International Handicappers´ Choices Picking winners in the four Hong Kong International Races at Sha Tin next Sunday should be a simple matter if the remarkable degree of unanimity in opinion displayed by the International Panel of Handicappers at their now customary Handicappers' Conference translates into reality this Sunday at Sha Tin. Each of the International Handicappers was asked to make three selections for each of the four Cathay Pacific International Races, with 10 points being awarded to the first choice selection, 6 points to the second, and 3 points to the third. In the first of the International Races, the HK$14 million Cathay Pacific Hong Kong Vase - Race 3 on Sunday's card - Simonas from Germany was the first pick of seven of the panel, while six plumped for last year's winner and defending champion Vallee Enchantee. The 2-12 quinella looks a stand out bet, with only place support for other contestants such as Warrsan, Brian Boru, Polish Summer, Sights on Gold, Roosevelt, Sweet Stream and Super Kid to make up the tierce. In the HK$10 million Cathay Pacific Hong Kong Sprint - Race 5 - Silent Witness was the unsurprising first choice of 11 of the 13 strong panel, with only Chris Evans (Calstone Light O) and Mike Wanklin (The Tatling) opposing Hong Kong's sprint champion. Var and Calstone Light O emerged on points as favourites for the minor placings. Another clear favourite emerged in the HK$14 million Cathay Pacific Hong Kong Mile, where Durandal from Japan was the pick of 11 of the panel members. Mark Webbey ? Australia- went for the ex-Australian Hong Kong based Grand Zulu, now trained by John Size, while Frank Gabriel from the USA kept faith with the talented but enigmatic Antonius Pius from Ireland, these two being the panel's pick on points for the minor placings. Significantly, perhaps, Durandal was reckoned by Japan's handicapper Isamu Kosa to be the superior of the three times winner from Japan in Hong Kong, Eishin Preston. In the fourth and final international race ? Race 8 on Sunday's programme- the HK$18 million Cathay Pacific Hong Kong Cup, there was more room for doubt with six of the panel picking the talented but volatile Rakti, while the two fillies in the race, Latice (3 selections) and Dance in the Mood (2 selections) and Powerscourt (1) and the David Hayes-trained Ain't Here (1) also had their supporters. Alexander Goldrun from Ireland was picked by seven of the panel to fill a minor place, but by none to be the outright winner. By then of course it should all be academic, as punters will, if the handicappers are right in the first three races, have all the ammunition they need to play all of these permutations in the Cup.
