Shatin Lodge(IRE) Challenge in Malaysia

Malaysia plays host to The Shatin Lodge(IRE) Challenge this week, which is for 2yo’s over the mile on the dirt. A very even field is set to face the starter with the 10 horses all close in the betting and the most generous odds on offer being 11/1. All these youngsters will be looking for this stakes win to propel them onto bigger things next year in the pursuit of Derby glory. Let’s have a closer look at the field.

1. GOVERNMENT LISTING- (tegan) Speedster that likes to lead. Has been mixing racing surfaces and last time out ran an impressive race scoring over 8 furlongs on the lawn. Has plenty of ability and rates highly for this, only concern is whether he will be able to hold on in this sort of company but is bound to give connections a great sight off the inside gate and there is a distinct lack of pace in this race.
2. KING’S VIEW- (karie) Magnificently bred horse yet to miss a place. Looks best when running off the pace and hit the line last time out very well over 8. Took awhile to break his maiden but then backed up next time out for an allowance victory. His breeding and style gives every indication that he will enjoy more ground and will be even better at 3. Should be flying in the straight and hard not to see him in the finish.
3. QUAN CHI- (123stud) Broke his maiden last time out in his second race start with an impressive 80sp over 7 furlongs. Breeding suggests he will enjoy the extra ground but I think he will find it difficult jumping straight into a stakes race against quality horses with experience on their side. Looks to have a bright future however and it would be no surprise to see him stalk the pace here and make a move entering the straight.
4. CHINEDU HOLLANDIA- (tiramisu) Another maiden winner that jumped straight into stakes company and found it a little hard at first. Ran a good second last time out sitting just off the pace and missing out by a length. Not convinced he can run out a strong mile and while his running style over sprints points towards him appreciating more ground as is often the case once they step up to the 8 furlongs they just don’t run on. Look for him to be ridden quietly and saved for one final burst.
5. ROMANECTOR(IRE)- (borsato66) A horse that is improving all the time and was able to take out a stakes last time out over 7.5 furlongs on the dirt. Biggest query is the distance as the son of Romanov(IRE) has yet to try the mile. His running style suggests he should run out a strong mile but his breeding lends more to sprinting. All questions will be answered this weekend as top jockey R Wilhite stalks the pace early and then tries to unwind as they enter the straight.
6. MISTER MIGRANE- (unclebucky) Has done most of his racing on the grass with his only dirt effort an unplaced try over 6fl in a Gr III. His numbers on the turf are solid and he ran a good mile last time out but he tends to tire towards the finish of the race. I think he is probably better on the lawn and will probably fade when the whips are cracking.
7. BIZZARE TALE(IRE)- (super19) Has improved a little with the jump in distance to the mile in his last two runs after breaking his maiden at his third attempt at 6 furlongs. Also appreciated the switch to the dirt in that maiden victory after earlier being tried as a turfer. His times are a little short of the mark here and while he should grind home from the rear I don’t think he will have the kick to go with some of the others.
8. HEAVY CHOICE(AUS)- (dkyoung7) Good to see a young Aussie horse showing some promise. He relished the switch of surface in his 3^rd start to the dirt and immediately broke his maiden with a smart 81sp leading all the way over 5 furlongs. He then followed that with a couple of good seconds and a fourth, all over sprint journeys. This is his first try over the mile and there certainly is a question mark over his ability to run it out. He has the speed to take the race if his stamina holds up. Look for him to sit just behind the leaders or even take up a forward position himself and then try to hold on.
9. MIEFLY’S DESSIE- (dessie) Another young horse making the big jump from maiden winner to stakes company. Broke his maiden in slashing style last time out over 7 furlongs recording an SP of 82. Certainly looks like the distance wont pose a problem and he is another horse that will try and sit midfield and come home with a rush. Loads of potential, only query is the rapid rise in class against some seasoned 2yo’s
10. CORTEZ(IRE)- (slipknot22) Owner fancies his chance in this race and with very good reason. After recording a MSW victory and a 3^rd in a Gr III on the lawn in his first 3 starts he was switched to the main track last time out over the mile and recorded a big win and earned an 85sp. Bred to enjoy the distance and with enough speed to take up a prominent position he should look the winner as we enter the straight. A time similar to his last race will just about be enough to see him get home.