3 minute read
Brett Davis provides exclusive preview of Happy Valley races.
Rail - A Course
Race 1
#5 TRONIC MIGHTY was superb first up when winning by a decent space and shall take all the beating again.Since transferring from David Hayes to Jamie Richards in November 2022 he's gradually turned himself around, from a non enthusiastic conveyance to a consistent winning thoroughbred.With his rating now at 38 it's his final class 5 opportunity, should he win, before heading into deeper water.Therefore, this is a prime opportunity to load up for a major prize.
#4 THETA HEDGE appears a genuine contender of the back of a strong preparation which has incorporated 2 solid front running barrier trials.The 1000m is a distance generally short of his best but encouraging efforts last season over 1200m, and a win at the mile, suggest he's a better hope than most.The low draw can positioned him near the rail and just behind the speed, from there I expect he'll find the line well.
#3 MULTIMORE has suffered his fair share of injuries over the last few years but is in good physically shape at the moment.He was in need of his first 2 runs this campaign, to blow out the cobwebs, and is now ready to give this race a shake.He's a winner in class 4 at his best and very much drawn to lead, so he should make his presence felt most of the way.
#2 DIAMOND SOARS won 2 races last season with both achieved in this grade.With 7lb claiming apprentice rider Alfred Chan booked he's particularly well placed at the weights.His 2 runs back have served a purpose and he now appears ready to fire, however the wide draw means he'll need favours in the run if he's to get the cash.
#1 GOOD BOY finds his way into class 5 for the first time and draws a low gate which helps.He's failed to handle the rigours of racing in class 4 but did produced strong closing sectionals his first couple of runs, that suggests he can feature in races ofthe easier grade.A familiar jockey aboard and a recent experience at the track are positives.
Selections : 5,4,3,2,1
R2 - 3,7,6,11,2
R3 - 4,5,1,2,9
R4 - 6,2,5,11,4
R5 - 4,11,5,8,7
Race 6
#11 SUPER EAGLE has put together 2 excellent runs over this course and distance since his return and has his hoof firmly on the till.Leading local rider Vincent Ho now steps up to the plate and takes the ride from a low advantageous draw.He made solid inroads against similar opposition last time out and recorded quick closing sectionals.With a good beginning and zero traffic problems he should just about win.
#4 AWESOME TREASURE has a fitness advantage having had 3 runs back and comes out of the same race as fellow competitor SUPER EAGLE.He had every chance in the run on that occasion and almost got the win, just being denied in the shadows of the post.Therefore, with similar conditions on offer and the champion jockey aboard he's entitled to run favourite and go close.
#3 JUNEAU FLASH was ultra consistent for most of last season and trialled up nicely in preparation for his return.
He moved well behind the field under race day rider Karis Teetan displaying plenty of residual fitness.He's often found trouble out the starting stalls or been awkwardly away, which was the case first up, but then he found the line with power and purpose so he's worth including.
#1 KILINDINI changed stables during the off season break and is a runner ready to improve judged on track work.He was a Gp1 winner in South Africa over a mile before being shipped to Hong Kong, so a class 4 at Happy Valley should be well within his range.Admittedly, he hasn't done a great deal on race day so far but is a dangerous runner to ignore on class.
#8 COLONEL continues to race with tremendous consistency, guts and speed.He'll need all of those attributes, and more, if he's to cross the field and lead here from the outside draw.There was nothing wrong with his first up run, in fact he was courageous in defeat, but the work he'll do early shall make it difficult to win.
Selections : 11,4,3,1,8
R7 - 10,2,1,7,6
R8 - 5,7,10,3,2
