WINNO'S WINNERS - 2024 FWD CHAMPIONS DAY - SHA TIN – SUNDAY 28 APRIL 2024

By Darren Winningham | Friday, April 26, 2024

Winno is on asignment for HRO ... reporting from Hong Kong

The Hong Kong FWD Champion’s Race Day International Racing set down for Sunday April 28 will have the rail in the true position.

The rain has been relentless all week, however, they are forecasting a reprieve on the weekend, so, at this stage, the track will be ‘Slow’. Everyone knows that the Sha Tin track is probably the best draining track in the world. As long as we have no rain during the races Sunday, we should get a wonderful meeting.

The feature races are:
Race 5 The Chairman’s Sprint – HK$22 million prize money
Race 7 The FWD Champions Mile – HK$22 million prize money
Race 8 The FWD QEII Cup – HK$28 million prize money

A big day at Sha Tin – the world’s racing eyes will be on this meeting!

NB: As these selections were made prior to race-day, please check for any changes to track conditions and for any scratchings on the day.

Race 1

A Class 4 race to start off the program – over 2000 metres.

David Hall has two solid chances here – Sharpen Bright (7) and Gold Tack (12).

Sharpen Bright will be ridden by Karis Teetan. Forgive the last start effort – he drew wide and went back and really didn’t get into the race and was not over extended. Drawn barrier 7, he is certain to be ideally placed in the running and should be in the finish.

The stable mate is Gold Tack (12) with Alexis Badel to ride. He is a maiden in HK – in saying that he has been doing his racing at Happy Valley and he races back in the field – that is not good form for that track where you need to race handy. Maybe the large Sha Tin track will see him improve here.

Winning Steps (8) is trained by Pierre Ng and Matthew Poon will ride. He won here in this grade and distance last time out – solid sectional times and a good win. A repeat of that effort would see him taking home the prize money again.

A rough chance to the stable mate Jumbo Fortune (5) with Blake Shinn to ride. It does have some exceptional wet weather form if the rain persists.

Romantic Fantasy (2) is a Danny Shum trained runner with Y Chung riding. Likes to lead and has won at Happy Valley at this distance – commands some respect and if the track is wet they may have trouble running him down late.

Selections:

7 – Sharpen Bright
8 – Winning Steps
2 – Romantic Fantasy
3 – Darci Joy
Rough chance – (5) Jumbo Fortune & (12) Gold Tack

Race 2

A middle-distance race over 1600 metres at Class 3 level.

Casper Fownes and Blake Shinn combine with Karma (6) looking to win his first start over the mile. In saying that he has run some solid placings. He can get back in his racing, but with the small field and the solid tempo he could have a rough chance to post a win.

Voyage Samurai (7) is trained by Frankie Lor and he has been exceptional in his three runs from a spell. He steps up to the mile for the first time – however, in his recent efforts this appears not to be any concern. He has progressed from Class 4 into this grade – in doing so has gone down in the weights. Derek Leung has ridden him in all three starts from the spell and retains the ride.

Helene Warrior (8) is a Danny Shum runner who was drawn wide last time here over 1400 metres. They rode him quiet from the poor gate and he was working home nicely to suggest that the mile is perfect for him. Lyle Hewitson will be in the saddle.

Stunning Peach (1) is having his first start in HK for Tony Cruz. His European form is strong enough to suggest that this grade should not test him. He has had four barrier trials since arriving in HK. His latest barrier trial when he ran second to Romantic Warrior was impressive. Zac Purton has been entrusted with the ride for his debut run.

Frantanck (2) is the only runner with wet track form – trained by HK’s current premier trainer Pierre Ng he could be a knockout chance with Y Chung, the apprentice claiming 2.5 kilograms, to ride.

Selections:

6 – Karma
7 – Voyage Samurai
8 – Helene Warrior
1 – Stunning Peach
Rough chances – (2) Frantanck & (3) Star Mack

Race 3

A sprint race over 1200 metres – this time at the Class 4 level.

Happy For All (9) is trained by Jamie Richards and James McDonald will ride him again after being aboard last start on 24 March over 1200 metres when he ran second to Divano (1). He meets that runner 3 kilograms better for that defeat. Since then, he has had a solid barrier trial where he wasn’t asked to do too much. He likes to race towards the rear of the field – so he may need some luck late.

