3 minute read
Brett Davis provides exclusive preview of Happy Valley races.
"LONGINES"
INTERNATIONAL JOCKEYS CHAMPIONSHIPS 2023
HAPPY VALLEY RACE COURSE
HONG KONG
"JOCKEYS"
ZAC PURTON - Hong Kong
KARIS TEETAN - Hong Kong
VINCENT HO - Hong Kong
LYLE HEWITSON - Hong Kong
HOLLIE DOYLE - Great Britain
RYAN MOORE - Great Britain
TOM MARQUAND - Great Britain
RACHEL KING - Australia
BAUYRZHAN MURZABAYEV - Germany
YUGA KAWADA - Japan
MICKAEL BARZALONA - France
JAMES MCDONALD - New Zealand
Rail - A Course
R1 - 4,3,5,7,12
R2 - 12,3,7,6,8
R3 - 10,11,2,7,8
Race 4
"LONGINES" International Jockeys Championship - 1st Leg
#4 GALVANIC did too much of the heavy lifting throughout last start before tiring admirably in the home stretch.The 1000m is a distance untried, at either track to this point, but there's a strong chance he'll thrive on the new challenge.However, as the beaten favourite at four of his past five he's gaining an unattractive brand, so the pressure now shifts to jockey TOM MARQUAND to get it done.
#1 AMAZING ACE is still finding his feet after arriving from Australia a two time winner and is drawn ideally to improve.He's prepared by the dominating and current leading Hong Kong trainer Pierre Ng with New Zealand champion rider James McDonald taking the ride.The blinkers back on should confirm a forward position in the run from the outset, and from there I expect he'll let down with the required amount of force.
#2 SUPER COMMANDER has coped well with a busy schedule of racing this season and lines up for start seven during the past eleven weeks.He's also found his way back to class 4 and should be accordingly respected when analysing his record.He's a jump and run conveyance and the only specialist leader in the event which gives him an added advantage.
#5 GORGEOUS VITALITY is an interesting ride for the current and four time champion German rider BAUYRZHAN MURZABAYEV and should be entertained.A pair of wide barriers his past two starts have made it difficult to win but he continues to race well in defeat.With three runs this campaign now under the belt, and easier opponents of class 4 to battle, he should be a reliable force over this course and trip.
#12 SUPER FAST DRAGON has suffered a checkered beginning to his racing career but remains some hope off the back of his last start second.Wide gates, a checked passage and even a roarers ticket from the vets have all played apart in numerous defeats, but conversely he's shown glimpses of talent.The blinkers being added along with one of the greats riders from Japan, YUGA KAWADA, give him a good chance.
Selections : 4,1,2,5,12
Race 5
"LONGINES" International Jockeys Championship - 2nd Leg
#4 M UNICORN arrives in excellent form with wins at two of his past three starts and is expected to run favourite.The son of SAVABEEL has shown a distinct liking for the 1650m and contours of the Happy Valley circuit whilst remaining a highly progressive unit.Throw in the the booking of champion English rider Ryan Moore, from a low advantageous draw, and he's hard to beat.
#11 SURE JOYFUL isn't a prolific winner but his form this season has been at a high enough level to warrant respect.He won well first up at Sha Tin in class 5 before early interference cost him badly at his following Happy Valley start.He then found the line nicely from wide and awkward gates at his next two over this course and distance.With local star Vincent Ho picking up the ride, from the perfect low draw, it's anticipated he'll be in the finish.
#2 DURHAM STAR finished off last season a consistent galloper and continues to race in similar frame of mind.
He was beaten last outing as the 2.7 favourite when congestion played its part approaching the 1000m bend.
The addition of an unfamiliar rider tonight maybe a factor, because he's not the easiest of rides, but he can still race well if he finds rhythm with a trail.
#3 SNOWALOT took ages to fully mature as a galloper but nowadays what you see is what you get.He and KARIS TEETAN don't know each other to this point but that shouldn't be a concerning factor.The cushion in the track nullified his closing dash two runs back and he did everything bar win last start, so he's worthy of serious consideration.
