March 19 / 7.30 Sha Tin

7.30 Sha Tin

Good

Werther Handicap (Class 3) (3yo+) (Course A) (Turf)

  • Prize money: £115335.46
  • 1m 2f 0y
  • 16 runners
SKY
View Course
Werther Handicap (Class 3) (3yo+) (Course A) (Turf)

Runners: 16 runners

Type: Flat Turf

Surface: Turf

Weather:

14/1 (Won)

Form: 99-166 C

Last run: 11 days

W: 8st 12lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 72

Form & Verdict
This first tilt at 1m2f promises to suit a horse who has been doing his best work at the end of races over a furlong less; the return to this track is expected to help too as it plays better to his strengths; on the shortlist.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1st

7

(5)

19th Mar 2023

Good

1m 2f 0y

07:30 Sha Tin

Escape Route

8st 12lb

J: Damian Lane

T: J Size

in touch, tracked leaders over 2f out, ridden to lead inside 2f out, driven and kept on strongly final 150yds, in command close home

14/1

6th

6

(11)

8th Mar 2023

Good

1m 1f 0y

13:15 Happy Valley

Escape Route

9st 2lb

J: Karis Teetan

T: J Size

held up in rear, ridden 2 1/2f out, wide into straight, driven over 1f out, stayed on well final furlong, nearest finish

8/1

6th

6

(2)

26th Feb 2023

Good

1m 1f 0y

08:40 Sha Tin

Escape Route

9st 4lb

J: V Borges

T: J Size

raced keenly in midfield, took closer order going well inside 2f out, pushed along and not clear run from 1 1/2f out until lost place inside final furlong, kept on final 50yds, too much to do

8/1

5/2

Form: 752-13 CD BF

Last run: 28 days

W: 9st 9lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 83

Form & Verdict
Partnered by Hugh Bowman for the third time after collecting a win and a second together; a good third latest start after 6lb rise for a C&D victory; off the same mark today, he's a major contender.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2nd

1

(3)

19th Mar 2023

Good

1m 2f 0y

07:30 Sha Tin

Five G Patch

9st 9lb

J: Hugh Bowman

T: A S Cruz

held up towards rear, ridden 2f out, driven and stayed on well from 1 1/2f out, took 2nd 125yds out, no impression on winner

5/2

3rd

6

(3)

19th Feb 2023

Good

1m 2f 0y

08:35 Sha Tin

Five G Patch

8st 8lb

J: Matthew Chadwick

T: A S Cruz

midfield, ridden 2 1/2f out, kept on well final furlong, nearest finish

5/1

1st

4

(1)

21st Jan 2023

Good

1m 2f 0y

08:25 Sha Tin

Five G Patch

9st 7lb

J: Hugh Bowman

T: A S Cruz

midfield, headway from 2 1/2f out, ridden to chase leader inside 2f out, stayed on well to lead 100yds out, in command close home

4/1

11/2

Form: 845-63

Last run: 35 days

W: 8st 11lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 71

Form & Verdict
Application of this headgear revitalised him last time when a never-nearer third, beaten inches, over 1m1f here; twice runner-up from three attempts at this slightly longer trip, he warrants serious consideration but is 0-14 in Hong Kong (two UK wins came on Polytrack at up to 1m).
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

8

(4)

19th Mar 2023

Good

1m 2f 0y

07:30 Sha Tin

Copartner Elites

8st 11lb

J: C Y Ho

T: C S Shum

midfield, took closer order 4f out, ridden and chased leaders 2 1/2f out, every chance 2f out, no extra inside final furlong

11/2

3rd

7

(10)

12th Feb 2023

Good

1m 1f 0y

09:10 Sha Tin

Copartner Elites

8st 13lb

J: C Y Ho

T: C S Shum

midfield, shaken up and good headway from 2f out, ridden 1 1/2f out, kept on well final furlong, nearest finish

7/1

6th

10

(13)

8th Jan 2023

Good

1m 1f 0y

07:35 Sha Tin

Copartner Elites

9st 2lb

J: C Y Ho

T: C S Shum

towards rear, headway into midfield on outside 3f out, ridden and no further impression from 2f out