Divano (1) made his debut in HK with a bang - winning first up for his new stable Francis Lui. Lyle Hewitson will be riding him again. Same track and same distance. His time was enormous first up posting 1:08.76 – this is a solid clip – despite the increase in the weights he should not be overlooked.

Lifeline Express (2) is a John Size trained runner with Hugh Bowman riding – perfectly drawn in barrier 3. He loves to race handily and will sit in behind the speed – being so close may prove beneficial late and he could have the final crack at them late.

Lucy In The Sky (3) began poorly here last time out. He needs to jump clean to be in this race. Karis Teetan will ride.

Spicy Gold (12) comes back in distance from the 1400 metres – he could manage a place at big odds.

Selections:

9 – Happy For All
2 – Lifeline Express
1 – Divano
3 – Lucy In The Sky
Rough chances – (12) Spicy Gold

Race 4

This race is over 1400 metres at Class 4 grade.

Dream Pursuer (2) is trained by K Man and Hugh Bowman will ride. He had no luck in his last start six weeks ago where he worked home from an impossible position to run second. Barrier 10 suggests that Bowman will have to ride for luck. He has won on a slow track.

Circuit Fiery (4) is having his third start in HK for trainer T Yung and Zac Purton will ride. He raced here three weeks ago over this distance, and he was impressive coming from midfield to finish less than a length off the winner. Finally, has drawn a barrier in barrier 5 – Purton can probably be more positive from the gate and should get the box seat in the running – he wins for mine.

Geneva (5) is a David Hall trained gelding with Blake Shinn to ride. He races for the first time over this distance since commencing his racing in HK. A win in a barrier trial two weeks ago tops him off nicely for this race.

Mission Voice (11) is a Mark Newnham runner. Luke Ferraris will ride. He was taken back from a wide barrier last start and got caught up in traffic late. Has drawn better in barrier 8 here – look for an improved effort.

Maybe an improved performance too from the Jamie Richards trained Lucky Fionn (13) who has the blinkers going on – could sharpen him up.

Selections:

4 – Circuit Fiery
2 – Dream Pursuer
5 – Geneva
11 – Mission Voice
Rough chance – (13) Lucky Fionn

Race 5 CHAIRMAN’S SPRINT PRIZE (Group 1)

The feature sprint race on the program at Group 1 level.

I think just stand and applaud as Brenton Avdulla steers this Tony Cruz sprinter home – California Spangle (1). He has posted two consecutive Group 1 wins. One here over 1400 metres in the Queen’s Silver Jubilee Cup and then he travelled to Dubai to win the Al Qouz Sprint. The trainer and jockey have both reported he has travelled back well, and a recent barrier trial hit out suggests that he is the one to beat.

Invincible Sage (5) is trained by David Hall and Hugh Bowman will ride. He raced in the Group 2 Sprint Cup last time out and was defeated by Lucky Sweynesse who is out injured. This will be his first Group 1 race. On his recent efforts he could fill a place.

Victor The Winner (3) is a Danny Shum runner with Derek Leung riding. He has had a 13 week freshen up since travelling to Japan and running a solid third in a Group 1 race up there that was won by Mad Cool (2) who he will meet again here.

Howdeepisyourlove (6) is trained by John Size and James McDonald will ride. He steps out for his first Group 1 assignment – maybe a genuine improver on his home track.

Mugen (9), another local runner, is not without some chance either.

I have not been impressed with any of the international runners at track work across the week – I think HK may fill all placings here.

Selections:

1 – California Spangle
5 – Invincible Sage
3 – Victor The Winner
6 – Howdeepisyourlove
Rough chance – (9) Mugen & (2) Mad Cool

Race 6

A race over 1400 metres – Class 3.

I have played a little wide here – some runners down the bottom of the field.

Second To None (10) hopefully will live up to his name and win this race. He is trained by Francis Lui and will be ridden by Lyle Hewitson. He won last time out in Class 4 grade with a massive weight and, despite going up in the class here, he gets well in at the weights. In his last start here he posted decent time and decent sectionals which would suggest that he will be very hard to hold out in this race. Drawn in barrier too, I expect Hewitson to just box seat and finish off strong.

