3 minute read
Brett Davis provides exclusive preview of Happy Valley races.
Rail - B Course
Race 1
#5 HAPPY HORSE shall again be suited by the low barrier draw and 5lbs claim which together can bring about a back to back winning result. He'd had excuses at all runs this campaign, prior to his last start victory, and continues to look sharp during his early morning gallops. He'll be up on speed from the get go, whilst saving extra ground, and right there ready to attack when they swing.With the addition of pacifier's last start the key to his winning focus.
#10 VAMOS is a long standing twenty five start maiden but continues to race well.His effort on the dirt recently when finishing third was the clear run of the race, but if you've been backing him to win you're a long way behind.Nevertheless, with Zac Purton jumping back aboard, and blinkers being applied for the first time, he's right amongst the winning chances with the drop back to 1000m perhaps the winning factor.
#6 MULTIMORE has been banging on the door of victory at all runs this campaign and cannot be overlooked.With Zac Purton moving elsewhere last start you should once again receive inflated odds. He's twice a winner over the Happy Valley 1000m and has also won in higher grade, so with a touch of luck this time around he's a solid option.
#11 DOUBLE SHOW is the lowest rated galloper competing but isn't without some hope of finding the frame.The Douglas Whyte stable is enjoying an excellent season and he's thrown down a trump card here by dropping his charger back to the 1000m.With a good draw, light weight and residual fitness under the bonnet from racing over a mile, don't be surprised if he finds the line with some purpose.
#9 SWEET DIAMOND didn't enjoy the kick back on the all weather to runs back but went well at Sha Tin prior.He's suffered with mucus/blood in the trachea problems throughout his career and it got him again last start.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 : 5,10,6,11,9
R2 - 6,9,7,1,10
R3 - 6,9,12,1,2
R4 - 6,8,5,2,1
R5 - 4,9,6,1,5
R6 - 3,4,1,11,10
Race 7
#8 DRAGON STAR has been super honest all season and remains completely deserved of another all the way win.The lower draw was the key recently to finding the lead, and the rail with far more ease, and that should be the case again.The races are getting harder but if a runner attacks him for the front, he'll kick up with his natural high cruising speed, and that's when he's at his best.
#7 WIN WIN FIGHTER found untimely bother in the home stretch two starts back which ultimately cost him a minor spot.He was then posted deep after being unable to slot in last start but did however find the line reasonably well.A change of rider is significant tonight as is a better draw, so he's worthy of inclusion because his first and second runs were solid performances.
#2 BEATO has been good all season at Sha Tin without winning and now makes the transition to Happy Valley.James McDonald now takes the reins from apprentice Alfred Chan which could well be the key to a win.However, he's been in Hong Kong for well over a year and is yet to see, let alone trial, at the tight turning city track.
#9 STRONGEST BOY has been the beaten favourite at his past two starts with Zac Purton aboard and the outside draw could certainly make it three in a row.He's racing well, and a winner waiting to happen, but has been unlucky with barrier draws and interference during the run.I'd like to tip him with confidence and tell you he's a good thing but we probably have to wait a little bit longer.
#10 STORMTROUPER is well rated on his best and a runner at value to include stepping up in distance.He's been an underachiever his entire career, under the guidance of trainer Dennis Yip, and if he were mine he'd be moving immediately to another stable.However, with the blinkers off following a trial over 1700m leading in, he's definitely worthy of inclusion for wider exotics.
Selections : 8,7,2,9,10
R8 - 10,7,8,5,4
R9 - 6,10,7,1,3
