3 minute read
Brett Davis provides exclusive Preview of Happy Valley races.
Race 1
#8 Natural Storm is yet to win in class 3 company but that is likely to change tonight.
Racing at Happy Valley only began in February for the 5yo son of "Pins" but he's taken to it like a duck to water.
A perfect run from gate 3 under Moreira's guidance is expected but it's the light weight, over the staying journey, that'll likely seal the deal at the end.
#2 Above is searching for an eighth career win, and fourth over 2200m at the valley, so his presence should be respected.
This is much easier than recent contests and he'll secure a good run from barrier four.
The 132lbs he must shoulder shall be the deciding factor when push comes to shove now he's on a career high rating.
#4 Blastoise won here two runs back before being set an impossible task last time out.
With a change of rider back to someone familiar , in Luke Ferraris, you can be confident he'll be given the best chance.
His record over the course and distance, plus grade, is formidable and he remains energised considering it's the later stages of the season.
#1 Savvy Kingman steps up to the 2200m for the second time and is mapped the race leader.
With three wins and four placings from ten starts, this campaign, it would be unfair to criticise his endeavour.
Mathew Chadwick is aboard for his first steer and is a freakish rider when it comes to judging front running speed.
#3 Rise Brethren's had some excuses his past three but at the same time appeared common when running at the line.
I'm the first to put my hand up and acknowledge, misjudgement surrounding his ability, as I thought he'd have won more than a few races by now.
A big engine is imbedded under his bonnet, but it doesn't rev consistently enough, so perhaps a trip to the gelding office is soon required.
Selections : 8,2,4,1,3
R2 - 7,5,8,9,12
R3 - 7,5,2,1,3
R4 - 2,3,7,1,5
R5 - 2,1,6,4,3
R6 - 4,7,1,11,12
R7 - 5,2,11,10,1
R8 - 7,1,4,5,11
Race 9
#5 You'rmyeverything was terrific when winning on debut last year and might be underestimated.
This is a high quality class 3 race with an abundance of interesting runners, however , I'm shopping around for value.
With a nice run under his belt following a four month break, plus, a 6lbs drop in the weights, I'm tipping he can find the line well enough to win.
#1 Drops of God was a beaten favourite last time out but definitely not disgraced.
Moreira is the only man to win atop the John Size trained runner and he jumps back aboard, with the pair securing a perfect barrier draw.
He's now peaking following a mid-season break and appears one of the most difficult to beat.
#7 Valiant Elegance is a genuine chance of being nominated for the most improved horse of the year title.
With a hat-rick of wins now behind him he lines up for his fifth win of the season, and sixth during his career.
He also displayed tactical versatility last time out which adds additional credit.
#4 Smart Idea is another chasing a fifth win this season and also has claims as one of the most improved runners going around.
He's drawn to receive the run of the race and shall almost certainly get his chance to win.
#11 Lyrical Motion is yet to win a race, however, recent efforts suggest he's close.
He's on the cusp of a drop in grade and bumps in to a handy field but, he's very progressive and well drawn.
On most occasions, "When In Doubt Go With Out" is the
moto, but on this occasion I want him in all feature exotics.
Selections : 5,1,7,4,11