Track bias make the going tough
Track bias reared its ugly head once again at the Sha Tin meeting on Saturday where the form books could have been thrown out the window and winners for virtually every race either led or were positioned in the box seat on the rail.
There is little doubt that in time the form from the races run last Saturday, and probably for the past six weeks, are not a good guide for future reference, because quite simply, the best horse often is not winning.
The inclement weather made it virtually impossible to make up ground on the leading brigade, although later in the day it became a fraction easier.
There were a few horses that defied the bias to some extent, such as Gold Sandfield, who finished sixth to Master Spirit over 1,400m (race 679). He was almost last on the turn and did cut back quite a few lengths on the leading brigade without ever threatening to hit the frame.
Under the circumstances, it was a decent effort in defeat.
Similarly, Lok Wah Treasure (second) ran on quite strongly without ever looking the winner in the Class Five contest (race 676) over 1,800 metres.
There was little doubt griffin All's Well was the one to beat on Saturday following his fine performance on debut when finishing runner-up to Good Ba Ba in the Juvenile Sprint Trophy, but he held that form when making every post a winner on his second appearance (race 675).
There was plenty to like about the improved effort from Pocket Money, who almost caused an upset when going down by a short head, but considering the pair drew 93/4 lengths of the remainder, he clearly has a bright future.
The wet conditions made it easier for runners to make up ground on the all-weather surface and the winning effort of Cenamira over the minimum trip (race 677) was solid.
Alex Wong Yu-on has been patient with this fellow and he will only get better when he steps up in distance next term.
In the same event, Awesome Eagle flew home in the finishing stages to finish fourth.
He has fallen to a competitive mark and should follow early next season.
Agility scored his second successive win over 1,800m (race 681) but was probably a shade lucky to win with Pretty Trio baulked for a run at a critical time inside the final 300m.
The runner-up has scope to rise higher in the handicap, while the winner just keeps on improving and rarely runs a bad race.
With several jockeys desperate to get to the lead for the final event of the day, the strong early pace eventually set it up for Delightful Win to edge out Egyptian Ra for his second success in the 1,400m contest (race 684).
They settled just behind the leaders who capitulated soon after straightening but both Delightful Win and Egyptian Ra can be followed on wet tracks in the future.
ONES TO NOTE:
Pocket Money, Gold Sandfield.
