Hong Kong Horse Racing Tips: Lor can continue to Bloom in the dirt at Sha Tin
SHA TIN hosts a competitive eight-race card on the all-weather surface this afternoon.
Locals are always wary of a track bias when racing takes place on the dirt, and it’s easy to understand why.
For instance, early last month, there was an eight-race meeting on dirt, where all the races were won by horses that broke fast from the stalls and were in the first four positions after just two furlongs.
The draw is always an important factor to take into consideration. The extended mile races start around 100m before the first bend, giving those drawn high a big disadvantage.
They either push too hard to get a prominent position from the off, or risk getting caught wide, thereby having more distance to cover during the journey.
However, sprint races over six furlongs don’t show any advantage from the draw, with a long run down the back stretch giving runners the chance to find a position before they reach the first bend.
Instead, when there’s no telling stall advantage, keep an eye on a couple of trainers who excel on the surface when racing takes place on the all-weather track.
Frankie Lor, who is chasing current champion John Size in the trainers’ championship race, and Me Tsui, who seems to have a stable full of all-weather specialists, are the only trainers to have reached double-figure winners on dirt this season.
Lor, who has seven contenders at the meeting, has a startling record when entering horses over six furlongs.
He has saddled nine winners and seven places from just 24 runners. He is capable of improving that tally when represented by the lightly-raced BLOOMING SPIRIT in the 12.45pm.
This Australian-bred three-year-old has shown definite signs of ability in his last couple of races on turf, but it’s his trial form on dirt that has been both eye-catching and encouraging.
He is capable of improving dramatically racing on this surface and, with Alfred Chan back from a two-meeting suspension, claiming his 10lb allowance, could well be ahead of the handicapper.
The obvious threat will come from the Tsui stable, which saddles the well-drawn and consistent Sky Treasure, a dual winner over the track and trip and presently in peak condition.
Former champion trainer Dennis Yip has had a quiet spell of late, but his horses look to be returning to form, judging by recent results.
He has a well-handicapped contender in CROWN AVENUE who takes part in the 2.15pm over 1m1f.
This dirt specialist has been well beaten in all appearances on turf this season, but is now back on his favourite surface.
A record of three track wins, two over the distance, and one place, tells you how good he is at his best, and a recent impressive dirt trial with this afternoon’s jockey Umberto Rispoli aboard says he is about to bounce back to his peak.
Last season’s victories included an easy course-and-distance win against better opposition than he meets here from an 8lb higher mark.
In what looks an average contest on paper, he has a gilt-edged chance if performing to his best.
POINTERS
Blooming Spirit 12.45pm Sha Tin
Crown Avenue 2.15pm Sha Tin