Oriental Watch Sha Tin Trophy – 2022

Track: Firm  Weather: Mostly Fine

Fourteen runners have accepted for the $800,000 AUD Group 2 Oriental Watch Sha Tin Trophy and there have been no early scratchings.

Twelve of the fourteen runners are coming into this first-up after a nice break and all will have their backs against the wall early.

California Spangle is one of the two horses who aren’t first up and comes off a dominant win in the Celebration Cup where he was rated to perfection by Zac Purton whilst winning comfortably by just over two lengths.

Russian Emperor had a tremendous season in 2020/2021 winning two group 1’s and placing three other group races. I don’t expect them to force the envelope with this bloke first up after a spell, but it is expected that he will be hitting the line well.

Beauty Joy is one that will interest a lot of punters as he is going for four wins in a row as he returns from a spell and winning five of his last seven runs. His first-up record is superb and he won first up over a mile last preparation albeit in a weaker class of race.

1. Waikuku (13)

Resuming after 175 days. Known for his Group 1 win over Golden Sixty last preparation. Goes okay first up but the draw doesn’t help his chances.

2. Russian Emperor (8)

Resuming after 147 days. Champion stayer who won’t be pushed here first up. Could run a nice place at best.

3. California Spangle (12)

Big winner last start and gets a nice draw out wide, and will stroll to the front. Likely to start very short and it is deserved. Hard to beat.

4. Tourbillon Diamond (9)

Resuming after 119 days. Trialled three times in preparation for this and he has placed 3/4 first-up runs. Expect him to run solidly and be thereabouts over the final furlong.

5. Beauty Joy (14)

Resuming after 119 days. Was unbeaten last preparation with Purton riding all three times. The query is that he has only had one trial in preparation for this though he is 2/3 first up. He is the X Factor in this race though the draw has done him no favours.

6. Ka Ying Star (1)

Resuming after 119 days. Goes okay fresh but has had two trials in readiness for this. Drawn ideally and will kick up to sit behind California Spangle. Not sure if he can run a place, but he will get his chance.

7. Panfield (10)

Resuming after 147 days. Two trials in preparation for this and goes okay first up. Will be hitting the line here and expect him to have a good preparation.

8. More Than This (2)

Resuming after 175 days. Prefer others here.

9. Senor Toba (6)

Resuming after 147 days. Come of age last preparation with a nice win in a Group 3 over 2400m. This looks too tough first up but expect him to improve as his preparation goes on.

10. Excellent Proposal (5)

Resuming after 92 days. Too tough for him.

11. Savvy Nine (4)

Resuming after 92 days. Should settle midfield or better but he might find these too tough.

12. Butterfield (3)

Resuming after 119 days. Tough race for him to resume in though he has drawn well and should sit in a handy position, which will give him every chance. Don’t think he can win but a place chance maybe.

13. Cheerful Days (11)

Ran well first-up over 1400m behind California Spangle. Gets a 4kg swing for a 5.7-length defeat. Place chance.

14. Turin Redsun (7)

Resuming after 92 days. Won a Class 1 at the end of last season and has placed over 1800m behind California Spangle in a Group 1 last preparation. Place chance at best.

The following are the top 4 selections for this year’s race.

Josh’s Tips
3 California Spangle
5 Beauty Joy
7 Panfield
12 Butterfield