TIME TO WIN!

11 December

The time has come to sort out (hopefully) the winners of the Cathay Pacific International races on Sunday. Each morning, this week, I've been at Sha Tin observing the horses and speaking to the trainers. That combined with a detailed examination of the form might help us make a winning bet. But, of course, in horse racing there are no guarantees.

Let's look at the races in order. Youmzain is the highest rated horse in the Vase but I am not sure whether the pace will be strong enough for him to win. SPANISH MOON is the horse who will be best positioned in the run and I suggest you back him to win or each way if the odds are good enough. The best longshot is the the French runner CIRRUS DE AIGLES who simply never runs a bad race.

Two of my colleagues at trackwork - Alastair Donald and Jeremy Greene - believe that Spanish Moon is the best bet of the day in the International races.

Greene, incidentally, leaves the Hong Kong Jockey Club after ten years of service and we wish him well. Did you know that Jeremy's father Larry trained the first winner ever ridden by the now retired Mick Kinane. That was in 1975 - one year after Jeremy was born.

In the Sprint, you have to focus on the Australian and Hong Kong horses in my opinion. ALL SILENT and SACRED KINGDOM are the top two selections. I believe ALL SILENT is the best horse but SACRED KINGDOM is drawn to get a better run. Scenic Blast, Apache Cat, Inspiration, Green Birdie, Joy And Fun and One World could all be included in the placings if you're taking a tierce.

GOOD BA BA is definitely capable of winning the Mile despite being a year older. The likely fast pace will suit him. Take him to win in the tierce and perhaps also in the quinella with Happy Zero, Alexandros, Fellwoship, Ferneley and Sweet Hearth.

VISION D'ETAT, PRESVIS and COLLECTION look the obvious top three in the Cup. Mr Medici, Queen Spumante and Ashalanda are the others to include if you play the tierce or first four. Watch out if the Japanese mare QUEEN SPUMANTE goes out with a big lead. Maybe the other jockeys will underestimate her and therefore if Queen Spumante is big odds, I will have a small bet on her.

Another of my trackwork colleagues James Stafford says Vision D'Etat is the best bet. Good luck on Sunday.