7/1

4th
11 (12)
Natural Storm

12/1

Form: 441-72 C

Last run: 21 days

W: 8st 9lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 69

Form & Verdict
Twice fourth from ten starts over this track and trip but did win over 1m3f at Happy Valley; good second over 1m1f here last time and is nicely treated with the top-weight on their Happy Valley encounter in December; prospects on paper are good but nagging doubts about C&D record.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4th

11

(12)

19th Mar 2023

Good

1m 2f 0y

07:30 Sha Tin

Natural Storm

8st 9lb

J: Jerry Chau

T: P F Yiu

held up in rear, ridden and headway on wide outside from 3f out, driven from 2f out, chased leaders over 1f out, no extra inside final furlong

12/1

2nd

11

(6)

26th Feb 2023

Good

1m 1f 0y

08:40 Sha Tin

Natural Storm

9st 0lb

J: Jamie Kah

T: P F Yiu

held up towards rear, switched wide entering straight, ridden inside 2f out, stayed on strongly from over 1f out, every chance 100yds out, not pace of winner final 75yds

20/1

7th

12

(13)

21st Jan 2023

Good

1m 2f 0y

08:25 Sha Tin

Natural Storm

8st 12lb

J: Karis Teetan

T: P F Yiu

held up in rear, headway and towards rear of midfield 3 1/2f out, ridden inside 3f out, wide into straight and lost place, kept on final 100yds, never dangerous

12/1

20/1

Form: 400-48

Last run: 11 days

W: 8st 5lb

4 yo Gelding

OR: 65

Form & Verdict
Winner over 1m in New Zealand; looking for a first success after seven outings in Hong Kong; two fair efforts over 1m1f here on latest starts, although latest was less promising than the first; not out of it but others carry less risks.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6th

13

(6)

19th Mar 2023

Good

1m 2f 0y

07:30 Sha Tin

Round The Earth

8st 5lb

J: Matthew Poon

T: D J Hall

in touch in midfield, lost place over 2f out, ridden 2f out, driven and no impression final furlong

20/1

8th

9

(9)

8th Mar 2023

Good

1m 1f 0y

13:15 Happy Valley

Round The Earth

8st 9lb

J: C Y Ho

T: D J Hall

held up towards rear, ridden 2f out, stayed on inside final furlong, never dangerous

8/1

4th

12

(9)

12th Feb 2023

Good

1m 1f 0y

09:10 Sha Tin

Round The Earth

8st 7lb

J: Matthew Chadwick

T: D J Hall

towards rear of midfield, ridden 2f out, stayed on well from 1 1/2f out, nearest finish

33/1

7th
3 (14)
Woodfire Bro

10/1

Form: 14-418 CD

Last run: 21 days

W: 9st 3lb

4 yo Gelding

OR: 77

Form & Verdict
Three wins this season over three different trips, including one over C&D; 4-14 in Hong Kong and a consistent performer but was possibly anchored by this career-high handicap mark and lacked a kick when it mattered last month.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7th

3

(14)

19th Mar 2023

Good

1m 2f 0y

07:30 Sha Tin

Woodfire Bro

9st 3lb

J: K C Leung

T: L Ho

in touch, tracked leaders after 4f, ridden and prominent 2 1/2f out, driven and weakened gradually from 1 1/2f out

10/1

15

(15)

26th Feb 2023

Good

1m 1f 0y

09:15 Sha Tin

Woodfire Bro

9st 0lb

J: Reserve

T: L Ho

Three wins this season, the latest in Class 3 handicap over C&D a fortnight ago, but will have a lot more on his plate if he contests this race; also engaged in 8.40.

