3 minute read
Brett Davis provides exclusive preview of Happy Valley races.
Rail - C+3 Course
Race 1
#6 DASHING TRIUMPH won his first start as a griffin back in 2022 but it's been his only memorable moment to date. He relocated to the stable of Me Tsui during the off season break and has since gradually started to reemerge. His closing third over this course and distance was an encouraging effort last start, when the blinkers went on, and I expect he'll run similarly tonight.
#2 MULTIMORE has been banging on the door of victory at all 3 runs this campaign and shall start the likely favourite. With Zac Purton bumping off local rider Dillon Mo for the mount you'll be expected to take a shorter quote. He's twice a winner over the Happy Valley 1000m, and has also won in the higher grade, so he's entitled to be labelled the runner all others must defeat. The draw, however, creates a smear of volatility which potentially brings him undone.
#8 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. His two runs since have been honest and he remains in the easiest grade. The inside draw is a bonus and the drop back to 1000m assures him a strong tempo to run at in the home straight.
#3 THE GOOD DEAL finds himself back in the grade where he's produced 2 wins and therefore must be considered. Drawn well, and with fitness now on his side I'd expect a positive ride from Luke Currie, who's done all the winning aboard him in the past. The 1000m, opposed to the 1200m, maybe the small concerning doubt but he's ready to strike after 2 runs.
#7 HAPPY HORSE shall be suited by the low barrier draw and 7lb claim which together can bring about a better result. He's had excuses in both runs back and is appearing sharp judged on gallops. He'll be up on speed from the get go, whilst saving ground, which entitles him with a position to strike.
Selections : 6,2,8,3,7
R2 - 6,1,11,9,8
R3 - 3,2,5,4,7
R4 - 1,2,9,12,10
R5 - 8,9,10,2,4
Race 6
#1 KOKUSHI MUSOU is ready to return to the winners list following 2 excellent runs at the beginning of this campaign. The wide gate got the better of him here last outing and it was a horror watch if you were cheering him home. Drawing the inside alley tonight should make all the difference and the only man to have won on him in the past, Alexis Badel, jumps back behind the wheel.
#5 HIGH PERCENTAGE caught the eye of Mr Purton recently and he's now jumping aboard for his first attempt. Both runs back this time in have been solid and he's really getting the hang of what this racing caper is about. The outside draw looks horrendous but he is a horse that gets back. His closing sectionals however do suggest he'll make it to class 3, and potentially beyond, so I wouldn't be leaving him out.
#4 RIGHTEOUS ARION appears a danger with the 7lb claiming rider Angus Chung jumping on. He was the beaten favourite last start with Zac Purton aboard but the cushion in the track was the culprit. He hasn't run many bad races in his 11 start career so he's hard to overlook.
#8 TATTENHAM on the other hand relished the rain affected track last start when getting the money at 73/1. There hadn't been many clues pointing in the direction of the win but it happened and must be acknowledged. Conditions regarding the draw and rider remain similar so let's see if he rocks up with another positive result.
#9 MELBOURNE HALL hasn't done much at this stage of his preparation but his favourite jockey gets back aboard. He's over raced badly from the inside gates at his 2 runs back but should be comfortable draw further out. He's made a career out of running well in races similar to this so if they go hard, the first half, he'll be right in the finish.
Selections : 1,5,4,8,9
R7 - 8,1,2,3,4
R8 - 2,11,7,4,6
R9 - 4,9,1,10,6
