Last time out, this horse pinched a break in front and was able to beat the champ in Golden Sixty who performed below his usual elite standard. With little pace on in this race, a similar story could unfold. It may be worth observing any obvious track patterns in earlier races to fully determine this horses chances of winning.
Now, the long-standing champion, and current king of horse racing in Hong Kong (1) Golden Sixty returns to take on the Stewards’ Cup, a race which he’s found one of the more difficult Group 1 races to win having been successful by only a head 2 years ago and losing to Waikuku in a major upset last year. I’m not ready to let him go and for the ‘new kids on the block’ to take his place just yet. Golden Sixty was able to complete the 4YO classic series undefeated and went on to complete 2 full racing seasons undefeated from 2019 to 2021. He may be beginning to show signs of weakening but he’s still on top in my eyes and his absolute best cannot be matched. He’ll stalk the speed from gate 2 keeping California Spangle within reach throughout the race. Romantic Warrior will be force to sit one off the rail and will get first crack in the straight but the turn of foot of Golden Sixty when he finds clear air will be too much to handle for this field. All he needs to do is bring his best.
(1) Golden Sixty win
$2.9 (2 units)
