3 minute read
Brett Davis provides exclusive preview of Happy Valley races.
Rail - B Course
Race 1
#3 MODEST GENTLEMEN was well tried in the betting when finishing 4th late last season which followed a solid performance in defeat.Both aforementioned runs were in the higher grade of class 4 and he's now found his way to class 5.A change of stable and eye catching trial, where he was never of the leash, has been witnessed in preparation for his seasonal return and he'll take betting.
#11 CIRCUIT SPLENDOR won his only race at the end of last season and the conditions on that occasion, at Happy Valley, were quite similar to these.That victory, in fact, saved his entire career at the time with his rating edging nearer to the level of retirement.A decent first up run over the 1000m saw him finish an honest 3rd, with Jerry Chau aboard, and the pair combine again here from a lovely low draw.
#5 MIRACLES is having his 3rd run for the season and must further improve on what he's brought to this point.He did run well in a couple of races at Sha Tin last season and brought that better form to Happy Valley last start.The gap between runs and inside draw for Zac Purton was the positive on that occasion, but he'll need favours tonight driving into the first bend with a sticky draw to exit.
#1 STARRY NIGHT has only visited the lowest grade on 2 occasions and both times was good enough to feature in the judges frame.With 2 mediocre runs in the higher grade under his belt he's difficult to tip with any conviction, but the draw and inferior opposition give him a red hot chance.
#8 OUR CLASS ACT commenced his racing this season for the new stable of Cody Mo with an interrupted passage.He had plenty of excuses towards the back end of last term as well, when racing in class 4, but appeared sharp in his lead up barrier trial with Karis Teetan aboard.He won brilliantly first up last season in a tougher race than this so improvement is potentially on the cards.
Selections : 3,11,5,1,8
R2 - 4,1,3,5,12
R3 - 1,4,2,5,9
Race 4
#2 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 took place thereafter and he did everything bar win his most recent start.One of the better bets of the night.
#7 DOUBLE SHOW looked much more comfortable around the Happy Valley circuit than he did at Sha Tim first up so it's no surprise he's back here again.Another inside draw looks advantageous and with race experience atop for jockey Harry Bentley they should be in the finish.As a maiden attempting start 23 it's difficult to tip him to win but he's travelling well this time around.
#3 RIGHT HONOURABLE is in the twilight of his career but there may still be a win in the old boy now he's down in class 5.Incredibly, he ran the odds on favourite first up for the new stable of Mark Newnham but couldn't get the job done from the low draw.He has been tactically versatile for most of his career so from gate 9 they're likely to go back, which works for me because he's always been better ridden cold.
#4 FAITHFUL TRINITY is another 9yo in the twilight of his career and returned from a lengthy spell with an honest effort first up finishing third.He's always raced in the firing line and it'll be no different tonight however he maybe forced, via pressure, to hand up the lead.Taking a sit on pace for a jockey who knows him well reads nice enough so he's a great option for exotics.
#11 BEAUTY NOVA changed stables during the off season and is considered a blow out chance on his best.He'll settle midfield from the wide draw and with the cheek pieces being applied can find focus before working into the race during the later stages.His first up run at Sha Tin was a complete forgive after covering ground but he was reasonable second up when the winner dictated in front.
Selections : 2,7,3,4,11
R5 - 4,8,1,2,11
R6 - 10,3,11,6,2
R7 - 7,2,4,3,5
R8 - 3,6,1,7,4
R9 - 6,3,1,10,5
