WINNO'S WINNERS: THE FWD CHAMPIONS DAY, SHA TIN, HONG KONG, APRIL 28

By Darren Winningham | Saturday, April 27, 2019

FWD CHAMPION’S RACE DAY SHA TIN - SUNDAY 28 APRIL 2019

Group 1 racing at its finest returns to Sha Tin racecourse on Sunday with the running of three Group 1 races. The FWD Champion’s Day features:

· FWD QEII CUP - Group 1 - $24 million (HK) prizemoney - Race 8
· FWD CHAMPION’S MILE – Group 1 - $18 million (HK) prizemoney – Race 7
· CHAIRMAN’S SPRINT PRIZE – Group 1 - $16 million (HK) prizemoney – Race 6

The track will be GOOD – the rail in the true position and the weather is forecast to be overcast with a chance of showers.

Zac Purton has a great book of rides and the champion rider comesoff a winning treble on Wednesday night at Happy Valley.

In other news the Australian representatives Santa Ana Lane (currently $1.80 favourite) and Viddora will go around in the Chairman’s Sprint.

This race meeting has traditionally been dominated by local Hong Kong horses with them winning the three feature races on several occasions. This year we have two winners from last year participating again – Beauty Generation (FWD Champion’s Mile) and Pakistan Star (QEII Cup).

The Sprint was won by Ivictory last year who was ridden by Zac Purton.

LONGINES International Race Day was dominated by the Hong Kong horses in December with four local horses winning all four feature races – I think that this domination may well continue on Sunday!

Now with ten races for decision – we had better get started in finding those winners!

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Race 1

Looks like a tough way to start the day off with a Class 4 race with some horses with equivocal form.

I have settled on the Zac Purton mount Happy Alumni (7) who last start raced handy and was beaten narrowly here over the course and distance. That was his first run at 1400 metres, and I think with that experience under his belt he will be ready to improve again this weekend.

Victory Power (6) is a good knock out chance here. He is drawn barrier 2 and will probably scoot out and lead the race. Neil Callan rode this runner last start here when he finished in front of Happy Alumni (7). I thought that he had to do a little work to get across from barrier 12 on that occasion to take up the lead. Maybe this weekend if he jumps cleanly the mission will be a little easier.

Diamond Brilliant (5) gets his first look at 1400 metres. He has been running on over 1200 metres in his last two starts with Regan Bayliss in the saddle. Regan stays aboard this weekend and the T Yung trained gelding may improve with the speed that appears to be in the race.
Monica (8) is a horse that has won at the track and distance and is trained by the master John Moore. He is elected to put James McDonald aboard this weekend. Maybe Jay Mac can weave some magic with this one.

Joao Moreira has the ride on the John Size trained Shining Ace (15) – he is only lightly raced and I think may get into the placings with any luck in running.

Selections: 7-6-5-8 rough chance 15

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Race 2

Dan Control (1) worked superbly on Thursday morning at Sha Tin. John Moore was happy with his work and I think he looks a big chance here for the Moore/Purton combination who will feature later in the program with the Hong Kong Champion Horse – Beauty Generation. Dan Control won on debut here back on 17 March. Since then he has had a barrier trial on 16 April which he won quite well. I think he is a great chance here.

Golden Sixty (13) is the likely danger. He debuted here for a great win on 31 March after some impressive trials. He has drawn barrier 12 for this assignment, however, I think Vincent Ho will have him placed fifth or sixth in the running. With the light weight compared to Dan Control (1) – this could be the telling factor late in the race.

Moreira rides Aerohapiness who has been very well supported in his last several starts without winning. With the confidence that has been shown in the betting in his last few starts I think he must be considered here.

Smart Leader (10) has drawn the rails and should benefit from the inside draw. His best starts have been when he races on the speed. I think that he will jump and ping here and will be somewhere in the finish photo when the judge calls a halt to the race.

