3 minute read
Brett Davis provides exclusive preview of Happy Valley races.
Rail - C +3 Course
Race 1
#3 YEE CHEONG WARRIOR made a statement first up when he blasted home from near last to catch the eye.He finished just in behind SUNNY BABY on that occasion but got home quicker through the final 400m.He should've arguably won that event but got to far back during the first half, despite the ideal barrier draw.A significant rider change now takes place with his record over this course and distance reading best.
#1 SUNNY BABY would've gone home feeling like a winner after his first up performance at Sha Tin and could easily be voted the on top selection.Trainer David Hayes added blinkers for the aforementioned result and he responded by finding the line with focus and intent.The switch to Happy Valley and a rise in trip should only enhance his prospects and Purton again takes the ride.
#2 M M NEBULA put in a career best performance to win recently when leading all the way.His improved results this season are primarily due to the change of stable and head gear adjustments.Leading throughout on the all weather track is much easier than on turf so he'll be challenged by the change in surface, the draw also creates concern.
#4 MIlLENIUM FALCON over raced and then tired his first 2 runs back but he'll be better regarding fitness for the runs. His overall scorecard at Happy Valley reads poor but there have been some decent runs here in the past. Ongoing issues with mucus in the trachea are his biggest concern, and have been for quite sometime, but he's scoped clean recently and therefore a chance
.#9 BEAUTY NOVA changed stable during the off season break and is considered a blow out chance on his best form.He'll settle back from the wide draw, which could be beneficial, and I expect him to work into the race later stages.His first up run at Sha Tin is a complete forgive after covering ground throughout, so be weary of his attendance.
Selections : 3,1,2,4,9
Race 2
#7 OUR CLASS ACT commences his racing this season for the new stable of Cody Mo and appears in good shape.He had plenty of excuses towards the back end of last term, when racing in class 4, and looked sharp in a trial here recently with Karis Teetan aboard.He also won brilliantly first up last season, in a tougher race than this, when charging home from near last to score.
#10 VALHALLA was well tried to win 2nd up and subsequently got the money for new South African rider Keagan De Melo.The win was full of merit looking at the margin because he was held up in the home straight for a period of time.He stays in the grade and meets similar opposition to what he's already beat, so he's difficult to tip against.The 6lbs increase from the handicapper and noted inconsistency of class 5 animals are however, the items that can bring him undone.
#3 VAMOS remains a maiden after 22 starts but has gone close on a number of occasions in higher grade.Hugh Bowman has got the season off to a flying start with 11 wins and continues in his quest to break this long and lingering maiden status. The key to victory is staying one of the fence when they settle, because he'll require an uninterrupted path if he's going to finally get it done.
#5 FIGHTING STAR ran a terrific race first up and is drawn favourably in gate 4.Jockey Alexis Badel had other options in this event but sticks with the well rated Dennis Yip trained runner.His record at Happy Valley however does reads only fair, but in his defence those statistics were recorded when he was to highly rated and completely out of form.
#8 MIRACLES is having his 2nd run for the season and must improve on what he's brought to this point.He did run well in a couple of races at Sha Tin last season and on those performance is quoted a chance.The gap between runs and inside draw for Zac Purton appear positive, so I'm prepared to give him another chance.
Selection : 7,10,3,5,8
R3 - 6,1,2,3,4
R4 - 2,3,6,7,8
R5 - 4,3,1,7,6
R6 - 10,1,7,12,9
R7 - 3,4,1,2,5
R8 - 5,1,9,7,2
