Best Bets | Sha Tin, 4 May 2022

Regency Gem | (Sha Tin Race 2 No.6)

If you backed this bloke over his last two, you’re probably thinking, oh no not this guy, but hear me out. He was ordered to trial after standing in the gates flat-footed in back-to-back starts this preparation but during both trials since he did everything but stay in the gates with Moreira in the saddle. To say he is cured of his barrier mishaps is a huge call until he does it on race day, but I think this is the time. Drawn well and will sit in an ideal position providing all goes to play with Moreira riding. We will have our fingers and toes crossed.

Suggested bet: 1 unit @ $5.00 Win (Rated $3.61) / 1 unit @ $2.00 Place.

E Brother | (Sha Tin Race 5 No.7) / Happy Tango | (Sha Tin Race 5 No.2)

Despite E Brother drawing a widish barrier, he possesses the early speed to be able to get into a prime position. His run two back was good despite being no match for Flying Dragon before his bold effort last start where the pace put on favoured the Jazz Angel in behind. There isn’t a lot of pace and the draw should assist in his endeavours for a spot. With Moreira going on, I expect another bold effort. Happy Tango looks like the leader in this race and the in-form Lyle Hewitson is aboard. Last start was one to forget as the rider dropped his rein at the 200m, his whip got tangled in the rein before being dislodged by another rider, all this whilst running wide without cover. Back onto the dirt with a good map and draw, he will be hard to run down.

Suggested bet: 1 unit @ $4.40 (Rated $4.30) / 1 unit @ $5.00 (Rated $5.02)

Sun Of Makfi | (Sha Tin Race 6 No.11) / Steel Win | (Sha Tin Race 6 No.10)

Sun of Makfi come off a slow pace last start to finish 1.2 lengths off the dirt lover in Blotting Paper. It will be interesting to see what Chadwick is going to do from the inside draw as I think he will be better suited further up in the running, though he won’t want to be stuck on the rail. He will be nearing peak fitness now, and based on his form, he has a high chance to run well. Steel Win is coming out of the same race, but the draw really hindered his chances after starting well. The wide draw really brings him into this race, and he should be thereabouts in the finish.

Suggested bet: 1 unit @ $3.30 (Rated $3.25) / 0.4 unit @ $12.00 (Rated $4.87)

Like That | (Sha Tin Race 8 No.9) / Lightning Bolt | (Sha Tin Race 8 No.7) / Flying Dragon | (Sha Tin Race 8 No.10)

Like That has drawn ideally out wide for this contest and should be sitting a lot closer in the run than last start. In that run he settled seventh before storming home for a 1.5 length second placing. Moreira back on is the key, and with rival Lightning Bolt likely to be midfield, he can pinch this race with a well-timed ride. If the ride isn’t timed well, Lightning Bolt will be coming. He probably won’t hit the betting point for me in terms of price, but he is a worry. Flying Dragon is the other who comes into calculations if he can use his barrier well. He did it well two back when saluting nicely in weaker grade and I thought his run was good last start, finishing 1.7 lengths off Campione. A solid run from the gate sees him a live chance.

Suggested bet: 0.6 unit @ $7.00 (Rated $3.95) / No Bet @ $3.40 (Rated $4.61) / 0.8 unit @ $6.00 (Rated $4.61)

Remaining Races:

Race 1 No.7 The Big Hero – No Bet @ $1.95 

Race 3 No.10 Lucky Victor – No Bet @ $12.00

Race 4 No.12 Noble Man – No Bet @ $12.00

Race 9 No.4 Money Catcher – No Bet @ $5.50