Leung Ho Yin, Simon's Bio
Simon is a well respected full-time thoroughbred racing commentator specializing in overseas international racing. Bringing with him a wealth of racing knowledge, Simon is the host and race caller for the overseas simulcast programme since 2008/09 season. He is currently the presenter on several racing television programmes including ‘Racing Horizon’ and ‘Horse Racing – Results’.

Kyoto Racecourse – Track Analysis (Shuka Sho Day):

With no significant undulations, yet a sprawling venue with extended stretch runs, the Kyoto Racecourse, featuring various tracks to cater for turf, dirt and even steeplechases, has the 1950m turf strip – unquestionably for flat racing – that envelops all other facilities. Other than a gentle uphill run at the 1200m marker, just before hitting the turn, and then rolling slightly downhill from about 800m out, this course is generally leveled, and has a 400m stretch run to the finish.

For the featured 2000m Shuka Sho and Shigiku Sho, fields will file by the grandstand for the first time for about 300m before hitting the first turn, then racing towards the 1000m marker, through the aforementioned undulations, before turning for home. Again, with such a long stretch run, this trip still finds the best horse that can handle a legit pace and take the field home; unless the track gets uncharacteristically biased, stall assignments usually cast minimal bearings on winning chances.

On the day's undercard, the 2200m 3yo and up 1 win, fields will follow by and large the same 2000m trip, with a 500m run in before hitting that same first turn being the only difference. Runners will have plenty of time and space to position properly. Meanwhile, runners for the 1600m Sannenzaka Tokubetsu will contest for some proper positioning through that 600m backstretch before taking the far turn, and outside drawn horses are given enough time and space to seek a good position as well. On to the inner dirt oval, the 1400m 3yo and up 1 win, will see the field travel likewise 600m of the backside before taking the turn, whereas runners breaking from the 1800m start – for both 3yo and up 1 win and Heijokyo Stakes – will brace for a swift bend just merely 300m after the break, and outside-drawn runners will certainly have a tougher task on hand.

In the 2018 running of the Shuka Sho contested on firm turf, MIKKI CHARM, who broke on top and flaunted her dazzling speed almost the whole way around, nearly stole this race on the front end, and was actually opening up against the field at the top of the stretch. However, the mighty ALMOND EYE, who closed strongly from way back, clobbered MIKKI CHARM at the 100m marker and reigned supreme, whereas CANTABILE, also held back early, was late to the scene for third.

With continued precipitation that will extend through the weekend in the Kyoto area, this year's running of the Shuka Sho Day would be contested on a slower turf strip, and late closers that love the overland route could be perfectly set up for quite a fruitful day. Otherwise – should the track manage to hold off moisture – runners that draw well, save ground and bid late are still to be favoured.

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