Sha Tin 17 May 2020

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Race 1

13 Young Glory
4 Enjoyable Success

Race 2

9 Dublin Star
13 Jazz Steed

Race 3

10 Adonis (e/w)
6 Judy’s Star

Race 4

13 Circuit Number One (Best Bet)
14 Wonder Express

Race 5

7 Mighty Power (e/w)
14 Winning Controller

Race 6

9 Diamond Brilliant
12 Zero Hedge

Race 7

8 Cheerful Leader
10 Tung Wah Glory

Race 8

8 Uncle Steve
11 Righteous Doctrine

Race 9

9 Ka Ying Excellent (Next Best)
1 Lobo’s Legend

Race 10

3 Inner Flame
8 Ping Hai Bravo

PA/Bipot might the bet to try; the card setup looks like favourites will be struggling to hit the line. Magic man got poor rides, Zac got a chance with Super Oasis in penultimate race on the back of strong trial over the same distance.
Very unusual to see (appie) Jerry Chau getting 9 rides of the 10 race meeting, seems he is pretty talented and trainers are quite confident in him. Only JM & Teetan got full book of rides.

My best bet is Happy Reunion on Race 4 saddled by Iron Man. Blinkers are on and the rail position suits well front runners. ((Waiting for odds to strike my bet ))

GOOD LUCK

Race 3 Judys Star. Race 5 Chevalier Prince.

John Blance
Hong Kong commentator and racing analyst John Blance provides his selections for all races on Sunday morning's card of flatracing at Sha Tin. Check them out below.

Race 1

Denis Yip is a former Hong Kong champion trainer so clearly knows one end of a horse from another. However, this season has not gone well with only 20 winners at a strike rate of just a paltry four percent. He has always formed a potent combination with Zac Purton, though, and, even in this most fallow of years, his figures when teaming up with the champion jockey read 13 wins from 38 starts. In this race they combine with ex-Irish KING PRINT who was poor over inadequate trips after arriving in Hong Kong but ran 4th at 146/1 when stepped up to 2000 metres two starts ago and ran perfectly well at 1800 last time out. Even from stall nine he should get a decent early position and can get Purton off to a good start. YOUNG GLORY’s record at 2200 metres - a real stamina test by HK standards - reads 1/4/2 and he too can go well.

WIN: 2

SWINGER: 2 and 13

Race 2

The first of two races down the straight 1000 metres is not a strong one and can go to DUBLIN STAR. He has been a beaten favourite on three of his five Hong Kong starts but, although proving expensive to follow, has yet to throw in a real shocker. The opposition does not amount to much here and he should get a nice run just behind the speed. The well drawn GOKO, with ten-pound claimer Jerry Chau aboard, shouldn’t be too far away but is not one to get excited about on a win line.

WIN: 9

SWINGER: 1 and 9

Race 3

FORTUNE HAPPINESS had a great start to the season winning three races on the bounce on the all-weather track, albeit from very advantageous draws. Since then, though, he has not been so lucky at the gates, pulling stalls 12,9 and 11 respectively. Despite this, he has held his form well and gets the chance to show it off from stall two at Sha Tin on Sunday. He does not have much track and distance form, but what he has is perfectly respectable and he has the gate speed to get a lovely position. Judy’s Star is progressing nicely but doesn’t map nearly as well as the selection.

WIN: 2

Race 4

I’m going to take a bit of a punt on the speed map in race number four. ALL WONGCHOY is a very sharp starter at 1200 metres so should have no problem getting a prominent early position here at 1400. Alfie Chan is aboard but, surrounded by experienced jockeys on the other go-forward types, he may be able to tick along at a sensible gallop. On his only try at the trip back in December he was carrying 132lbs and went quicker than last month’s pay cheque in the early stages. With 119lbs to shoulder this time, a slightly more conservative gallop, and also a much better draw, he could give you a good run for your money at a big price. CIRCUIT NUMBER ONE was well positioned by Matthew Poon last time out and should be so again from gate two, while WONDER EXPRESS is a last start winner in class five who has a great chance to follow up in class four from stall one. Purton and Moreira’s mounts, Classic Posh and Heza Beauty respectively, will be prominent in the betting but, for different reasons, don’t look great value.

