3 minute read
Brett Davis provides exclusive preview of Happy Valley races.
Race 1
#3 Great Son has dropped steadily in ratings this campaign and tonight returns to the valley circuit which coincides with his third run back in class 5.
With a handy draw and Jerry Chau's 7lb claim utilised he's extremely well placed against the opposition.
The C+3 rail position generally allows front runners the favours there looking for and this fellow falls into that category.
He'll battle well to the line after settling on speed with the last one hundred meters his most vulnerable stage.
That should be when the 7lb claim kicks in and he goes on to secure the win.
#11 Tigerlad is a consistent Class 5 battler who's been around the mark without saluting the judge.
However as pointed out prior to his last start he's also never raced better.
The positives tonight include weight relief on most rivals, the services of Moriera and positioning well from the draw.
His tactical speed maps him on pace and stalking the leaders to the home bend, from there it's up to Moriera to get the rest done.
#5 Vital Spring created a huge impression last start when he covered ground before launching himself in to the picture over the final stages.
He can be tardy from the stalls on occasions but can find himself closer than usual from the better gate.
The abundance of speed early is likely to open up the field giving him a clear passage in which to work home.
#1 Noble Man drops to an all time low in the ratings for trainer John Size as he steps down in to Class 5 for the very first time.
Despite his hot and cold form the easier opposition tonight is a major plus.
If he tries to lead it's likely he'll be gassed so expect the instructions to read find cover, sit and dash.
If that scenario unfolds he'll receive his chance in the stretch.
#8 Great Harvest was forced to adopt different tactics last start
when again racing without blinkers.
He's normally one to race on pace but on this occasion settled near the tail, before dropping from the clouds and sharing a dead heat.
Trainer Manfred Man may have unearthed the key to his future racing patterns so expect similar tactics tonight.
If he's sent around at a good each way price I'll be getting involved.
Selections : 3,11,5,1,8
R2 - 2,10,8,5,6
R3 - 2,7,11,5,9
R4 - 1,4,9,6,2
R5 - 3,9,2,1,6
R6 - 7,1,4,8,5
Race 7
#4 We The South arrives
fresh tonight following a report from Joao Moreira that the horse raced flat at the end of his last campaign.
He's been a consistent type that adores the 1000m at Happy Valley and generally likes to dictate out in front.
He looked good in a recent hit out at the trials and from a nice draw should have the early burn to snare the top spot.
It's an open race but he's given me the feel there's still more remaining in the locker before he finds his mark.
#6 Kurpany looks to have a touch of class and the handicappers agreed giving him an eleven point hike in the ratings following that authoritative last start victory.
It was a peach of a ride by Alex Badel and he'll need something similar, if not better, given the poor draw and rail position that look against him tonight.
It is fantastic to see him moving fluently again after a chip fracture disrupted his racing last season and eventually lead to surgery.
Full credit to the veterinarian staff and trainer Casper Fownes for nursing him back health.
Casper shall be hoping for a change of luck after Sunday where everything went horribly wrong for Enrich Delight in
The Classic Mile.
#3 Flying Genius relishes the 1000m sprint trip at the Valley and more times than not gives his best.
At his latest effort he uncharacteristically missed the start and as a result settled much further back than was anticipated.
It was pleasing he didn't shirk the task by finishing well and Purton shall no doubt amend his manners.
He's fit and defeated most of tonights rivals previously so it won't be a surprised to see his number in the frame.
#1 Kai Xin Dragon is a recent newcomer to the David Hayes yard that worked home strongly on debut from worse than midfield.
Karis Teetan retains the ride and he maps to sit near the fence just off the pace provided he copes with the initial expected high speed.
He may need one or two more to produce his best however he's a progressing type that is going to be strong through the line.
#5 Harmony and Rich is often in the market but has been consistently finding one or two better and is yet to break through.
It was a toss up between he, "Wild West Wing" and "Fabulous Eight" for the final selection with the better draw tilting the tip in his direction.
However, the booking of Victor Wong who's yet to ride a winner this season is also a reasonable deterrent.
Selections : 4,6,3,1,5
R8 - 4,11,7,8,5
R9 - 5,8,1,2,4