Ka Ling Victory (11) is trained by David Hall and Zac Purton is aboard. Was first up after a four week freshen up and ended up running out of fitness late in that effort. Since then, he has barrier trialled impressively and will be right in the race. A slight concern with barrier 12.

Sunlight Power (13) is trained by Ricky Yiu and Harry Bentley, will ride. This four-year-old gelding has won his past two starts in Class 4 grade. Times have not been sensational. He has proven that he is very strong to the line late - with the tempo in the race I expect him to get a nice trail into the race. Has drawn barrier 4 which should see him jump out and be prominent throughout.

Beauty Fit (8) is a last start winner for John Size and Anthony Hamelin will ride again.

Oriental Smoke from the David Hayes yards is a rough hope with Luke Morris to ride.

Selections:

10 – Second To None
13 – Sunlight Power
11 – Ka Ying Victory
8 – Beauty Fit
Rough chance – (9) Oriental Smoke

Race 7 FWD CHAMPIONS MILE – GROUP 1

The second of our feature races – the MILE - featuring Golden Sixty (1) who is looking to win this race for the fourth consecutive year.

He has been working well on the track. He has had two barrier trials since suffering a slight injury and the stable, trainer and jockey are all quietly confident he can get the job done.

Voyage Bubble (2) is a Ricky Yiu runner who ran a gallant second to Romantic Warrior over 2000 metres. I don't think he is a genuine 2000 metre horse and is best suited at the mile. Back in distance and with an eight week freshen up expect this runner to perform boldly – James McDonald will ride.

Galaxy Patch (9) is trained by Pierre Ng and Blake Shinn will ride. He raced over 2000 metres at his last start and was defeated by Massive Sovereign (Race 8 – 11). I think his best distance is 1400 metres – however he was strong late at that distance. He has since had an impressive barrier trial which would suggest that he is right up to the mark for this race.

Obamburumai (5) had no luck in Sydney over the recent Carnival. Comes to Hong Kong to collect some prize money on the way home to Japan. His work throughout the week has been consistent. Damien Lane will ride him here – he poses a rough chance.

Selections:

1 – Golden Sixty
2 – Voyage Bubble
5 – Obamburumai
9 – Galaxy Patch
Rough chance – (4) Beauty Joy

Race 8 FWD QEII CUP – GROUP 1

The last of our feature races – this time over 2000 metres.

Romantic Warrior (1) is looking for a hat trick of wins. Danny Shum and owner Peter Lau are confident the horse will get the job done. James McDonald will fly in again to ride. Peter Lau reminded me the JMAC has an impressive record on the gelding – seven rides for six wins! There were some concerns if the track deteriorated, however, he will be on the speed and should prove difficult to run down late.

The latest sensation that looks like a prospective serious racehorse is the Dennis Yip trained Massive Sovereign (11) who will have the services of Zac Purton – he has not won the race since 2020 aboard Exultant. This horse has had two starts for his new stable in HK and has won both – last time out claiming the Group 1 Hong Kong Derby. He has an air of confidence about him. The trainer is not certain of his true potential and Purton thinks he is a star in the making. He has had a rushed preparation for this race – no matter the result he is one to follow into the future.

Prognosis (4) is the Japanese runner with Y Kawada to ride. He ran second in this race last year to Romantic Warrior. His work all week on the track says that he has settled in and could run a bold race.

Straight Arron (5) is trained by Casper Fownes and Vincent Ho will ride. Now if the rain continues and the track is rain affected this is the runner to be on – he loves the wet – in fact he is a duck – he will swim on the wet track!

Selections:

1 – Romantic Warrior
11 – Massive Sovereign
4 – Prognosis
5 – Straight Arron
Rough chance – (2) Dubai Honour

Race 9

A class 2 over 1400 metres.
Pierre Ng trains Dromberg Banner (5) with Karis Teetan to ride. He normally races on the speed and from barrier 3 he is drawn perfectly to get a nice trail in behind the leaders. His recent efforts have been over 1200 metres which i do not think is his best distance. Going up in distance to 1400 metres here this weekend he should get a soft run-in transit and be able to let down late and put the opposition to the sword.

Lucky Encounter (6) is trained by David Hayes and Andrea Atzeni will ride. Last time out over 1200 metres he jumped to the lead and gave nothing else any chance. He has raced previously over 1400 metres but has not been effective, however, drawn in barrier 8 and with some other speed engaged in the race he may be able to settle behind the speed and run out a solid 1400 metres.

