Sha Tin hosts a massive 11 race card for New Year’s Day.Blake Lalor likes plenty of runners throughout this meeting and he's identified his most confident plays below.
Looking to kick 2023 off with a bang with his Sha Tin racing tips!
Sha Tin Racing Tips: Sunday January 1st
Race 4
(7) Thunderboltaurus is on debut here and should be shorter in the market. This is not a strong or deep race and this horse has indicated he’s got plenty of ability having finished strongly through the line in his trials so far. I’m expecting a solid debut from this horse.
(4) Baby Crystal has been touch and go down the Sha Tin straight so far in his short career. He’s untested around the bend and was poor last time without many excuses down the straight. I’m not convinced yet but if he runs up to his first 2 career runs he’s right in this.
(1) Mega Bonus has one big advantage here which is early speed. He’ll probably lead this race or sit very close to the front. From there he could be very hard to beat if the race shapes up well for him.
(7) Thunderboltaurus e/w
$11/$3.2 (0.5 units)
Race 6
(13) Dragon Pride had a great race last start where he was tight for room at multiple stages but worked into the finish for 4th. He’s had to contend with wide gates in recent efforts too but draws well for an in-form Karis Teetan in gate 4 today. Should be able to improve on his 4th placing and win or place.
(4) Turquoise Alpha will be heavily advantaged by the inside draw here and looks set to run well. I preferred Dragon Pride’s recent performance over this horses but he didn’t have a lot go his way and can improve here.
(3) Good News is a talented horse on his day but often struggles to be first past the post. With some luck today could be his day so he has to be in considerations.
(13) Dragon Pride e/w
$6.00/$2.30 (1 unit)
Race 8
This should realistically be a walk in the park for (2) Lucky Sweynesse. He’s not at the same level as Wellington but is clearly not far off the mark when he gets things his way in his races. The wide gate may be a benefit to the horse here as he’ll hopefully be clear of other horses and be allowed to run his own race for Zac Purton. If everything goes to plan this horse should be winning.
(1) Beauty Joy is the obvious danger to Lucky Sweynesse but is a level below on recent form. He’ll have to bring his absolute best to win this and may even need the favourite to be slightly off his game.
(5) Blaze Warrior steps up in class but gets in with no weight and draws well compared to gate 11 last time. His win was phenomenal in C2 but this race is different gravy and Lucky Sweynesse towers over him on form.
(2) Lucky Sweynesse win
$1.70 (5 units)
