3 minute read
Brett Davis provides exclusive preview of Happy Valley races.
Race 1
#11 Travel Datuk a former Irish galloper recorded his only win at The Curragh way back in 2015 as a 2yo when unexposed and progressive. Multiple seasons down the track now in Hong Kong and he still remains win-less, but is his breakthrough finally on the horizon. With the services of Alex Badel, a good draw and some hearty performances surrounding his current form page another fantastic opportunity awaits..or is he just a non winner? His last start was full of merit after bounding clear down the stretch only to be cut down in the final strides. It's a similar excuse every time, I agree, but recent runs in isolation declare he's giving his all, but yes, this is no doubt crunch time.
#2 Tom's Style has been plagued with car park draws his last few but appears well placed to feature from the ideal draw tonight. Francis Lui has him ticking over nicely judged on his morning exercise and he maps to receive the box seat. Settling no worse than midfield can provide the necessary improvement required for him to feature and it's likely a positive result shall follow.
#10 U W Brother has performed admirably in class 4 this season and he'll start close to favourite given his consistency since climbing out of class 5. With a tricky draw Moriera shall be forced to push forward with aggression looking to lead, or a worst find the spot outside the leader. If he avoids the wide transit and gains a cushy sit he's good enough to win again as he boasts previous victories over most of his rivals. After appearing flat last start it's positive to know he's enjoyed a small freshen up since.
#7 Lotus Favourites is a 4yo by Dawn Approach who's career debuts tonight after arriving in Hong Kong mid way through last season. Trainer David Hall's had him gelded and at the same time he's been given plenty of opportunity to acclimatise with four incorporated trials appearing sound. The outside barrier affords him no favours but Zac Purton sits in the saddle which can easily offset any initial issues. You can also expect some value.
#4 Farmer Bumper's had plenty of excuses in recent showings including lameness but on the flip side has been disappointing this preparation. There's enough ability there to win this race but he's obviously frustrating trainer Manfred Man because he's called upon the blinkers. He boasts winning form over this track and distance and sneaks in to the tips with the significant head gear applied.
Selections : 11,2,10,7,4
R2 - 7,1,3,2,11
R3 - 6,9,12,8,5
R4 - 2,5,6,7,1
R5 - 2,7,11,10,1
R6 - 3,4,1,5,2
R7 - 1,8,3,2,4
Race 8
#4 Kurpany is racing in great heart following an injury that completely interrupted his season this time last year. His latest effort saw him miss the jump by several lengths before producing a herculean effort to finish just behind the placegetters. It appeared the perfect example of a good thing beaten and I'd be very surprised if there's a repeat performance tonight. Moriera is riding and will be searching for what occurred two runs back with any additional speed up front welcomed. He possess a brilliant turn of foot and is exciting to watch so hopefully there's no hard luck stories on this occasion.
#1 Flying Genius looks the logical danger with race fitness on his side and he'll be looking to go one better after a solid runners up prize last start. He draws the inside gate and can find himself much closer than he did recently when he drew out wide. He'll been running through the line strongly and is a serious contender who's capable of victory.
#3 Sauls Special is now around his mark and didn't surprised when he stormed home recently off a hot tempo. He'll receive similar conditions tonight with the added bonus being he'll be closer in the run. The 1000m scamper is his pet distance winning five in his career so far with it definitely on the cards he'll be making it six sometime soon.
#10 Super Power Man normally takes a couple of runs to hit his straps but he arrives cherry ripe third up. His races are often well spaced on the all weather but tonight he'll tackle the grass on the valley circuit. Securing a sweet trip along the fence shall be the mission with his tactical speed providing an option to push right forward, or take a sit. A sit appears the likely outcome considering Chad Schofield noted he was under pressure turning for home last start, after been used up early.
#8 Happy Good Guys won well over this track and trip late last season and should not be left out of calculations. He must produce a career best and have luck in running to feature but he's tough, gutsy and always in for the fight.
Selections - 4,1,3,10,8
R9 - 4,2,5,7,1