8th

3

(3)

26th Feb 2023

Good

1m 1f 0y

08:40 Sha Tin

Woodfire Bro

9st 9lb

J: K C Leung

T: L Ho

chased leader, dropped to 3rd 4f out, prominent over 2f out, ridden 2f out, driven final furlong, no extra final 125yds

5/1

25/1

Form: 86-550 C

Last run: 21 days

W: 8st 9lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 69

Form & Verdict
Has a narrow verdict over Woodfire Bro on his CV from October (1m1f here); well held since then and has been unplaced on all five attempts over this course and distance.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

8th

12

(9)

19th Mar 2023

Good

1m 2f 0y

07:30 Sha Tin

S J Tourbillon

8st 9lb

J: L Hewitson

T: Douglas Whyte

towards rear of midfield, ridden over 2f out, short of room 2f out, some headway over 1f out, no extra final 150yds

25/1

10th

8

(14)

26th Feb 2023

Good

1m 1f 0y

08:40 Sha Tin

S J Tourbillon

9st 3lb

J: Hugh Bowman

T: Douglas Whyte

midfield, ridden and effort inside 2f out, short of room and hampered inside final furlong, kept on at same pace final 150yds

14/1

15

(15)

12th Feb 2023

Good

1m 1f 0y

09:10 Sha Tin

S J Tourbillon

9st 0lb

J: Matthew Poon

T: Douglas Whyte

Pipped Woodfire Bro to cause 44-1 surprise over C&D in October and now back on the same mark but others appeal more.

12/1

Form: 18-097 D

Last run: 14 days

W: 9st 2lb

4 yo Gelding

OR: 76

Form & Verdict
Not beaten far on last two of three Hong Kong starts, most recently in Class 2 (when 8lb out of the handicap); those two runs were over 1m1f and, as a 1m2f winner in Australia, this step up to that trip is a plus; no forlorn hope.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

9th

4

(13)

19th Mar 2023

Good

1m 2f 0y

07:30 Sha Tin

Perfect Team

9st 2lb

J: Blake Shinn

T: C Fownes

held up towards rear, switched wide entering straight, ridden and no impression from over 2f out

12/1

7th

11

(1)

5th Mar 2023

Good

1m 1f 0y

08:35 Sha Tin

Perfect Team

8st 3lb

J: Harry Bentley

T: C Fownes

midfield, ridden and effort inside 2f out, no further impression final furlong

66/1

16

(16)

26th Feb 2023

Good

1m 1f 0y

09:15 Sha Tin

Perfect Team

9st 0lb

J: Reserve

T: C Fownes

2-8 when trained in Australia but safely held in Class 3 handicaps on first two Hong Kong starts (7f/1m1f).

16/1

Form: 09-006

Last run: 21 days

W: 8st 10lb

4 yo Gelding

OR: 70

Form & Verdict
Runner-up in 1m2f Group 2 in Australia last year; soundly beaten on first three Hong Kong appearances before showing a little bit more last time (8.5f); this trip and another small drop in the handicap are in his favour.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

10th

10

(2)

19th Mar 2023

Good

1m 2f 0y

07:30 Sha Tin

Can’t Go Wong

8st 10lb

J: Alexis Badel

T: F C Lor

midfield, ridden over 2f out, weakened final furlong, eased inside final furlong

16/1

6th

5

(8)

26th Feb 2023

Standard

1m 0f 55y

05:30 Sha Tin

Can’t Go Wong

8st 12lb

J: Karis Teetan

T: F C Lor

raced keenly, tracked leaders, ridden 2 1/2f out, outpaced inside 2f out, kept on at same pace final furlong

20/1

14th

3

(5)

12th Feb 2023

Good

1m 1f 0y

09:10 Sha Tin

Can’t Go Wong

9st 3lb

J: Karis Teetan

T: F C Lor

took keen hold, led, ridden and headed 2f out, weakened 1 1/2f out

33/1

11th
2 (7)
Enjoying

13/2

Form: 065-74 C

Last run: 28 days

W: 9st 6lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 80

Form & Verdict
Closely matched with the top-weight having been a place behind him last time over C&D; Ryan Moore takes over from apprentice who claimed 10lb; inconsistent and just one win from 29 starts in Hong Kong tempers enthusiasm for this likely front-runner.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

11th

2

(7)

19th Mar 2023

Good

1m 2f 0y

07:30 Sha Tin

Enjoying

9st 6lb

J: Ryan Moore

T: W Y So

tracked leaders, wide around first two turns, outpaced over 2f out, weakened from 1 1/2f out

