Derby Day is upon us! What a stellar lineup for what could well be the most exciting race of the Hong Kong racing calendar. It's a quality card front-to-back and we've identified a handful of runners who are short but deservedly so and should be saluting today. Beauty Eternal in the derby looks a super talent on the way up so it wouldn't surprise to see him handle the 2000m and produce yet another win!
Sha Tin Racing Tips: Sunday March 19th
Race 1
(3) June Planet looks as though he’d almost have to regress from his debut performance at Happy Valley to lose this race. He looks the real deal having motored home from the rear on debut. Recent trials have been sound and he looks ready to break through for his first win here.
(12) Snowalot is the other last start winner in the field and looks like the main danger to June Planet with a slightly better draw and Lyle Hewitson remaining aboard.
(14) Soaring Tower is a regular placegetter but doesn’t win out of turn. He’s one to throw in for minors here with Silvestre De Sousa riding at a light weight.
(3) June Planet win
$3.50 (2 units)
Race 4
(2) Golden Bull is the obvious choice here and one of the more confident plays on the card. The race looks mainly between 2 horses but Golden Bull has distinct advantages here with James Mcdonald aboard and possessing a far more consistent record albeit without a win. Could’ve won last time and should win this time with a more optimally timed run in the straight.
(1) Good News is the clear danger in this event with Damian Lane aboard in gate 6. He doesn’t win out of turn which is a slight concern and Golden Bull looks the more progressive of the two but he’s clear 2nd pick here.
(3) War Weapon stormed home late behind Unpresuming in the same race as Good News. If Good News is in the numbers, War Weapon needs to be respected as well.
(2) Golden Bull win
$2.60 (2 units)
Race 7
(1) California Spangle is the top selection here by a space. He’s the leader from the inside gate in a small field over only 1400m. The fact that he’s been competitive with Hong Kong’s greatest ever racehorse in Golden Sixty and the new up and comer Romantic Warrior over 1400m and 1600m means this should be a walk in the park for the horse.
(3) Lucky Sweynesse is the 2nd pick after winning the Centenary Sprint so easily last time out. He’ll be up near the pace and there to catch out the favourite if he’s not on his game.
(2) Wellington gets 3rd here having been held by Lucky Sweynesse last start over 1200m. Wellington doesn’t look like he handles 1400m as well as either of the other two horses selected here but he should be able to run well regardless.
(1) California Spangle win
$1.80 (2 units)
