The Australian filly Crackalacka returned to racing after a seven-month break in November in the best form of her career. For her first start of 2022, Crackalacka starts in a six-furlong handicap at Moruya Racecourse, a seaside course south of Sydney, with a chance to extend the winning streak.
Zac Purton’s return to race riding could end in nightcap success Wednesday at Happy Valley Racecourse in Hong Kong.
The only blemish in the four-race career of the Australian 3-year-old filly Rupertaar is a last-place finish in a handicap in July in her second start. The loss was followed by a five-month layoff and two wins in December, leading to a start in a five-furlong handicap at Warwick Farm Racecourse in Sydney on Wednesday.
Declan Schusters's Hong Kong Selections and Analysis for Wednesday, January 12, 2022 at Happy Valley.
The Australian 4-year-old filly Lady Kermadec will start at 1 1/4 miles for the first time in a handicap at Albury Racecourse on Tuesday. The race will be a test of stamina on a course she obviously adores.
A course record contributed to a loss by Members Only in a handicap at 6 1/4 furlongs at Newcastle Racecourse in Australia on Dec. 18. Members Only finished third, beaten a little more than 6 1/4 lengths, by the odds-on favorite Wardaddy, who was timed in 1:12.93. Wardaddy is currently being given a rest. Members Only continues his season in a handicap at 6 3/4 furlongs at Newcastle on Monday.
A consistent record makes Mr Cancun the expected favorite in Sunday’s Koroit Cup at 1 1/16 miles at Warrnambool Racecourse west of Melbourne.
In four starts since late October, Starelle has finished second or third in stakes at tracks in Melbourne, Australia, always improving her position in the stretch. Starelle has not won a stakes since March, and has been shipped across Australia, to Gold Coast Racecourse near Brisbane, for her next assignment in Saturday’s $179,250 Wave Stakes for 3- and 4-year-olds at 1 1/8 miles.
Declan Schuster's Hong Kong Selections and Analysis for Sunday, January 9, 2022, at Sha Tin.
Turk Warrior is undefeated in all eight of his career starts on the Australian island of Tasmania, which is why he was 3-5 in early betting for Friday’s $90,775 Tasmanian Guineas at Hobart Racecourse.