Selections: 1-13-14-10 rough chance 7

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Race 3

Joao Moreira is aboard the John Size trained All Aboard (5) who was impressive on debut here in Hong Kong on 7 April. Prior to that run he had a series of barrier trials where he looked impressive and carried that form onto the track. To be fair he drew barrier 12 and had to do some work but was still too good for the opposition on that occasion. He is drawn barrier 10 this weekend I. expect him to win.

Zac Purton rides the topweight again in this race – this time for the up and coming Hong Kong trainer Frankie Lor. Everyone’s Joy has drawn the rails as well and will race in a prominent position as he did last start when he won. That was also his first run in Hong Kong and his trials prior to that had very noteworthy as well.

It could be a war down the straight between Purton and Moreira here – who can claim the chocolates?

If you are looking for one to knock one of these two off, I would steer you towards King’s Trooper (9) trained by P Yiu and to be ridden by Martin Harley. I thought his effort at Happy Valley on 20 March was good. He got on the wrong leg coming around the turn – which some horses do but finished the race off strong. He since has barrier trialled where he was not asked to produce much.

Meridan Genius (4) was sent out favourite here last start – got too far back and then gathered himself and stormed home to finish a credible second beaten just 0.1 lengths. The Meridian Racing Syndicate have an opinion of this runner and they have supported him in all his three starts this preparation – backing him into favourite on all occasions. They must be looking to claim that victory photo in the winner’s circle at Sha Tin – maybe Karis Teetan can assist them with that this weekend when he rides the gelding.

Selections: 5-1-4-9

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Race 4

On the 24 March Time To Celebrate (3) and Right Choice (9) met here. On that occasion the Frankie Lor trained Right Choice (9) took the honours by 0.1 lengths. After that win he now meets Time To Celebrate (3) 1.5 kilograms worse off. I really cannot split these two. They look like they will dominate the race again here on Sunday – I think you just must quinella them and hope you get a reasonable dividend.

Ka Ying Star (5) ran in the Hong Kong Derby and was not disgraced. He then dropped back to a mile at Happy Valley and just didn’t get around the turn for mine. Back here at Sha Tin he should fill a place.

Encouraging (4) is just that – showing some consistent form in resent starts, leading and winning and then being run down over 1400 metres. He steps up to the mile here where he has won twice for trainer John Moore. Maybe he can fill a place as well.

Selections: (3-9) - 5- 4

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Race 5

Splendour and Gold is looking for a hat trick of wins at Sha Tin. That is very difficult to achieve – so it will be a great effort if he can salute here again. He is trained by C Yip and will be ridden again by Umberto Rispoli. He has drawn wide. That at first concerned me – however, he normally races near the rear of the field in his races. He does possess a strong sprint at the finish, and this should see him claim victory in this race.

Not Usual Talent (1) comes off a win on 31 March and has had an ordinary trial since. On that win where he was ridden off the speed about fifth, I think that he will be right in this race. Jockey Keith Yeung rode this gelding to his last victory and stays in the saddle this weekend.

Pakistan Friend (4) is trained by Paul O’Sullivan. He is second up in this race and has the services of Hugh Bowman in the saddle. I thought his first up run was okay – I know that he has an average second up record, however, when he races on the speed or can lead without any pressure, he does his best work. I think drawn in barrier 2 Bowman will take the gelding to the lead and try and set the race up for him.

Unicron Jewellery (5) is another runner for the formidable combination of John Size/Joao Moreira. This runner likes to get back in his races and fly home late. This race probably does suit this runner as there appears to be some genuine speed in the race to cart him nicely into the race and give him another opportunity to post a win.

Champion Supreme (13) won last start here in a Class 4 race and goes into a Class 3 race this weekend. Regan Bayliss is in the saddle and, despite coming back from 1800 metres to 1600 metres, I think that he looks a rough chance to find a place here.

Selections: 8-1-5-4 rough chance 13

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Race 6 The Chairman’s Sprint (Group 1)

The first of our feature races on the program with prizemoney of HK $16 million.

