Yesterday’s Review
0.75pt e/way Silky Wilkie (105) – Not the strongest of paces with the front two at the 2 furlong pole occupying the first two positions at the line. The selection would have preferred a stronger pace but did very well to snatch the bronze medal having been outpaced and having to switch outside in the home straight. Result 3rd 8/1 adv…9/1 SP.
Today’s Advice
WINNING OVATION (7f Hcap) – The (9.45) Sha Tin looks an interesting contest with a very short priced favourite Super Express at the head of the market. He has yet to finish outside the first two in seven races and did well to close down Riding Together to a half length (who had his own way out in front) last time out. Andrea Atzeni takes over the ride this this morning and he has been in fine form riding a treble already on today’s card. My only concerns with the favourite are whether he truly puts the head down in the finish and the price.
The selection is a lightly raced type trained by local legend Tony Cruz and ridden by Alexis Badel. An impressive winner when last seen in the UK for Michael Bell the son of Cotai Glory has taken well to his new surroundings. Following a down the field Hong Kong debut over 6f he really impressed when last seen over course and distance back in May 2025. He tracked the leaders, on that occasion, before not obtaining a clear run at the two furlong marker but still had enough in the locker to lead readily inside the final furlong for a 1 length victory. Three winners have come out of the race since and the (109) timefigure puts him towards the top of today’s charts. It has been 308 days since he has been seen in public but he has been doing plenty of work recently and has won both of his barrier trial races last month. A kind draw in stall 4 and his last time out winning rider back on board provide more positives for the four-year-old and at the prices on offer he looks well worth an interest for the final race on this morning’s card.
OMAHA FRONT (8f Cns) – The handicapper has rated the selection third best for today’s (1.15) Jebel Ali with Raajehh and Yamdeek put in as joint favourites. As we know ratings are only a guide and it may prove worthwhile to go with what has been shown on the clock so far by today’s contestants. The selection sits at the top of the timefigure charts with a (105) over course and distance last January. I am willing to forgive him his latest effort when stepping up to the extended nine furlongs and sporting first time blinkers at Meydan las time out. He tried to make all the running in that Listed contest but could only manage sixth place. Back at his favourite course and distance he sets a solid benchmark for the two joint favourites to reach.
Raajehh has been slightly disappointing since winning over 6f at Meydan when recording a (102) timefigure and connections have now reached for the first time visor. Yamdeek finished behind Ordep last time out over 7f at today’s venue and his place at the top of the market looks dubious. Sary Shayan finished right beside Rajeeh last time out over the extended 9f at Meydan in a Listed race for three-year-olds. He could only keep on near the finish and we have still to really gauge his ability. There looks enough in the prices to give the selection a sporting each way chance back at today’s venue.
1pt e/way Winning Ovation (6 general) 9.45 Sha Tin (6/1 4 places Paddy Power/Skybet for those who can avail of the extra place)
0.75pt e/way Omaha Front (7/2 general) 1.15 Jebel Ali