#1 WIDE BLUE YONDER has top weight and a wide draw to deal with but it's expected he'll cross the field to lead with a small amount of fuss.His race experience at Happy Valley is minimal so out in front in clear air is seen as an advantage.He's currently rated as high as he's ever been so if he's to lead all the way a lift is certainly required.
Selections : 4,11,2,3,1
R6 -4,5,9,12,3
Race 7
"LONGINES" International Jockeys Championship - 3rd Leg
#11 D STAR is a runner who's consistently raced well at the city circuit from just a handful of starts and shouldn't be underestimated in this even contest.There's plenty to like about the way he won two races here in July and September with his tactical versatility a real weapon.Runners with class continually find away to overcome adversity, when it confronts them, and he's inadvertently displaying those qualities in recent runs.
#4 QUANTUM PATCH is an improved athlete since gaining a significant amount of weight during the off season break.Trainer Pierre Ng has continued building his physical strength during the season and the results are starting to show.He's right at the top of his game going in to this winnable contest, with rating points in handy, but where he positions up for french rider MICKAEL BARZALONA is the ultimate defining factor.
#3 SIXTH GENERATION enjoyed a real purple patch of form during the middle stages of last season before struggling with the increase in weight.His three runs back have been solid without being spectacular however blinkers are now being reapplied.Taking the good draw into consideration, along with two strong recent gallops, I'd expect a positive performance.
#2 FLAGSHIP WARRIOR is a better galloper that his current rating suggests and a trip to Happy Valley could be just the tonic required.With a change of scenery and initial climatic issues now behind him improved results are anticipated going forward.With the benefit of a trial here in 2022, and a favourable draw, he should position appropriately for James McDonald.
#10 FLYING MOJITO has been ridden by ZAC PURTON at its past three starts and would potentially run favourite if he was riding here again.Therefore, from the inside draw with HOLLIE DOYLE taking the reins you'll be receiving an inflated price.Inexperienced around the Happy Valley circuit is a factor to consider when analysing his form but he's racing well and is in need off the 1650m.
Selections : 11,4,3,2,10
Race 8
"LONGINES" International Jockeys Championship - 4th Leg
#5 TOMODACHI KOKOROE won six consecutive races in northern Queensland before his import to Hong Kong and recently proved he can seriously run.He's well within himself this campaign following some acclimatisation issues early on and should be given serious consideration for the win.A middle awkward draw on this occasion does create some concern but it may end up being a blessing in disguise.
#11 KAHOLO ANGEL has been honest in all three runs back this preparation and continues developing his style.He was all about dash, speed then tire during his griffin days, but a concerted effort to expand his versatility is now beginning to pay off.With a good draw, nice trial here in September and Hong Kong's six time champion rider aboard, he'll position up well before crunching hard at the line.
#10 TORNADO PHANTOM has his hoof on the till and is rated to win when you consider his last victory came off a rating of eighty handicap points.With six runs under the belt, and the inside draw to leave from, he's very well placed for Australian star RACHEL KING.Finding a clear and unimpeded run to the judge however is the concern, because he normally give away a start due to his casual and lay back demeanour.
#9 GAMEPLAYER ELITE is an American bred Brazilian galloper who arrived to Hong Kong unbeaten from three starts.He tackled all types of track and surface conditions as a 3yo whilst posting big winning margins.His two runs to date have been great learning experiences and also proved he's arrived around the correct handicap mark.The stables in form and he's draw to run well so he's dangerous to leave out.
#12 SOLAR PARTNER is a lightly raced 6yo who's ready to transition to the depths of a higher grade.His two wins at the end of last season were both polished and tenacious when starting the 2.6 race favourite.He's a big brute physically and was definitely in need of the run first up, so expect him to stand tall here tonight.With Englishman Ryan Moore at the helm you'd be brave to leave him out.
Selections : 5,11,10,9,12
R9 - 6,5,1,7,3
