Michael Cox takes a look at Sunday's Sha Tin meeting.
Ride of the day — Dylan Mo, Winning Wing
This might seem a strange choice given Dylan Mo Hin-tung nearly threw the race away late — and had to defend himself in the stewards’ room — but few jockeys were under more pressure yesterday.
Sure, Zac Purton on Ka Ying Rising carried plenty of expectation, and so too James McDonald on Romantic Warrior, but it could be argued Mo’s career is on the line every time he rides Winning Wing.
Two of Mo’s three wins for the season prior to yesterday came aboard the stayer, and he was roundly criticized for his ride on the horse last start in the G3 January Cup.
Stewards ruled Winning Wing’s late shift in wasn’t enough to deny runner-up Prestige Good, and Mo rides on — still partnered with a stayer who shapes as one to watch in the late-season staying features.
Training performance of the day — Brett Crawford, Island Buddy
It’s fast becoming a betting edge: back a stable transfer to Brett Crawford.
Four days after the first-season trainer landed a double — including a stable transfer first-up — he did it again with Island Buddy.
This time, Crawford pulled it off without a barrier trial, taking the horse to what appeared its less-preferred track at Sha Tin, applying visors, and instructing jockey Karis Teetan to roll forward and lead on the five-year-old.
Crawford admitted he wasn’t as confident as the punters who landed some big bets on his horse, which was “brown-lamped” late.
“Today he looked really well,” Crawford said. “We didn’t trial him but we gave him some grass gallops.”
Horse to follow — Happy Index
Manfred Man Ka-leung might have another talented youngster on his hands after four-year-old import Happy Index notched an impressive Class 3 win.
Part of a three-timer for Zac Purton, Happy Index had to fight for his spot early from barrier two before easing into a nice rhythm through the turn.
Happy Index had everything go his way from there, but he put his rivals away in a manner that suggests he can win again – even at the top of Class 3.
David Hayes-trained three-year-old Turin Champions is another to watch after breaking his maiden at 1,400m. Hayes has a high opinion of the youngster.
