The holiday season is fast approaching and this year’s Christmas period promises to provide a good store of racing enjoyment.
Amongst the forthcoming fixtures the Sha Tin meeting on 29 December – which replaces the meeting lost to the weather back in September – will celebrate the 40th anniversary year of Sha Tin racecourse. It will be a very special 40th birthday party.
Our appreciation goes out to all those who will be working hard to make sure our racecourses maintain their usual high standards but, before we look forward, there are some notable stories to reflect on from the last few days.
Conte went into Sunday’s Sha Tin meeting looking a very exciting prospect and the way he dominated some very smart Class 2 rivals in the Lukfook Jewellery Cup (1400m) suggests that he has the potential to make a significant impact in Group races during 2019.
A handful of potential BMW Hong Kong Derby hopefuls were left behind as John Size’s gelding forged clear, but it is very difficult to shine at this level first time out in Hong Kong and last year’s Derby winner Ping Hai Star was only eighth in Class 3 company on the same day in 2017. In short, there is a long way to go before the latest Derby pack reveals itself.
Of course, the other major storyline from Sunday was Zac Purton’s five timer, completed with perfect timing aboard Taking Aim in the last race to take his running total in Hong Kong to 900 winners.
Tonight’s eight-race programme on the All Weather Track will feature the Class 2 Penfold Park Handicap with an extended rating band of 105-80 over 1200m. This is a very competitive race with a fast pace to be set by Fabulous One, Jumbo Luck and Perpetual Treasure.
Fabulous One has come down in the ratings and has a new trainer in Richard Gibson. He has trialled well in the past on this surface but will face pace pressure.
Big Time Baby was a big winner over the track and distance in his last start. The four-year-old should be positioned just off the early pace after jumping from Gate 3 and is a win and place chance.
John Size sends down a solid pair from Conghua in Calculation and Gunnison. Gunnison is in form with a good try earlier this month he is a place chance with Joao Moreira atop. Calculation is a consistent sprinter/miler on the dirt and does not have the early speed of some of the others in here. He will be worse than midfield early and has to try hard to make up ground in the straight.
Fight Hero narrowly missed with a big finish in the Korea Sprint in September on the deep, sandy track in Seoul and is a five-time winner over the surface here. He will go back from his wide draw but will be finding the line late for a top-three place.
Mission Tycoon has always shown a lot of talent and has been freshened up after a lameness issue over five months ago. He trialled extremely well over the track and distance, has the benefit of a good draw and will be midfield or better. He should not be under-estimated as his most recent trial was terrific.
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