3 minute read
Brett Davis provides exclusive preview of Happy Valley races.
Rail - B Course
Race 1
#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. His three runs since have been honest and gritty and he remains in the easiest grade. The inside gate almost got him home last start over the 1000m and it'll play a major part in his winning prospects again.
#2 AUGUST MOON hasn't won a race since April 2022 when he got the money at Sha Tin off a rating of 48. He's suffered quite a number of injuries during his career which eventually lead to surgery earlier this year, to remove bone fragments from his left knee. With the fitness of four runs back, and the inside draw, he's become attractive all of a sudden following his solid performance in this grade last start.
#11 VIVA A LA has enjoyed his racing the past six months and is suited by the return to 1200m.He over cooked himself badly during the middle stages last start before tiring in the run down the stretch.He'll be pressed for speed here by one or two others but should still lead and find the comfort of the rail.If that ends up the case, he'll make sure the opposition earn their keep to get past.
#4 HERCULES won a race in class 4 last season when second up and is a dangerous runner to ignore.His first up last placing can be completely overlooked after he was snagged out the back when jumping from a wide gate.He's a three time winner over this course and trip and the fast pace he adores is likely to be provided.
#7 SWEET DIAMOND didn't enjoy the kick back at his latest run on the all weather but went quite well at Sha Tin prior.He's suffered with mucus/blood in the trachea problems throughout his career and underwent throat surgery last year.He'll never be the horse he could've been, going forward, but he's moving well in the mornings and given a chance third up.
Selections : 10,2,11,4,7
R2 - 2,4,1,8,6
Race 3
#9 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. A significant rider change took place thereafter and good results have since followed suit.Another rider change takes place tonight, as he elevates to a higher grade, but neither should pose a problem which makes him hard to beat.
#11 DRAGON STAR has been super honest all season and remains completely deserved of an all the way win.The lower draw tonight means he'll find the lead, and rail first, but this time with far more ease.If a runner attacks him for the front he'll just kick up with high speed, and that's when he's most lethal.
#2 PRINCE ALEX is without doubt the best rated runner in this event but remains a Hong Kong maiden after sixteen starts.He arrived to Hong Kong with listed Melbourne/Australia form and on a much higher rating of seventy five.He almost put it together two runs back before a wide draw cost him last start.There shouldn't be many excuses tonight from a low advantageous barrier, so if he stays focused he probably goes onto win.
#3 SNOWALOT took ages to fully mature as a galloper but nowadays what you see is what you get.He and Zac Purton have a good understanding of each other and the low draw allows him to effortlessly trail.The cushion in the track nullified his closing dash last start so he's worthy of another opportunity.
#4 READY PLAYER ONE ran a couple of handy races earlier in the year and is a runner for the wider exotics.He's first up for five months after ongoing injuries, to both front legs, put him on the sidelines in the later stages of June.However, since then his work and two barrier trials at Conghua appear sound, so he may run a surprisingly better race.
Selections : 9,11,2,3,4
R4 - 2,1,11,9,8
R5 - 8,2,1,12,4
R6 - 4,9,8,1,3
R7 - 3,9,4,8,10
R8 - 4,1,3,5,12
R9 - 6,9,4,2,3
