3 minute read

Brett Davis provides exclusive preview of Happy Valley races.

Rail - B+2 Course

Race 1

#2 PROSECCO finds his way into class 5 for the first time as a 23 start maiden but shouldn't remain winless for much longer. With a pair of solid performance over the mile under his belt he's primed and ready to win as he reverts back to the shorter journey of 1400m. Throw in the good draw that ideally see's him settle in a first class position, plus the services of Zac Purton, and he's difficult to beat in the opening event of the day.
#3 CASA LEGEND makes his seasonal reappearance from a wide draw but that shouldn't be of concern. He's generally a back marker who's capable of finding the line well provided his given ample room to let down. His work and trials in preparation appear right on target so the faster they go, the closer he'll get to winning.
#8 GLUCK RACER moved stables during the summer break following a horrible 16 start campaign last season. His last win came off a rating of 65 two seasons back and at the time he looked rather progressive. The wheels have since fallen off for one reason or another and he now finds himself entrenched in the lowest grade. He's participated in 3 barrier trials leading in with the most recent and ordinary peace of work, however, the 2 prior were both strong galloping performances.
#10 FIREBALL, of the on speed brigade, is worthy of inclusion following a good hearty effort first up when finishing third. He absorbed a fair amount of pressure through the initial stages of that event before battling away gamely to the wire. He'll  have to deal with an awkward gate and opposing speed but is fitter for the run and a three time winner in class 4.
#12 FORTUNE MASTER had genuine excuses from the outside gate first up and shall be fitter for the additional barrier trial undertaken since. From the good draw it's envisaged he'll settle just behind the speed whilst saving ground nearer the rail. Brendon Avdulla remains in the seat and it's highly likely he'll run a better race.

Selections : 2,3,8,10,12

R2 - 7,2,1,9,5

R3 - 4,3,12,2,1

R4 - 7,5,14,8,9

R5 - 9,3,7,5,2

R6 - 3,2,1,7,12

Race 7

Premiere Bowl

(Gp2 - 1200m - Hcp)

#1 LUCKY SWEYNESSE was given 10 day's off to cool his jets during the off season break but it's been business as usual ever since. Admittedly, he was worked in a conservative manner leading in to his seasonal reappearance where he was unable to cut back VICTOR THE WINNER on a yielding track, but Hong Kong's Champion Sprinter is well and truly on target. He won't peak until the December International Sprint, his programmed grand final event, but he's difficult to tip against with a run under the belt. The handicap conditions are once more the hurdle to overcome but I expect he'll turn the result around on his latest defeat.
#3 VICTOR THE WINNER shall meet LUCKY SWEYNESSE slightly worse at the weights for his victory in the Chief Executive's Cup but remains the horse to roll under the handicap conditions. Trainer Danny Shum left nothing to chance by giving his charger a thorough and rigorous preparation for the season's opening event and it paid dividends. With SIGHT SUCCESS, ADIOS, STOLZ and LUCKY SWEYNESSE all drawn inside him the chance of an early battle are in play, but that should eventually simmer out before a big front running display.
#6 ADIOS is now at a career high rating following his recent 2nd placing behind STOLZ but can lift the bar to another level with gained physical maturity. The majority of his earlier wins were achieved as a developing unfurnished conveyance which is now unquestionably subject to change. The sectional break down through the final 400m of his last two starts has been of a world class standard, so the return up to 1200m makes him the intriguing component to this race.
#2 SIGHT SUCCESS needs no introduction with nearly 22 million HKD in the bank and is a class and established member of the Gp 1 club. His campaign got off to a slow start last season where he uncharacteristically finished down the track in late October, before bouncing back to win the  Gp3 Bauhinia Sprint. A trip to Dubai followed shortly thereafter where he was beaten a length at Gp1 level down the challenging Meydan straight. With the inside draw and a big turnaround at the weights from his first up defeat he mustn't be underestimated.
#5 STOLZ finished racing last season with an excellent performance on the clock at Happy Valley before blasting down the Sha Tin straight first up. With 3 consecutive wins now behind him another opportunity at 1200m awaits.
He raised the bar to a new level to win the Gp 3 National Day Cup but the doubters and reputable form analysts suggest he's just a 1000m horse.

Selections : 1,3,6,2,5

R8 - 2,5,11,6,13

R9 - 7,1,13,12,3

Race 10

#7 FIND MY LOVE took time acclimatising to Hong Kong's zapping humidity but eventually came good during the closing meets of last season. He's gifted with an exceptional turn of foot and was excellent first up when narrowly defeated by THE GOLDEN SCENERY. He'll need to deal with an ordinary barrier here so a touch of luck is required but he's trained on well and is a winner waiting to happen.
#9 ALACRITY was only just getting warm over the concluding stages of the 1200m first up and is a genuine player to entertain. The 1400m could still be a fraction short but he's ticking over nicely in the mornings and appears ready to strike at any time. A slow conservative approach, this time around , is definitely the option trainer Jamie Richard's has taken and a result should shortly follow.
#8 DANCING CODE returns to Sha Tin following a hard fought win at Happy Valley. The rise in distance combined with a hike upwards into class 2 shall educate us further on exactly where this lightly raced 5yo is currently at. He's showing all the necessary requirements to suggest he'll cope with the challenge ahead, but I remain reserved with his regular rider absent.
#3 THE GOLDEN SCENERY was fantastic winning first up in class 2 and followed that up with another terrific effort in the Gp 3 Celebration Cup. The key to his improvement has been the faultless beginnings display so far this preparation, something that's let him down in the past. Despite the fact he's drawn wide with weight he's racing to well to leave out.
#1 MASTER EIGHT shall appreciate the easier contest and was in need of the hit out first up. With a low draw and claiming rider booked he'll be up on speed attempting to dictate. He's untried over the longer 1400m and there'll be pressure on but I expect him to stick on well.

Selections : 7,9,8,3,1