WIN/PLACE: 5

SWINGER: 5,13 and 14

Race 5

Chevalier Prince will be very popular with punters and there is no doubt his debut was very eye-catching. However, the strength of his finish may have been accentuated by the very strong early gallop and he was rather green when asked to deliver his challenge. At a much better price I prefer the admirably consistent and experienced CASIMIRO. He very rarely runs a bad race at the course and distance and shouldn’t waste the opportunity to go well from stall three. He is also extremely versatile as regards race tempo/set-up. Neil Callan aboard is a positive too. BIG BANG BONG was once rated 87 so is probably a light of former days. That said, he ran very well in his class four debut at Happy Valley a couple of weeks ago and is a threat here from stall seven.

WIN: 10

SWINGER: 1 and 10

Race 6

You won’t get rich backing WAR OF COURAGE, but he is by far the most likely winner of the sixth race on the card. He ran really well against the pace trend over 1200 metres last time out and is a two-time winner down the straight five furlongs. He has also drawn gate 14 so will get first dibs on the golden highway on the stands side rail. DIAMOND BRILLIANT has been expensive to follow at Happy Valley over 1200 but has the tools to do well at this new track and distance.

WIN: 6

SWINGER: 6 and 9

Race 7

The seventh has attracted only a small field and, with no obvious leader, may get a bit tactical. EVER LAUGH has been in good form for a while now and nearly did me a favour at a big price last time out. Gate 9 is tricky, but he should be able to slide into a decent position and has the pleasing trait of always sticking his Gregory Peck out when challenged. A bloke called Purton is on him here. They tell me he is a bit useful. For a win, though, I marginally prefer TUNG WAH GLORY. He has been saddled with terrible draws and wide transits of late, but still managed to defy one of those to win at 1400 here two starts ago and his sustained finishing burst may well be better served by the mile on Sunday. Gate seven is not ideal but, with only ten runners and a long run to the turn, things are not as likely to be as frantic in terms of getting a position and I like his chances.

WIN: 10

SWINGER: 7 and 10

Race 8

Trainer John Size is often renowned for his patient and tender handling of horses when required, but is also not frightened of keeping those that thrive on hard graft up to it. ENRICHMENT seems to be one of those horses. The gelding is having his fifteenth run of the campaign and, whilst not a regular winner, has been extremely consistent. His last two runs have involved trying to overcome Wong Nai Chung Road draws at Happy Valley as well as hand-to-hand combat tussles with his nemesis, Dances With Dragon. A much easier passage awaits here from stall two and there appear to be no signs of this campaign’s exertions taking their toll.

WIN: 4

Race 9

Nothing went right for KA YING EXCELLENT in the run last time out. Usually a good starter, he missed the break, got trapped on heels, was forced three wide and then had to try and close off in a race that favoured the front-runners. As Basil Fawlty may have said, otherwise it was ok. His two runs prior to that at this track and distance were terrific: an enormous second placed finish back in March when on a frantic speed throughout and then easily despatching a subsequent winner two starts ago. He has ticked up to 61 in the ratings, thus allowing him into class three off a light weight and he can take advantage. TAKING AIM should be able to go well from his nice draw and looks good for the swinger.

WIN: 9

SWINGER: 2 and 9

Race 10

PING HAI BRAVO was beaten at a skinny price last time out, but he had a legitimate excuse in that he tried to engage with the freakishly quick sectionals set by Ka Ying Legend. He is better judged on what he did prior to that and, although Moreira has jumped off, Antoine Hamelin, as we have seen, is a more than adequate replacement. YOUNG LEGEND has never been out of the first four at the track and distance and was marooned in totally the wrong part of the track at Happy Valley last time out. With Jerry Chau aboard and third up after his lay-off he should not be too far away.

WIN: 8

SWINGER: 1 and 8

Longshots:

4) ALL WONGCHOY

5) CASIMIRO

Placepot:

5) 1 and 10

6) 6 and 9

7) 7 and 10

4

9) 2 and 9

10) 1 and 8

Karis Teetan is a married man so watch him today for the jockey prize:

Lucky 15
Race 2 Precious Sweeties 12/1
Race 3 Dragon Has Landed 15/1
Race 4 Happy Reunion 33/1
Race 6 War Of Courage 16/10

Anthony Delpech Best Bets

Anthony Delpech is a three-time South African jockey champion, and four-time winner of the Vodacom Durban July. He rode in Hong Kong for five years, winning many races including five Group 1 races.