13/2

4th

7

(7)

19th Feb 2023

Good

1m 2f 0y

08:35 Sha Tin

Enjoying

8st 6lb

J: Angus Chung

T: W Y So

chased leader, dropped to 3rd halfway, prominent on outside 2 1/2f out, ridden and every chance inside 2f out, kept on at same pace final furlong

20/1

7th

9

(4)

21st Jan 2023

Good

1m 0f 0y

05:15 Sha Tin

Enjoying

8st 8lb

J: K H Alfred Chan

T: W Y So

chased leader, ridden 2f out, no extra final furlong

8/1

12th
14 (11)
Young Brilliant

100/1

Form: 212-00 D

Last run: 35 days

W: 8st 4lb

4 yo Gelding

OR: 64

Form & Verdict
Twice a winner in the UK, including over this trip, but Sha Tin is rather different to Southwell and Epsom; little encouragement from either start since arriving in Hong Kong.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

12th

14

(11)

19th Mar 2023

Good

1m 2f 0y

07:30 Sha Tin

Young Brilliant

8st 4lb

J: V Borges

T: C H Yip

led, ridden 2f out, headed inside 2f out, weakened 1 1/2f out, eased inside final furlong

100/1

13th

11

(14)

12th Feb 2023

Good

1m 1f 0y

09:10 Sha Tin

Young Brilliant

8st 9lb

J: Luke Currie

T: C H Yip

always towards rear

50/1

13th

11

(2)

15th Jan 2023

Good

1m 0f 0y

08:35 Sha Tin

Young Brilliant

8st 9lb

J: Harry Bentley

T: C H Yip

towards rear of midfield, outpaced 2f out, soon beaten

25/1

50/1

Form: 090-89 CD

Last run: 21 days

W: 9st 1lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 75

Form & Verdict
Ended last season with a narrow win to make it three successes from seven attempts over this track and trip; he's now on a mark 2lb lower but has struggled this term with six down-the-field performances; well weighted but has to rekindle his zip.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

13th

5

(8)

19th Mar 2023

Good

1m 2f 0y

07:30 Sha Tin

Superbella

9st 1lb

J: Matthew Chadwick

T: F C Lor

chased leader, very wide around first two turns, ridden 3f out, weakened over 2f out, eased inside final furlong

50/1

9th

1

(10)

26th Feb 2023

Good

1m 1f 0y

08:40 Sha Tin

Superbella

9st 9lb

J: C Y Ho

T: F C Lor

towards rear of midfield on outside, ridden inside 3f out, driven and involved in some scrimmaging inside 2f out, kept on final furlong, never dangerous

20/1

8th

1

(9)

21st Jan 2023

Good

1m 2f 0y

08:25 Sha Tin

Superbella

9st 9lb

J: C Y Ho

T: F C Lor

held up towards rear, ridden over 3f out, outpaced over 2f out, kept on final furlong, never dangerous

10/1

8/1

Form: 40-773

Last run: 21 days

W: 8st 11lb

4 yo Gelding

OR: 71

Form & Verdict
Twice successful over 7f in Ireland, while in Hong Kong he's twice been in the frame but is 0-6; last two starts over 1m1f have suggested he's found his level in terms of a handicap mark, while his strong finishes indicate this extra furlong is another plus point; good prospects.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

14th

9

(1)

19th Mar 2023

Good

1m 2f 0y

07:30 Sha Tin

Snaffles

8st 11lb

J: Karis Teetan

T: David A Hayes

midfield, ridden over 3f out, lost place inside 3f out, soon struggling, eased 1 1/2f out

8/1

3rd

9

(12)

26th Feb 2023

Good

1m 1f 0y

08:40 Sha Tin

Snaffles

9st 3lb

J: Karis Teetan

T: David A Hayes

started slowly, towards rear, ridden over 2f out, short of room and not clear run inside 2f out, driven and stayed on well from over 1f out

25/1

7th

5

(4)

1st Feb 2023

Good

1m 1f 0y

13:15 Happy Valley

Snaffles

9st 1lb

J: L Hewitson

T: David A Hayes

Outran triple-digit odds when fourth over 7f in November, his second Hong Kong start, but was unable to land a significant blow on his next two outings (1m/1m1f); others preferred.