Atullibigeal (3) is a David Hall trained runner with Hugh Bowman riding. Was first up after an eight-week let up over 1200 metres and ran out of condition late – will strip fitter.

Blue Marlin (8) is trained by Douglas Whyte who posted his 200th Hong Kong winner as a trainer at Happy Valley on Wednesday night. Harry Bentley will ride this runner. He had been racing consistently in Class 3 grade before transitioning to Class 2 grade. His first effort in Class 2 was over this distance and he finished off the race strongly to run a solid second. There is some concern this weekend, drawn barrier 13, as to where he will end up in the running.

Outgate (9) is a Tony Cruz runner with the apprentice Y Chung to ride. He won two starts ago over this distance in Class 3 grade. Then he went to Happy Valley and raced over a mile in Class 2 grade, he seemed not to like the extra distance and he drops back to his favoured distance and on a track where he seems to perform very well. He has no weight on his back either, carrying 51.5 kilograms. He is drawn perfectly in barrier 2 to get the run of the race. He is a very good each way chance.

Selections:

5 – Drombeg Banner
9 – Outgate
6 – Lucky Encounter
8 – Blue Marlin
Rough chance – (3) Atullibigeal

Race 10

A Class 3 over 1200 metres.

This is the last race on a wonderful programme. The Hong Kong Jockey Club really knows how to showcase their racing on these big days.

Gracious Express (6) is trained by Ricky Yiu and Harry Bentley will ride from barrier 2. This horse is originally from the UK. This is his third run in HK. He only just missed out over 1200 metres last start. He will have stripped fitter for that effort and will be hard to hold out from the good barrier.

Hasten Delight (1) will be ridden by Hugh Bowman for Francis Lui. He has a huge weight but his form lately has been very consistent. He was previously trained on the Gold Coast by Peter Robl prior to being sold to HK. He has had two starts here posting a bold win over 1200 metres in his second outing in HK. He has drawn well in barrier 5 – the huge weight is my only concern; however, he has earned it.

Stellar Express (3) is trained by John Size and James McDonald is aboard. He has had two starts over 1000 metres this preparation and both times finished the race off well. His best distance is 1200 metres where he holds an impressive record of two starts for two wins. He has drawn poorly in barrier 11 – he may need some luck in the running, but finally gets up to a distance where he seems to thrive.

Storm Rider (5) is a David Hayes runner with Zac Purton looking to end the day on a high! He resumes from a spell and drawn barrier 14 may need some luck. He won a recent barrier trial, and he did post consecutive wins last time in over 1200 and 1400 metres – keep safe.

Full Credit (8) is a Mark Newnham runner with Lyle Hewitson riding again. At his last start in Class 4 grade, he won decisively over this distance. He seems to race better when he is left alone in front and can dominate the tempo - from barrier 7 he should be able to jump and take up a prominent position in the running. He goes up in grade but down in the weights – his sectionals have been consistent.

Selections:

6 – Gracious Express
3 - Stellar Express
1 – Hasten Delight
8 – Full Credit
Rough chances – (5) Storm Rider
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Early Quaddie (races 3 to 6)

1,2,3,9 / 2,4,5,11 / 1,3,5 / 10,11,13 - cost is $144 to $1

Value Early Quaddie (races 3 to 6)

2,9 / 2,4,5 / 1 / 10,13 - cost is $12 to $1

Quaddie (races 7 to 10)

1,2,9 / 1,11 / 5,6,8,9 / 1,3,5,6,8 - cost is $120 to $1

Quaddie (races 7 to 10)

1,2 / 1,11 / 5,9 / 1,3,6 - cost is $24 to $1

Treble (races 8 to 10)
1,11 /5,6,8,9 / 1,3,5,6,8 - cost is $40 to $1

SUPER 6 (HK only races 5 to 10)

1 / 10,11,13 / 1,2 / 1,11 / 5,6,8 / 1,3,6 - cost is $108 to $1

Jockeys Challenge

It is a battle royale between James McDonald, Zac Purton, Hugh Bowman, Harry Bentley, and Blake Shinn. What an array of talent to choose from – Hugh Bowman to get the win on a big day at Sha Tin.

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