A Day At The Track – Sha Tin Sunday

1. I liked the way THOUSAND SPIRIT flew the lids led before hanging tough to grab 3rd over 1400m this grade. Fitter now and did run fast time last start.

2. RISING PHOENIX hasn’t won for some time but runs well this grade. And, has been well supported so he must be close to a win. Zac Purton jumps on here.

3. KA YING GLORY isn’t anywhere near as good as say Ka Ying Rising but is 2nd up here after wilting late over 1200m last start in this grade. Fitter now.

Tips: 2- 10- 6

1. The toppie here CIRCUIT GRAND SLAM got a mile back early but rocketed home to win in average time last start. Fitter now and is by far the highest rated galloper here.

2. Jay Mac climbs aboard HELENE SUPAFEELING in this and the horse has been trialling quite fast of late. Resumes here but will be supported.

3. Three runs back from a break and REFUSETOBEENGLISH looks ready to run well. Got back a tad worse than midfield last start but rallied impressively late when 4th this level. Place show. 

Tips: 1- 4- 6

1. Well, can AL RIFFA bounce back from his failure in the Melbourne Cup? Trained Joseph O’Brien thinks so and he’s brought across Irish hoop Dyland Brown McDonagle, the young man who won the St Leger on this bloke. The set weights suits him here and looks well placed.

2. GIAVELLOTO won this race last year gunning down the brilliant international star Dubai Honour. Last start ran home hard when 4th in the Gr 1 Arc de Triomphe. Classy stayer.

3. GOLIATH is the likely leader as long as the pace isn’t frantic. Encountered that last start in America when on speed and weakening in the Gr 1 Breeders Cup this trip. In Europe, has great form around Dubai Honour and others at this level.

Chance.

Tips: 2- 3- 4

1. This is like stealing money. KA YING RISING, the fastest thoroughbred in the world looks to have this in the bag. Has won 16 of his 18 starts and has NEVER drawn the rails. He does today! Won this race last year.

2. The ONLY 2 times Ka Ying Rising has been beaten were by narrow margins by an Aussie bred  sprinter who broke 1.09 both times this trip and who carried 7 pounds more than the champ. That horse’s name is WUNDERBAR and he’s in this race with, wait for it, at level weights. On those stats he must be included.

3. SATONO REVE is in form being placed at past 2 starts over this trip at Gr 1 level. Was 3rd to Ka Ying Rising in this race last year.

Tips: 1- 12- 2

1. The awkward draw for MISTER DAPPER should help you get a good price because he’s ready to win. Brenton Avdulla rides and he’s 3rd up here after last start running a great 2nd this grade. Big show.

2. GENTLEMAN LEGACY has Zac Purton on top and is in sparkling form at this level. Big weight but is classy.

3. POPE CODY is a bit in and out but capable at this grade when he wants to be. Can run on for 3rd.

Tips: 7- 2- 3

1. Ireland’s THE LION IN WINTER looks the play here. He likes to be on speed and just keeps finding when challenged. At his past 5 starts, all at Gr 1 in 3 different countries, he has placed when racing that way, latest in the Gr 1 Breeders Cup mile at Del Mar. Huge threat.

2. The final 400m burst shown by GALAXY PATCH to win a Gr 2 here this trip under Jay Mac was breathtaking. Overall they ran a very fast mile. A repeat of that finish sees him right in this.

3. VOYAGE BUBBLE won this race last year when on speed all the way. Will have a battle to lead this with the Irish horse but is 3rd up and is ready to fire.

Tips: 13- 5- 2

1. Can the champ ROMANTIC WARRIOR and Jay Mac continue their incredible Gr 1 association here? I’ll tell a man they can. Easily won a 2000m Gr 2 here when resuming last start.

2. This French mare QUISISANA looks a threat at the weights. Won 3 in a row in France at Group level then plugged home for 9th in the Gr 1 Arc de Triomphe. Back in trip suits her a lot more.

3. BELLAGIO OPERA, the Japanese Gr 1 star, is interesting. He’s had 2 runs this year and both have been outstanding. He won the 2000m Gr 1 Osaka Hai at Hanshin in a time that would brain ALL of these including the champ. Keep safe.

1. John Size presents JUNEAU PRIDE here and he looks ready to fire. Has had 2 starts this prep, both in this grade and has made steady ground late just missing the placings. Has big weight but on the big day he will be at his peak. Ryan Moore has the ride.

2. STAR RISE with Jay Mac riding is in form and always is competitive in this grade. Perfectly drawn in 2 also.

3. Zac Purton rides the consistent EVERYONE’S STAR in this and he’s drawn well. Has placed at past 4 this level.

Tips: 1- 3- 2

1. Last start MID WINTER WIND had to go a long way back in this grade as the race was run at a breakneck pace. Then as the leaders began to tire, he made good ground but was hampered late yet still ran 3rd. Looks well placed again.

2. Former topliner BEAUTY ETERNAL has a big weight but drops to Class 2, and hasn’t raced at this level for some time. Finished near last in Gr 2 over a mile last start. Did win a Gr 1 last year so must be considered.

3. PUBLIC ATTENTION for David Hayes is up in grade a little but drops a lot of weight following a game 2nd at Hong Kong debut over 1200m last start. Keep safe.

Tips: 14- 1- 12