Sha Tin (Hong Kong)
Sunday 17th May 2020

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Race 4 - 08:30

9 - STUNNING IMPACT (12)
Trainer: P O'Sullivan
Jockey: K Teetan

AD Comments: "Drew bad. Was very unlucky last start. Draw only thing against him."

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Race 5 - 09:00

BEST BET
6 - CHEVALIER PRINCE (4)
Trainer: F C Lor
Jockey: Z Purton

AD Comments: "Very hard to beat. Came from a long way back. Best bet on the card."

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Race 6 - 09:35

6 - WAR OF COURAGE (14)
Trainer: K L Man
Jockey: C Schofield

AD Comments: "Two wins over course and distance. Looks ready to win again."

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Race 7 - 10:05

8 - CHEERFUL LEADER (6)
Trainer: P F Yiu
Jockey: J Moreira

AD Comments: "Unlucky last time. Just stays on. Could go one better."

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Race 8 - 10:35

8 - UNCLE STEVE (4)
Trainer: D J Whyte
Jockey: C Schofield

AD Comments: "Finished well last start. Coming back to form."

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Race 9 - 11:10

1 - LOBO'S LEGEND (2)
Trainer: D E Ferraris
Jockey: K Teetan

AD Comments: "Gets a good draw for a change. Drops down in class. Very hard to beat."

Neil Morrice Tips

Race 1: No4 - ENJOYABLE SUCCESS
Trainer: Michael Chang - Jockey: Antoine Hamelin

With in-form jockey Hamelin on board, ENJOYABLE SUCCESS can notch a first win of the season in an admittedly trappy looking heat. The gelded son of Frankel has been competitive in his last four starts, including a short-head defeat at Happy Valley where he posted his only career win. But today he is well gated to enjoy the run of things. Zac Purton is an eye taking booking for KING PRINT who the Australian rides for the first time. In truth, there’s not much to obviously recommend the five-year-old, but he can only get better for the change. Looking for the lead will be AEROFLASH who has an in form pilot doing the steering from one off the rail, and they can set the rest a target.

Prediction: 4-9-2

Race 2: No9 - DUBLIN STAR
Trainer: Manfred Man - Jockey: Antoine Hamelin

DUBLIN STAR is a rock on whom plenty have perished on one or more of his five starts in Hong Kong. An early equipping of blinkers might have been an ominous sign, but on more than one occasion he’s attracted plenty of support only to fall short. That said, it’s hard to find one to beat him on the book, while unless DR EQ is useful it’s unlikely that one of the newcomers will beat him. If he can turn back the clock, COMFORT LIFE is one that’s capable of having a say, and this one has to be considered.

Prediction: 9-5-4

Race 3: No3 - HAVE FUN TOGETHER
Trainer: Caspar Fownes - Jockey: Jerry Chau

If he can show that a more than 300-day break is no handicap to fitness, HAVE FUN TOGETHER could be the answer with the red hot Jerry Chau taking off 10 lb and looking to make it a third win on only his fifth ride in Hong Kong. The selection was having just a third start for his trainer when opening his account over this course and distance and remains a horse with scope for further improvement. The booking of Joao Moreira for SPEEDY DRAGON takes the eye. This two-time winner hasn’t shown much of late but is back to his winning mark. JUDY’S STAR has found the woodwork on three of his eight races and been breathing down the necks of the main protagonists the last twice. He has it in him to win soon.

Prediction: 3-6-9

Race 4: No4 - HEZA BEAUTY
Trainer: John Size - Jockey: Joao Moreira

This is a good invitation for HEZA BEAUTY to live up to his name with all the boxes ticked for the lightly-raced and unexposed four-year-old. He should find plenty of racing room from his good gate under Moreira, and in each of his four races has shown promise. Also well gated is CLASSIC POSH, who off a light campaign and workable mark should also enjoy the run of the race under Purton. SUPER WINNER takes the prize for sheer consistency, but is on his twelfth attempt without success and may again have to settle for minor pickings.

Prediction: 4-2-11

Race 5: No3 - CASA DE FORCA
Trainer: Tony Cruz - Jockey: Karis Teetan

CHEVALIER PRINCE shaped with a deal of promise when third on debut over 1200 metres, and on this step up in trip is going to attract the lion’s share of the handle. With Purton up and improvement guaranteed he rates the one to beat but for value CASA DE FORCA is just preferred. It’s easy to knock the 18-start maiden who has to circumnavigate most of the field, but he’s got it in him to do well from a dropping mark. BEST FOR YOU goes in by way of two successes here. Antoine Hamelin gelled with him last time and retains the mount.

