Hong Kong Racing
Sha Tin Preview - 11th January 2026
Brett Davis provides exclusive Preview of Sha Tin races.
Rail - C+3 Course
Race 1
#2 I P O BROS has produced his two best results over the past month which is a good sign that he's settled into the change of scenery.The former Singapore galloper was a two time winner before transitioning to Hong Kong and at his best placed 2nd in the 3yo Gp3 Singapore Sprint.After drawing the outside barrier his past two runs the low draw here produces an excellent opportunity to get amongst the finish, and he's extremely well rated.
#1 SNOWTHORN has displayed a strong ability to run fast sectionals for a large portion of the 1200m races contested recently and today drops into class 5 for the first time.The blinkers coming off should allow Zac Purton, who jumps aboard, to control the situation more favourably on speed, which'll go along way to finding the line in front.There's a couple of quick opponents who could make the task more challenging, but handling that scenario is the man behind the wheel.
#6 MY FLYING ANGEL is the perfect example of a class 5 galloper after producing an extraordinary win first up over the 1400m.On that occasion, he reeled off an outstanding final 400m of 22.45 to blast his way between runners and win running away, but since hasn't reproduce any where near that level of output.Reverting back in trip to the 1200m for the first time should invite a hard core speed throughout, and if he happens to respond accordingly, he can win.
#3 KING ALLOY draws inside SNOWTHORN but the pair are expected to ignite the clock early whilst crossing the field to lead from wide out.Furthermore, nothing drawn underneath the pair has displayed consistent sectional time to suggest they can kick through to hold them out.A recent trial victory on the all weather with race day rider Richard Kingscote aboard was a strong indication that he's primed to run well.
#5 MAJESTIC DELIGHT was specked in the betting at his most recent assignment and it wasn't the first time he's been the subject of monetary confidence.He's tactically versatile, from what's been witnessed, but most effective when ridden with patience.The wide draw therefore in theory means he'll have the room in the stretch to close off unimpeded, and that brings him into the finish.Additionally, the jockey and trainer are in form.
Selections : 2,1,6,3,5
R2 - 1,11,5,6,12
R3 - 1,9,3,8,2
R4 - 5,1,11,14,2
R5 - 1,6,5,9,2
Race 6
#10 VOLCANIC SPARK has reached the peak of his preparation following a fast finishing second recently over the 2000m behind YIU CHENG GLORY.He reopposes that runner better at the weights today and should be suited by the quicker tempo which shall be actioned via the reduction in distance.The final 400m burst he produced last start was one of the better sectionals across the day so expect him to be difficult to hold out with Maxine Guyon atop.
#3 LUCK IS BACK is the intriguing runner of the day based on his 3yo form in Brazil where he was unbeaten from 4 starts, with his final two wins at Gp1 level.The handicappers rated him 80 points when arriving two seasons ago and admittedly it hasn't quite worked out as connections would have merely hoped.However, now 25 points lower in the handicap, plus form and fluency beginning to return he might just be the ratings special of the day.
#5 CHINA WIN remains a work in progress and draws the extreme outside barrier but remains a difficult runner to dismissed.He's already developed a habit of getting keen during the early stages so it'll be interesting to see the tactics adopted by Zac Purton with the blinkers now coming off.The same can be said for #1 AUDACIOUS SPIRIT, who's drawn alongside in gate 13 for Hugh Bowman.If anything, he's more likely to push forward eagerly for a spot outside the speed, therefore both are considered risky, but necessary inclusions for all exotic plays.
#6 PACKING HURRICANE comes out of the same 2000m race previously referred and he's another in form runner that's ready to win.Granted, throughout his career he's been prone to winning over the 2000m opposed to the shorter trips but nevertheless can't be ruled out.He'll receive all favours from the inside gate with jockey Harry Bently back on board and the pair boast a formidable winning record.
#9 YIU CHENG GLORY is in arguably career best form following the transfer from Macau to Hong Kong and should provide plenty of resistance again.Leading at a comfortable rate over the 1800m course is an entirely different task compared to dictating over the 2000m, but he should nevertheless still cross and lead.The 8lb increase in weight and gas burned to establish early position shall likely make him vulnerable to a superior turn of foot, but, he did previously win three out of four when living abroad.
Selections : 10,3,5,6,9
R7 - 6,4,2,12,5
R8 - 8,9,11,13,4
Race 9
#10 THE AUSPICIOUS can be right amongst the finish again here following a hearty performance last start over the 2200m at Happy Valley.We mentioned he had rating points in hand judged on previous class 4 wins over the 1400/1600m earlier this season and that was again confirmed by the classy cut down win of LIVEANDLETLIVE.Connections, would clearly have the 4yo Classic Series/Hong Kong Derby in the back of there mind right now but to make the cut he'll require an elevated rating.Adjusting back in trip to the 1800m at Sha Tin won't be a piece of cake either but good horses normally find away to get things done.
#9 FORTUNE BOY is another progressive 4yo who's grown in stature this season at the right time as the 4yo Classic Series commencing next month.His recent third placing behind INVINCIBLE IBIS, which is fabulous reference point, was an excellent overall display after he settled well back and over-raced.Many form students would've run the numbers on that particular effort, as did Zac Purton, so you can assured he'll be receiving plenty of support.It's probable, a locked up rails run mid-field position comes into play which may cost him some ground.
#5 LIVEANDLETLIVE is edging closer to winning one of these class 3 events and perhaps the change of venue might bring it about.All four runs this preparation have been super strong on speed performances and the follow up booking of front running specialist Mathew Chadwick is a plus.With the rail out, leaders are often able to skip away approaching the home turn and the speed map suggests that's exactly where he'll be.
#1 JOY OF SPRING was never in the hunt after easing back from gate 10 two runs back but atoned with a win recently after drawing the coveted barrier one.With the stables 5lb claiming rider Ellis Wong locked into ride, and another inside alley to exit from, a trailing run in transit is seemingly secured.The change of venue should also be listed as positive because he's won over this course and trip on two occasions from just five starts.
#11 ENTHRALLED never looked overly comfortable at Happy Valley last week but to his credit found the line with a fair amount of force.Were still learning about this former English galloper who won twice prior to importation but I'm confident he'll end up making the grade.With the outside alley to exit from finding sufficient space to let down shouldn't come into play, so expect him to find the line with some purpose.
Selections : 10,9,5,1,11
R10 - 1,11,10,2,6
R11 - 2,6,14,4,12
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