Hong Kong Racing
Sha Tin Preview - 19th February 2026
Brett Davis provides exclusive Preview of Sha Tin races.
"Chinese New Year Race Day"
Year Of The "HORSE"
"KUNG HEI FAT CHOI"
Rail - A Course
Race 1
#2 COME FAST FAY FAY produced a career best performance when dropping into class 5 for the first time on January 1st before barrier 13 made it to difficult behind subsequent winner SHOTGUN last start. With the perfect draw to exit from today, for recently acquainted and inform jockey Richard Kingscote, the run of the race should be secured. With maximum energy thereafter kept in reserve, he'll take holding out when the sprint kicks in.
#5 NOBLE DELUXE had been knocking on the door of victory the entire season and it all panned out perfectly for him last start on dirt. With 16 previous attempts on the turf unable to provide a win the percentages are stacked against him regarding a back to back victory. Nevertheless, he's never been fitter than he is right now and self-confidence levels are up and about.
#8 MAJESTIC DELIGHT has been specked in the betting his past four assignments and it wasn't the first time he'd been the subject of monetary confidence. Unfortunately, for those who've been involved, the anticipated result is yet to come to fruition but it's only a matter of time. He's tactically versatile, so the low draw creates the best of both worlds.
#9 RUN YES RUN hasn't competed at the races since October last year but he's completed a solid foundation of work leading in to his return. He possesses reliable barrier manners, along with the adequate gate speed to potentially lead this field from barrier one, or at least race handy throughout. With that position in running established he'll be in a striking position to feature.
#4 HAPPY BOYS often finds himself in tight situations and limited space when looking to make his finishing run because he doesn't possesses the natural gate speed to position up. That'll be the worrying factor again here however the change of venue, rise in distance and wider draw can assist his closing style. Furthermore, early sectional speed produced in Sha Tin 1200m class 5 events is often helpful to run ons.
Selections : 2,5,8,9,4
R2 - 9,1,14,2,13
R3 - 14,5,3,9,12
R4 - 6,4,14,1,5
R5 - 3,1,5,14,11
Race 6
"YEAR OF THE HORSE CUP"
(Class 2 - 1600m - Hcp)
#11 TOP DRAGON ran a great race in the 4yo Classic Mile to finish fifth, after initially beginning awkwardly then finding interference at the 150m mark. In review, he'd never have beaten the winner but an unimpeded run would've seen him finish third. Connections, due to the light weight and inside draw have now opted to bypass the 4yo Classic Cup 1800m in favour of this winnable event. Early tactics shall no doubt play a major roll in the exotic outcomes of this feature event, particularly with PRAY FOR MIR being scratched, but it shouldn't be detrimental to his own winning prospects.
#3 BEAUTY ETERNAL hasn't been able to find his best form for quite some time and its primarily due to the fact he's slowing down with age. With close to $40 million HKD in the bank he clearly has nothing to prove and it won't be surprising if he's retired at some point soon. However, since finding his way into class 1/class 2 that competitive mind-set has visibly returned.
#6 SOLEIL FIGHTER is the winner of only 3 races during his Hong Kong career but rarely runs a dishonest race, or fails to bring home a check. He copes with most situations and venues whilst racing on speed before producing a customary long sustained build to the wire. He's often overwhelmed by a superior turn of foot, which shall most likely be the case again today, but with Zac Purton up from an inside gate he'll be right in the fight down the stretch.
#1 ENCOUNTERED has been competitive in Gp3 events on more than one occasion and found a new lease of life during the off season break via a stable change. New trainer Brett Crawford has him racing at an excellent level this campaign which was highlighted by a win in the Gp3 Sa Sa Ladies Purse. A third place in the Gp3 Centenary Vase recently was another honest run so it's difficult to imagine him finishing to faraway, despite carrying the big weight.
#10 STUNNING PEACH was a highly progressive and talented 2yo in France before arriving in Hong Kong but has become a tricky customer to recommend. When he performs at his best he's generally ridden with patience, so the lack of tempo probably goes against here. However, it was a similar situation when he competed first up, and on that occasion he ran a blinder whilst rating particularily high.
Selections : 11,3,6,1,10
R7 - 2,1,4,9,11
R8 - 1,4,8,5,14
R9 - 3,12,1,8,7
Race 10
#13 HOT DELIGHT showed plenty of potential in four barrier trials before winning his debut over this course and trip in encouraging fashion. The win also held additional merit considering be began slowly from the outside gate before opening up to win with relative ease. Plenty of classy athletes have donned these silks over the years and a bright future is predicted for this youngster with gears.
#1 HELENE SUPAFEELING made a positive impression on International Day in December by winning on debut despite the fact the times recorded don't measure up. He then struck interference on two separate occasions when rising in trip to 1400m with the form that event offers standing up. Plus, dropping back in trip whilst drawing the inside barrier positions him perfectly to run a big race.
#9 ARMOUR WAR EAGLE won his only Hong Kong race in March 2025 off a rating of 62 points with the win coming deep into a preparation. He now awaits this assignment in the same statistical position following two strong efforts on the all weather track where he's was heavily supported. Returning to the turf track shouldn't be an issue while the draw and jockey booking add confidence.
#4 RED MAESTRO makes his debut for the John Size stable after comfortably winning his maiden on the poly-track in Ireland. The son of TEN SOVERIEIGNS has enjoyed a solid foundation of work since training began in August 2025 with a total of five barrier trials confidently absorbed. With the speed to complement a nice draw he's best respected until we learn more. Market fluctuations the best guide.
#7 MOUNT EVEREST won well in class 4 over the Sha Tin 1200m in late December before feeling the effects of a rise in class last start. On the flip side, the experience gained at the level shall beneifit going forward and the inside barrier provides the economical run. As a registered bleeder he's remains risky, but can still find the frame on a good day.
Selections : 13,1,9,4,7
R11 - 10,2,4,11,13
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