3 minute read

Selections and analysis for Wednesday's (29/11/23) 08-race fixture at Happy Valley.

Race 1: #6 Goodmanship, #7 Happily Friends, #3 Strive For Glory, #1 Great Days
Race 2: #3 Explosive Witness, #2 California Deeply, #5 Humble Star, #1 Grateful Heart
Race 3: #3 Kasa Papa, #7 Kyrus Unicorn, #4 Flying Silver, #1 Darci Joy
Race 4: #11 Mighty Star, #5 Colourful Baron, #2 Happy Hero, #1 Sun Of Makfi
Race 5: #8 Easy Snip, #5 Talents Supremo, #3 Rubylot, #2 Kokushi Musou
Race 6: #2 High Rise Soldier, #1 Happy Fat Cat, #11 Regent Glory, #3 Watch Buddy
Race 7: #10 Frantanck, #1 Chill Chibi, #7 Big Red, #2 Escape Route
Race 8: #6 Bundle Of Charm, #2 Howdeepisyourlove, #5 Son Pak Fu, #9 Goko Win

Race 1: Kinfauns Castle Handicap

#6 Goodmanship can improve out of his first-up run. He's a winner in this grade and he's no stranger to turning his form around. The added fitness will do him a world of good. #7 Happily Friends gets the services of James McDonald. Expecting improvement here against the small field. He's been consistent all season. #3 Strive For Glory is versatile. He can either lead or trail this group, however, chances are it is the former as he returns to Class 5 with Zac Purton booked. #1 Great Days can be prominent from the good gate.

Race 2: Edinburgh Castle Handicap

#3 Explosive Witness is in the right vein of form. He's been consistent of late and could easily steamroll this group with James McDonald engaged. #2 California Deeply is better than his record suggests, it's just a matter of when he plans to showcase his best. The five pounds coming off with the apprentice engaged is a plus. #5 Humble Star has a suitable draw as he chases consecutive wins. Zac Purton retains the ride. #1 Grateful Heart looks like he's much improved in Class 3. Expect more improvement this season.

Race 3: Stirling Castle Handicap

#3 Kasa Papa was kept in at a crucial stage last start before flashing home late between runners. He's ready to win and with the right run he can do exactly that. One to beat. Extra distance will be suitable. #7 Kyrus Unicorn won well two starts ago and has remained in solid form. The inside draw is in his favour. #4 Flying Silver gets the services of James McDonald. He's been consistent of late and remains a threat over this course and distance. #1 Darci Joy has the apprentice up and draws a good gate.

Race 4: Crookston Castle Handicap

#11 Mighty Star was travelling well last start before he found interference. He mustered after that, however, found further trouble in the straight. He raced well that day and he just needs to overcome the wide gate this week. #5 Colourful Baron gets the services of Zac Purton. He's been consistent this term and deserves his chance here. #2 Happy Hero is chasing back-to-back wins. His form is suitable and he looks to have plenty of rating points still in hand. #1 Sun Of Makfi is not without his chance. Keep safe.

Race 5: Balmoral Castle Handicap

#8 Easy Snip was racing well last start before he was shunted wide on the turn for home. He closed off well after this and there was plenty of merit in that first-up performance. He can take another step forward this week. #5 Talents Supremo is after successive wins. He was impressive last start and can improve once more. #3 Rubylot has hit the ground running with three placings from three runs. He gets his opportunity. #2 Kokushi Musou does his best racing over this course and distance. Next in line.

Race 6: The St Andrew's Challenge Quaich Handicap

#2 High Rise Soldier does his best racing in this grade and also at this course and distance. He can improve out of sight, especially from an ideal draw. One to catch. #1 Happy Fat Cat has the early pace to lead this group. Strong booking of James McDonald warrants consideration, especially from barrier three. #11 Regent Glory has an ideal draw and can receive the right run close to the speed. Zac Purton's services are a plus. #3 Watch Buddy was a winner two runs back. He'll improve second-up this term.

Race 7: Dunnottar Castle Handicap

#10 Frantanck slots in light and can return to the level of form that he displayed two runs ago when he finished a close-up third over this course and distance. He's worth taking a chance on with Karis Teetan aboard. #1 Chill Chibi was super impressive in victory last start as well as the two wins before that. He continues to improve but he will need to with top-weight assigned. #7 Big Red is consistent and has a suitable draw. He should already be a winner and he gets his chance again here. #2 Escape Route is next in line.

Race 8: Eilean Castle Handicap

#6 Bundle Of Charm can mix his form but his two runs prior to his latest effort were outstanding. He only needs to return to that level to prove seriously competitive. He's worth taking a chance on this week. #2 Howdeepisyourlove is a super talent and he returns first-up. He'll need luck from the draw, however, he should have improved between seasons. #5 Son Pak Fu is after consecutive wins. He has class and should be able to make his presence felt. #9 Goko Win has more improvement to come. Next best.