Prediction: 3-6-9

Race 6: No6 - WAR OF COURAGE
Trainer: Manfred Man - Jockey: Chad Schofield

If hat-trick seeker GOOD VIEW CLARICO has entered the assessor’s grip then this could fall to the game and consistent WAR OF COURAGE. The Declaration Of War gelding counts two successes from his four starts this season and has never been out of the first three in a total of just six career runs. He has built up a fine understanding with his jockey, and the combination look sure to take home a cheque of some kind. DIAMOND BRILLIANT keeps falling short while running well, but with Joao Moreira back in the plate on a first visit to the straight 1000 metres things could easily turn out differently. This looks a race to play confidently around the three horses mentioned.

Prediction: 6-9-11

Race 7: No6 - GIFT OF LIFELINE
Trainer: Tony Millard - Jockey: Chad Schofield

In one of the trickiest races on the card, the value could lie with GIFT OF LIFELINE on the assumption he’s better than his recent stats indicate. He’s been on my radar for his last three starts in which he’s managed just one frame finish but been beaten an aggregate of just three and three-quarter lengths. For consistency it’s hard to fault CHEERFUL LEADER who has taken home a cheque in each of the last seven of his eight career starts but is taking another step up the class ladder. Sure to attract plenty of support is TUNG WAH GLORY, who gets a handy amount of weight from the rest of the field with Karis Teetan in the irons.

Prediction: 6-10-8

Race 8: No4 - ENRICHMENT
Trainer: John Size - Jockey: Antoine Hamelin

Hamelin takes over from Moreira on ENRICHMENT who is struggling to shake of the bridegroom tag. Under the Magic Man he’s finished runner-up on the last two of four occupations of that placing. There is a definite kink in his armour that possibly a new jockey can iron out, and that will need to happen because Moreira hasn’t moved onto BUTTERFIELD for scant reason. The latter had Enrichment well behind when scoring here in early February and has the clear beating of him on the book, but I’m prepared to chance the placings getting turned round as plenty of water has passed under the bridge subsequently. On first start for Ricky Yiu and with Purton up and blinkers added, SUPER OASIS is also well worth inclusion.

Prediction: 4-1-2

Race 9: No2 - TAKING AIM
Trainer: Doug Whyte - Jockey: Zac Purton

I hope it’s more than just gut instinct that Dougie White’s booking of Purton turns out being significant on TAKING AIM. The Choisir gelding debuts for the stable and seeks a first triumph since December 2018. But what makes him tasty is the superb record Purton has on him, consisting of that success and a second to the top class Waikuku early last year from only three mounts on the gelding. Possibly more than for any other runner on the card, the market will provide a good direction. PICKEN is reunited with Moreira for the first time since scoring in late March and needs respecting, while HIGH RISE SOLDIER came back with a genuine bad luck story when getting hampered in his run three weeks ago, meaning he’s also a must include.

Prediction: 2-6-5

Race 10: No3 - INNER FLAME
Trainer: Doug Whyte - Jockey: Joao Moreira

From the rail PRESIDENT’S CHOICE is going to be a popular order in his hat-trick attempt, and as this is just a fifth career start for the Michael Chang-trained gelding he could easily pull it off as he steps into Class 3. He’s there to be shot at, however, and one that could spoil the party is another prolific scorer in INNER FLAME. A wide gate doesn’t help Joao Moreira’s mount but if his howling run when last seen ten weeks ago is forgotten he has a strong argument to bring to the table with three previous successes here. Furthermore, this is only a sixth career outing for the selection, who could have more to offer. At probable longer odds SUPERICH goes in. He gets Purton for a third race in succession and can earn if obtaining racing real estate in the home stretch.

Prediction: 3-11-2

Thanks for updates, first race at 7.00

It appears Karis already has a winner, congratulations.

Race 10 at 11.45 one for Cyril: Presidents Choice.

Race 5 at 9.00
Chevalier Prince is well fancied and well punted

Dave Scott wrote: Race 5 at 9.00
Chevalier Prince is well fancied and well punted

That's what Zac Purton does to you.
Not like him though to run 2nd,usually runs the best bet out the money.

Purton cost us a really nice Double today....... Damn