RACE DAY INTERNATIONAL

It’s all about Hong Kong as Sha Tin hosts some of the best action in the early hours of Sunday morning and Toby Darby covers the biggest and best races on the card.

06:10 SHA TIN

The first of the big four group ones is a proper international affair, a few from the UK, a couple from France, throw in a Japanese and an Aussie and we have a thriller. Al Riffa was ruled out of the Melbourne Cup when a short favourite due to vet checks, whether this is quite enough of a stamina test for him these days I’m not so sure but it’s great to see him back and he will run a big race no doubt. Giavellotto won this race last year a fourth in the arc one place behind Sosie shows they both have the level of form to win this.

I can’t let Eydon go without a mention, very promising in his younger days he has been seen sparingly since but I do believe he is a good horse and can run a big race here.

AL RIFFA (WIN)

EYDON (E/W)

06:50 SHA TIN

The horse that needs no introduction, Ka Ying Rising, for me the best horse in the world and one of the best sprinters ever. It’s not often younger double figures the field but it’s deservedly so, I’d love to see them let him rip and see how quick he can go because his own track record is there to be smashed further. To finish in behind, I would take Tomodachi Kokoroe at a huge price. He had a good season up until last time out, I’m not sure that was his best and as a result we can get a better price today.

TOMODACHI KOKOROE (E/W)

08:00 SHA TIN

Voyage Bubble drops back in distance to avoid Romantic Warrior who we will get onto later. That looks a good move as he has more of a chance here despite it being a competitive field. My wish disappointed last time when only 4th to the reopposing Galaxy Patch. Galaxy Patch got the dream run that day and I can see My Wish reversing the form. Drawn in stall 2 he should have no issues getting a good position and considering he went off 2/5 last time this is a huge price in comparison. Docklands has been over to Japan competing and has had a long season but theres a chance this race sets up for the closers and he might be able to make the frame.

MY WISH (WIN)

08:40 SHA TIN

Romantic Warrior is world class, an emphatic winner on return over this C&D without Voyage Bubble to worry about this should be nothing more than a piece of work. Bellagio Opera is a new contender but I’m not convinced he can put up much of a fight, I would instead be looking at Quisisana this drop in trip should be to her liking and who can ignore Graffard’s record this year.

QUISISANA (E/W)

written by Toby Darby