Rocket Man went down narrowly in this race last year and is hoping to go one better ahead of several local hopes who will have the crowd on their side.
ROCKET MAN (SIN)
Incredible sprinter ranked 2nd in the world who has only once finished outside the quinella in 23 starts which includes a whopping 18 wins. Beaten a lip in this race last year by J J The Jetplane. Some query as to whether he is at his best after his not so impressive win at Kranji in an inferior race at his most recent run. You’d be silly to completely write him off and is pre post favourite with the bookies.
Current Odds: $4.00
SACRED KINGDOM (HK)
8yo fan favourite aiming to be the first horse to win the race 3 times, previously won the 2007 and 2009 runnings of the race. Ran a close third last year and resumed with a solid effort behind Entrapment over 1000m down the Sha Tin straight. You’d think he’d have to be past his best but never write off a champion.
Current Odds: $7.50
BATED BREATH (GB)
Three time Group 1 runner up who has remarkably has run his past 5 starts at the highest level with his best effort being a half length defeat in the G1 July Cup at Newmarket behind Dream Ahead. Races on speed and if he can slot into a nice position early he should be thereabouts.
Current Odds: $17.00
LUCKY NINE (HK)
Talented gelding who finished 7th in this race last year as a 9/2 chance. His most recent starts have both been in Japan which saw him beaten a head into second by A Shin Virgo in the G2 Centaur Stakes followed by a luckless 5th in the G1 Sprinters stakes behind rival Curren Chan. Has an explosive turn of foot and is definately the wildcard runner.
Current Odds: $6.50
SOCIETY ROCK (GB)
Golden Jubilee winner at 25/1 back in June at Ascot who then travelled to France and was runner up to Moonlight Cloud in the Group 1 P.Maurice de Gheest over 1300m. Well travelled European who has his work cut out here.
Current Odds: $51.00
LITTLE BRIDGE (HK)
Defeated rival Entrapment by 3/4 of a length in the G2 Jockey Club Sprint Trial in an impressive performance. Last prep he was tested over longer journeys and failed but this time in being kept to purely sprinting trips has thrived. Hard to beat with the right run.
Current Odds: $5.00
ENTRAPMENT (HK)
Comeback galloper who returned with a bang winning over 1000m defeating Sacred Kingdom down the Sha Tin straight but has since failed to catch Rich Unicorn and Little Bridge. Jury is out on him but can surprise.
Current Odds: $8.00
SOLE POWER (IRE)
Blowout winner of the G1 Nunthorpe Stakes back in August last year defeating Aussie sprinter Starspangledbanner at cricket score odds. Midfield in the King’s Stand and most recently ran well when third behind Tangerine Trees at Longchamp. Blowout hope once again.
Current Odds: $51.00
GREEN BIRDIE (HK)
Defeated Rocket Man in the Krisflyer International Sprint last year and has failed to salute the judge since. Reportedly didn’t work that well during the week and it appears his best days are behind him.
Current Odds: $61.00
ADMIRATION (HK)
Tidy effort for third last start behind Little Birdge and Entrapment and is all the fitter 4th up going into his Grand Final. Likes to settle just off them and may be able to run straight by his rivals with added fitness this time. Good each way chance at odds.
Current Odds: $13.00
PAS DE TROIS (JPN)
On pacer who couldn’t withstand the challenge from Curren Chan when a 50-1 chance at his last outing beaten just under 2 lengths. Should race handy again here but may be found wanting when the pressure goes on.
Current Odds: $31.00
RICH UNICORN (HK)
Suprising yet impressive winner of the G2 Premier Bowl HCP when he came from last on the turn for a barnstorming win leaving Little Bridge in his wake. Not as well suited at the weights here and has to lift again.
Current Odds: $26.00
JOY AND FUN (HK)
Has struggled with injuries throughout his career and managed to run 5th in the G2 Jockey Club Sprit Trial when a 33-1 chance. Getting on a bit and with some serious queries on his soundness he has to be risked at this level.
Current Odds: $101.00
CURREN CHAN (JPN)
Gun Japanese filly who defeated several of her rivals in the G1 Sprinters Stakes winning comfortably by 1.8L. Is aiming for 6 wins in a row and with strong form against many of her rivals they may find it hard to turn the tables. Improving with every start and hard to beat here.
Current Odds: $8.00
*all odds correct at time of posting