The Australian runner Santa Ana Lane (1) is the favourite and comes off an exciting win last start in the TJ Smith at Randwick. Much expectation has been placed on this Anthony Freedman trained gelding. Look I for one want to see the Australian horse win – but I really think it faces a huge task here on Sunday.

I wrote back in December that Hong Kong horses ruled and dominated the LONGINES International Race Day and that future overseas horses would have to be very good to beat the locals in their own back yard.

This runner is the current highest rated sprinter in the world based on his last two wins. You must respect that – but he is taking on the locally trained horses and is $1.80 – that price is not for me!

Rattan (5) won last start in the Sprint Cup at Group 2 level where he had some weight relief from his opposition. His run was very good – the time was exceptional – 1:08:14. These sprinters in Hong Kong when they hit their straps can normally put a few wins together.

The gelding is trained by Richard Gibson and will be partnered again by Aussie Chad Schofield. He has an excellent record aboard this runner – 13 rides for 5 wins and 5 placings – this must be respected.

Beat The Clock (3) rounds out the top three selections. Ultra-consistent and if he gets the race run to suit could see a Hong Kong 1-2-3 in the race!

The Japanese horse Nac Venus could pop up and fill a place.

Selections: 5-1-3-10

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Race 7 FWD Champion’s Mile (Group 1)

This is the second feature race on the program. The FWD Champion’s Mile – with a purse of HK $18 million.

We get to see the current World’s Best race horse (currently active) go around – Beauty Generation.

Much has been written about this “freak” – in John Moore’s own words to WINNO on Thursday. I cannot see him being beaten. He is aiming for nine consecutive victories here on Sunday. He has raced at the highest level. The field is very small – maybe a case of the WINX syndrome where owners and trainers seek to avoid the clash.

I am hoping to witness history on Sunday – not only to see those distinctive black and white star and pink sleeves silks dominate and be first past the post – but to see Beauty Generation break the HK race horse all time prize money record and so write himself forever into the history of Hong Kong racing.

He won this race last year. He won the LONGINES International Mile. He is the fourth horse, following Good Ba Ba on 2007/08, Abel Friend 2014/15 and Maurice 2015/16 to complete the Hong Kong Mile Champions double in the same season.

What else can I say – but sit back, watch and enjoy this CHAMPION!

As for the placings – academia takes over – let me see if I can tip the trifecta in order!

Selections: 1-2-4-6

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Race 8 FWD QEII Cup (Group 1)

The final feature race on the program – the FWD QEII Cup with prizemoney of HK $24 million.

Japan is the country with the most QEII Cup wins – 4 wins. This mark was achieved when Neorealism won the race in 2017. South Africa has won the race on three occasions.

It looks like a battle between Hong Kong and Japan this year!

The Japanese runners who may upset the Hong Kong Racing domination are Win Bright (4) and Deirdre (13).

Deirdre (13) was sent out favourite in December in the LONGINES Hong Kong Cup and I think was very unlucky to not win the race. She was held up at a vital stage and really could not get clear until late – then she stormed home to be beaten by 1 length. I don’t bag jockeys much – but it was not given the best of rides on this occasion. Yukata Take has a proven Group 1 winning record in Japan and has ridden winners in feature races at Sha Tin. You can rest assured from the track work this mare is ready to show her best this weekend.

The other Japanese runner is Win Bright (4) who is coming off two solid wins in Japan (these were at Group 2 and Group 3). He has had four Group 1 starts for no wins or placings. Masami Matsouka is the jockey this weekend and has a proven Group 1 winning record in Japan but is riding for the first time at Sha Tin – this may prove the deciding factor this weekend in assessing his chances.

Now we can focus on the Hong Kong runners. There are some solid chances here this weekend.

There are some interesting runners here. Dark Dream (9) comes off a good win last start here at Class 1 level. He has been racing well in Hong Kong since winning the Queensland Derby in 2018 – I just don’t think he is a Group 1 horse for Hong Kong. I see that the astute trainer Frankie Lor has reached out to Tim Clark to come and ride the gelding. They resume their strong association. Tim has ridden him three times for two wins and a third. His time in winning last start was truly remarkable - 1.59:66. That time would see him winning here.