33/1

Form: 320-07 CD

Last run: 28 days

W: 9st 0lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 74

Form & Verdict
In the money 9-19 over this track and trip, including three successes, and has dropped to a mark just 1lb higher than his last winning one; ran a little better last time and could make the frame if he's not trapped out wide for too long from stall 10.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5th

4

(2)

11th Mar 2023

Standard

0m 7f 0y

Class 2

18:30 Chelmsford (AW)

Above

9st 1lb

J: Marco Ghiani

T: Stuart Williams

Dual 6f winner around here and still off the same mark as for the most recent of those in November 2021; has won over this trip elsewhere but he may need the run after 198 days off.

8/1

8th

6

(1)

25th Aug 2022

Standard

0m 7f 0y

Class 2

14:45 Chelmsford (AW)

Above

9st 8lb

J: Andrea Atzeni

T: Stuart Williams

mounted in chute, slowly into stride, always towards rear, eased inside final furlong (trainer could offer no explanation for the gelding's poor performance other than he may not have faced the kickback having become detached; jockey said gelding was slowly away)

8/1

2nd

3

(2)

13th Aug 2022

Good To Firm

0m 6f 0y

Class 2

16:28 Newmarket (July)

Above

9st 9lb

J: James Doyle

T: Stuart Williams

upset in stalls, led, ridden and headed over 2f out, hung right over 1f out, outpaced final furlong

6/1

Form: /0-300 D

Last run: 21 days

W: 9st 5lb

4 yo Gelding

OR: 79

Form & Verdict
Group 1 winner over 1m2f in Argentina two years ago; has taken on the top 4yo performers on last two starts and is also in the Derby on this card; January third to Voyage Bubble would put him in the picture.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

16

(16)

19th Mar 2023

Good

1m 2f 0y

08:40 Sha Tin

La City Blanche

9st 0lb

J: L Hewitson

T: A S Cruz

Group 1 winner over 1m2f in Argentina in 2021; given plenty to do last time out and made some late progress but it would take a leap of faith to see him landing a first Hong Kong victory in this event.

15

(15)

19th Mar 2023

Good

1m 2f 0y

07:30 Sha Tin

La City Blanche

9st 5lb

J: V Borges

T: A S Cruz

Group 1 winner over 1m2f in Argentina two years ago; has taken on the top 4yo performers on last two starts and is also in the Derby on this card; January third to Voyage Bubble would put him in the picture.

10th

11

(12)

26th Feb 2023

Good

1m 1f 0y

09:15 Sha Tin

La City Blanche

9st 0lb

J: Alexis Badel

T: A S Cruz

in rear, behind when ridden inside 4f out, stayed on inside final furlong, never in contention

50/1

OUR TIP

Form: 702-90

Last run: 14 days

W: 8st 4lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 64

Form & Verdict
Twice runner-up from three C&D appearances in races won by Five G Patch (May last year) and Woodfire Bro (November last year) and is on a slightly lower mark now; not in the first flush of youth and others appeal more.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

16

(16)

19th Mar 2023

Good

1m 2f 0y

07:30 Sha Tin

Total Power

8st 4lb

J: V Borges

T: D J Hall

Twice runner-up from three C&D appearances in races won by Five G Patch (May last year) and Woodfire Bro (November last year) and is on a slightly lower mark now; not in the first flush of youth and others appeal more.

11th

9

(10)

5th Mar 2023

Good

1m 0f 0y

09:45 Sha Tin

Total Power

8st 11lb

J: K H Alfred Chan

T: D J Hall

led, headed after 2 1/2f, chased leader, ridden 2 1/2f out, driven inside 2f out, no extra from over 1f out

25/1

15

(15)

26th Feb 2023

Good

1m 1f 0y

08:40 Sha Tin

Total Power

8st 12lb

J: Reserve

T: D J Hall

Looked back in good form when second over 1m2f here in November but returned from break with lesser effort this month and probably doesn't have much margin for error off current mark.