Sha Tin (1st Jan 2025) Race 8 1400m G3

Difficult race to weigh up, I've decided on two for the short list, though there are a few that are close behind the short list selections.

Beauty Joy who has consistently good closing sectionals. Has been borderline G1 class, but now 8YO so cant be getting any better, though ran a cracker to be fast finishing third in the HKIR Mile running wide. Has won twice over 1400m though 1600m probably suits him better. 

Red Lion who ran a good 2nd in G1 Champions Mile (240428-ST-07) last season, prior to that 3rd in G2 Chairman's Trophy (240407-ST-08) and prior to that good 3rd in G1 over 1400m(240310-ST-07). 1400m is probably his best distance and very capable at G3. Body weight a bit high, but that may be a positive. High draw is a bit tricky.

My preference is for Red Lion who hasn't done much yet this season, though the John Size stable has only recently been showing good form. He has a high draw to contend with but the jockey booking and the rise in body weight imply to me that this is his target. Beauty Joy has the best ratings in my book, he ran a very good race to finish 3rd in the HKIR mile, but he is now an 8YO, so I suspect that he may not have recovered from that race. My selection is Red Lion, though his odds look to be on the short side, largely due to the jockey booking I expect, so I am hoping that he may drift before the off.

Sha Tin (22/12/24) Race 10 - 1200m C2

 Very competitive sprint, just what I like. Down to four in the short list.

Wunderbar Very promising sprinter. Very consistent speed horse, with good collateral figures. Likely favorite.

Gorgeous Win Ran wide from a wide draws at HV last twice. Good run in C2 at ST before that (241013-ST-10). Consistently good closing sectionals in good pace races. Has been troubled by wide runs, drawn wide again today. Has a good chance if he can save ground and finish off fast pace.

Raging Blizzard Just needed run first time out (241027-HV-10) but great ride by Avdulla from wide draw meant he saved ground and good effort to finish a close 3rd. Close 3rd next time behind Beauty Charge (241120-HV-08). Forget AW run LTO (241201-AW-07)

Bottemuptogether Lightly raced but proving to be a decent sprinter. Close form with Wunderbar (241013-ST-10). Didn't seem to stay 1400m LTO (241109-ST-07) but bled in that race. Well fancied today.

Wunderbar and Bottemuptogether are well fancied today though both likely to be underlays. I'm going for a small EW bet on Gorgeous Win. He has been plagued by wide draws this season, though the predicted fast pace today may allow him to go back onto the rail, save ground then use his good TOF to finish the race off well. Currently trading at 14/1 in the UK which is decent value in my book.