Hong Kong form analyst Xavier Blair shares his views on each horse in tonights 2010 Cathay Pacific Hong Kong Sprint.
1. Sacred Kingdom
2007 and 2009 winner but missed 2008 renewal due to injury. Worlds best sprinter who
could have been going for four straight in this race. Hard to see him missing out in the finish.
Odds: 3.30
2. J J The Jet Plane
Struggled in the UK last year but on return home to South Africa he showed everyone why
he was his country’s best sprinter. His last two starts have been G1 victories and he looks to
be coming back to somewhere near his best.
Ortensia - sportpix.com.au
Odds: 11.00
3. Rocket Man
Champion sprinter from Singapore who has won 12 of 15 career starts and run second the
other 3 times. Dead heated for first in the G2 CX Jockey Club Sprint here at Sha Tin last start
when he gave One World 5lbs. They meet on equal terms this time and is a huge chance.
Odds: 3.30
4. Green Birdie
Surprise victor of the G1 KrisFlyer International Sprint at Kranji back in May where he
defeated Rocket Man by a neck. Unlucky in the G1 Sprinters Stakes in Japan last start and
looks a nice value chance.
Odds: 14.00
5. Joy And Fun
Winner of the G3 Al Quoz Sprint at Meydan back in March followed up by a midfield effort
behind Green Birdie in the KrisFlyer. Fractured his leg last start in the G1 Golden Jubilee in
June and willing to wait and see how he goes first up from an injury enforced lay off.
Odds: 67.00
6. Kingsgate Native
One of Britains best sprinters who won the 2008 Golden Jubilee at Royal Ascot. He hasn’t
won since May this year but has run some creditable races including a 4th in the July Cup
behind Starspangledbanner. From the gun alley he should receive every chance.
Odds: 26.00
7. Ultra Fantasy
Has come a long way in the past 12 months, transforming himself from a handicapper to a
competitive sprinter on the world stage. Likes to bowl along in front and narrowly won the
G1 Sprinters Stakes in Japan last start. Not likely to get a soft lead here but will be in it for a
long way.
Odds: 21.00
8. One World
Dead heated with Rocket Man last start in the G2 CX Jockey Club Sprint but meets him worse
off at the weights this time. Has extreme draw to contend with but has a second and third at
G1 level when tried in the past. Needs luck but with the right run he can place again.
Odds: 17.00
9. Little Bridge
Lightly raced 4yo gelding who is a winner of 5 of his 6 starts and his only defeat came at his
most recent start when he was a half length off Rocket Man and One World. Exciting talent
thrown in the deep end but should acquit himself well.
Odds: 15.00
10. Lucky Nine
Another rising star who defeated Mile contender Able One in the G3 National Day Cup
Hcp over 1400m back in early October. Last start he was wide throughout when midfield
behind One World and Rocket Man and his trainer believes he will be even better over
more ground. A scary thought considering his 1200m record reads 9 starts for 4 wins and 3
seconds with 1 third.
Odds: 9.00
11. Dim Sum
Races best when on the pace and with a bit of give in the track. Very consistent but has his
work cut out against the best here.
Odds: 67.00
12. Let Me Fight
Super consistent in Hong Kong for John Moore since joining his stable last season. Only
missed a place once in 7 starts but also has only won once. Midfield when at odds last time
out behind Rocket Man and One World and hard to see him threatening some of the big
players here.
Odds: 21.00
13. Cerise Cherry
Has improved out of sight since being kept to sprinting trips this time in and was a heavily
backed commodity when winning the G3 Premier Bowl HCP in October defeating Tai Sing
Yeh. Got back and was never a factor in the G2 CX Jockey Club Sprint last start and can
improve racing closer to the speed with Frankie Dettori on board.
Odds: 41.00
14. Ortensia
Australian mare who has struggled to recapture her best form of late but showed a glimpse
that she was coming back to somewhere near her best when she ran third to the worlds
equal top rated sprinter Black Caviar at Flemington last start. Has her work cut out in the big
league and will need plenty of luck from the alley.
Odds: 13.00
Written by Xavier Blair