Sweet In Defeat

Sha Tin “mixed” (M25) – Sunday, 2 December 2018


By Hutchi

10/12/2018

Sha Tin had a Turf track presented in GOOD condition with the running rail at the outermost “C+3” position. The All-Weather Track (AWT) was rated GOOD.

 


RACE 1: C5 - 1800m
Course: AWT     Going: GOOD

The all-weather surface was racing fast so the raw times were well inside of standard. So whilst on the clock this win seemed very good, it rated about in line with where it should with some adjustments. Having said that, the winner, Holy Unicorn has won three of four this preparation and may be able to continue the rise if placed in a race on this surface. 

RACE 2: C4 - 1400m
Course: TURF "C+3"     Going: GOOD

It was a well-rated ride in front but a dominant win all the same to Perfect Match who got stronger the further the race went on. His final-200m (11.58) was the eighth-best of the day. This race rated well enough for C3 standards at least. One can make the Sweet In Defeat (SID) file here, Le Terroir, who was having his fourth career start but worked home stylishly from back in the field off a slow tempo. He could be one to follow going forward. 

RACE 3: C4 - 1800M
Course: AWT     Going: GOOD

I don’t think they could’ve gone any slower in front here and not surprsingly, 1-2-3 in the running were the first three home in that order. It was nothing more than a track gallop and not much can be derived from this event. 

RACE 4: C5 - 1200M
Course: AWT     Going: GOOD

A solid early speed and overall but given the fast surface, it was not that quick and this race didn’t end up rating that well. Dragon Warrior resented the kickback and actually still ran well when out of the kickback. He might be one to follow but possibly when racing on the turf. I’m not sure this will be a reliable race going forward.

RACE 5: C4 - 1200M
Course: AWT     Going: GOOD

It was a very good performance here from Happy Tour who demolished his rivals with top-weight, posting the best final-200m after setting a solid speed. He remains in this class and based on these figures will be hard to beat again. One that can make the SID file is I Do, who on debut posted a solid final-400m (22.66) and he has some upside. 

RACE 6: C3 - 1000M
Course: TURF "C+3"     Going: GOOD

This race just rated okay. There is no doubt Refined Treasure who was coming back from a lengthy break and some health issues will strip a lot fitter for the run and he performed well below his best, with room for improvement. Young Legend is on the brink of a drop in grade and his effort was good enough to suggest that when he gets the class drop, he can be competitive.

RACE 7: C4 - 1200M
Course: AWT     Going: GOOD

An even enough tempo given the track condition and once again 1-2-3 in the run were the first three home. The winner Big Party has some upside as he closed the race off well after settling on pace, but he does need to settle a little better. He now competes in a grade higher and I would prefer to see him on this surface again. 

RACE 8: C3 - 1650M
Course: AWT     Going: GOOD

The early pace was quite solid in this event and it set up for the “run ons”. The race should work out well-enough but no one runner stood out in a field of well-exposed gallopers, however, the race did rate quite well.

RACE 9: C2 - 1200M
Course: AWT     Going: GOOD

As one would expect the best rated dirt race of the day was this Class 2 with Big Time Baby stalking a hot speed before being a dominant winner. The negative tactics on Gunnison were costly and his finishing effort was enormous (22.14 final-400m off a fast pace). If he draws a gate and settles a touch closer he can win off this mark over this course and distance. 

RACE 10: C3 - 1400M
Course: TURF "C+3"     Going: GOOD

This event rated the best turf race of the day. There were a number of good runs. Diamond Rhyme improved second-up and he could be even better third-up. Dances With Dragon and Home Run rattled home in good closing sectionals and aren’t far away from a win. No one runner stood out, but the form should stack up well-enough out of this event. 


Sweet In Defeat "Black Bookers"


  • Le Terroir

  • I Do