Sweet In Defeat
Sha Tin (M21) – Sunday, 18 November 2018
By Hutchi
25/11/2018
Sha Tin had a turf track presented in GOOD condition with the running rail set in the “B” position for Jockey Club “trial” day. The all-weather track was also rated GOOD.
It was a day that saw two track records set in two of the Group 2 events courtesy of sizzling early fractions set.
RACE 1: C4 - 1200m
Course: TURF "B" Going: GOOD
This was a big win from Charizard and whilst the race ovreall didn’t rate anything special, he posted the best final-400m (21.81) of the day and he could be something special. The winner was too good against the steady tempo, but Happy Warrior also ran well. I will be sticking with Charizard who has a bright future.
RACE 2: C4 - 1650m
Course: AWT Going: GOOD
A solid first 800m was run here, but most of those on-pace still figured, so I am assuming it was a dirt track favouring those near the speed. From that perspective, Good Fit and Righteous Mate were both sound runs and can acquit themselves well on a fairer surface.
RACE 3: C3 - 1650M
Course: AWT Going: GOOD
They ran a slow first-800m here which enhances the win of Elusive State. He is 3/3 for popular South African-trainer Tony Millard and if he strikes another dirt race in this grade, he will win again. The race rated just okay overall and there wasn’t much to take from it outside of Elusive State.
RACE 4: C3 - 1000M
Course: TURF "B" Going: GOOD
It was a solid win by Styling City who continues to race well, although the overall race rated just fair. There was an eye-catching performance from Racing Fighter (by Mastercraftsman) who hit the line very well (11.35 final-200m) and might be better suited over further according to his pedigree. He wont be 100-1 next time and makes the SID file.
RACE 5: C2 - 1800M
Course: TURF "B" Going: GOOD
This was a very solid win by Harmony Victory who defied the race pattern with a slow first half before the pace picked up from the 800m. His final-200m (11.19) was the second-best of the day, and it was an exceptional win. This fellow is going to be a major contender for the HK Derby this season.
RACE 6: Group Two - 1600M
Course: TURF "B" Going: GOOD
The early pace was suicidal here and it was an incredible win to Beauty Generation who has all the local milers covered. Even though he stayed out of the early burn he still sustained a big sprint when he did move around them and it will take something special to beat him in HKIR. As you’d expect, this race rated through the roof.
RACE 7: Group Two - 2000M
Course: TURF "B" Going: GOOD
A brutal and ridiculous early tempo was set during this race – simply farcical. Obviously the race rated very highly with the extremely fast pace but a similar tempo in the future would be highly unlikely. That being said, it was a solid win by Eagle Way, however, I’m not sure how much of a guide this was going forward to the HKIR Cup and Vase as it’s hard to imagine either being run even remotely the same.
RACE 8: Group Two - 1200M
Course: TURF "B" Going: GOOD
Hot King Prawn attained a relatively soft lead which meant he was going to be hard to beat with some easy fractions set throughout the first-800m. Mr Stunning was three-wide without cover (after getting shunted out there) and excellent in defeat, he is on target to take some beating in the HKIR sprint. Winner’s Way was also very good in defeat and might be a good value chance in the right race in the next month.
RACE 9: C2 - 1200M
Course: TURF "B" Going: GOOD
This race didn’t rate overly special for the grade on the back of an even tempo, however, the powerful finish of Raging Storm was noteworthy. He produced the fifth-best final-400m (22.11) of the meeting and seems best when ridden with some patience. Lone Eagle, an Australian import, hit the line quite well and might be one to keep an eye on moving forward.
RACE 10: C3 - 1400M
Course: TURF "B" Going: GOOD
A solid tempo ensured this was a reasonably good race by C3 standards and it was a dominant win by Noble Steed. Nicconi Express was making his Hong Kong debut, he sat close enough to a good tempo and was brave finishing second. He makes the SID file and with natural improvement should be hard to beat when he next steps out.
Sweet In Defeat "Black Bookers"
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Racing Fighter
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Harmony Victory
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Nicconi Express