Furore (8) is another Frankie Lor runner who won the BMW Hong Kong Derby last start in good fashion. Hugh Bowman retains the ride here this weekend. He normally settles midfield and then makes a sustained run late. The time of that win does concern me a little – 2.01:30.

Exultant (1) was the winner of the LONGINES Hong Kong Vase and has since won the Citi Hong Kong Cup (Group 1) over 2000 metres – his winning time was 2.00:87. He is trained by Tony Cruz and will be ridden by the inform Zac Purton. The Citi Hong Kong Cup win was back in February and he has had numerous trials since then – he races well fresh and has to be respected.

Glorious Forever (3) won the LONGINES Hong Kong Cup in December with a masterful front riding and bold display by De Sousa where he caught them all napping and was able to sustain a dominant break and get away with the win. This runner is trained by Frankie Lor as well. This start he will be partnered by Derek Leung. If he leads with no pressure and gets away with some cheap sectionals, I can see no reason why he cannot post another Group 1 win.

Frankie Lor could train the trifecta!

Selections: 1-13-3-8 rough chance 9

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Race 9

This is a very open field here as we head away from our feature races.

I like the recent winning form of Super Star (9) – could he be one? He is trained by Tony Millard and has won his past two starts over the 1400 metres here. The only concern that I have is that he gets back in his races and with this large field may need to get some luck in early running and then again in the straight. However, my fears may be allayed with the key booking of Hugh Bowman to partner this gelding this weekend – can he claim a hat trick of wins?

World Famous (7) is another runner that has impressed me. I like the fact that he is coming back from a mile to 1400 metres this weekend. He is trained by Tony Cruz and will be ridden by Oisin Murphy. Last start he was ridden in the lead – strange tactics for mine. Look for him to be placed in behind the leaders this weekend and be finishing off the race strongly.

John Moore trains Uncle Steve (6) – Zac has been aboard him in his recent track work. That probably tells you that he is looking to see an improvement this weekend.

Win Win (13) won his maiden in Hong Kong last start for trainer Benno Yung at Class 4 level. He carried a massive weight and ran some great time. He goes up in class this weekend. I am looking for him to transition well into this grade and probably will be difficult to beat here.

A tough field – maybe one to stand and watch.

Selections: 9-7-13-6 rough chance 8

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Race 10

John Moore and Zac Purton combine here in the last race with Styling City (3) who is undefeated second up. His run first up was good. I am looking for a forward showing here in the last race. The track work has been good as well leading into this race. It could be a nice way to finish of the program!

The South African debutant Graceandmercy (4) could be one to show up here at some odds. He has had two exciting barrier trials since arriving in Hong Kong and he has won both impressively. Tony Millard trains this runner and Karis Teetan is in the saddle. He has drawn well in barrier 3 as well – there is a lot to like about his chances.

Joao Moriera rides Full of Beauty (2) for John Size. He was narrowly beaten last start by California Fortune (1) who meets this runner worse at the weights this weekend. He races on the speed and will trail the leaders and will be very difficult to beat as well.

Flying Thunder (13) will be large odds – he may sneak a place and put some value into the exotics.

Selections: 3-4-2-12 rough chance 1

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Jockey Challenge

Zac Purton looks the winner. Just get on at the short odds.

Early Quaddie (races 3 to 6 NSW only)

1,4,5 / 3,9 / 1,5,8 / 1,5 - cost is $36 for $1

Quaddie (Races 7 to 10)

1 / 1,3,13 / 7,9,13 / 2,3,4 - cost is $27 to $1

Value Quaddie (Races 7 to 10)

1 / 1,13 / 7,9 / 2,3 -cost is $8 to $1

Treble (Races 8 to 10)

1,3,13 / 7,9,13 / 2,3,4 - cost is $27 to $1

Big 6 (Races 5 to 10)

1,5,8 / 1,5 / 1 / 1,8,13 / 7,9,13 /2,3,4 - cost is $162 to $1

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