3 minute read
Brett Davis provides exclusive preview of Happy Valley races.
Rail - C Course
Race 1
#5 MAJESTIC VICTORY doesn't win out of turn but is a realistic chance of cracking it tonight for another major. He went within a whisker of defeating TURIN MASCOT here over 2200m two starts back and he's likely to start the favourite in a challenging event. The wide draw got the better of him last start, as he was forced to work hard through the middle stages, but that won't be the case tonight from a perfect draw.
#2 TURIN MASCOT was a talented young horse in Ireland where he won three from five starts over the mile. It's taken the best part of a year for him to settle in, and find a comfort zone, but the results are now starting to arrive. With rating points in hand he's on an upward spiral, and with a return to Happy Valley and the 2200m, he'll take plenty of beating with Purton a board for the ride.
#7 GALLANT HERO is unbeaten over the 2200m here at Happy Valley and has drawn the coveted plum alley. Trainer David Hall tested him on dirt and over the 2200m last campaign and he won both events with a touch of class. Now third up, following another win here two starts ago, he's the intriguing runner of the race and a terrific chance of measuring up to what's required.
#1 NATURAL STORM saves his best racing for the 2200m at Happy Valley and that is why he must be considered. However, he has struggled so far this season to find the lengths required therefore taking him on for a win is a viable option. The draw is no concern because he'll get back, but giving away a start with weight to the entire field, when you're below your best, is a worrying factor.
#4 ESCAPE ROUTE won two races last season and appears the value runner. He's had excuses on numerous occasions this campaign and should be suited by the longer trip of 2200m.
He doesn't do anything quickly, and is void of a turn of foot, but he can run all day long at a strong tempo which suits his style in this type of event.
Selections : 5,2,7,1,4
R2 - 5,9,3,10,7
R3 - 12,8,6,7,2
R4 - 9,1,5,6,8
R5 - 6,7,5,2,3
R6 - 2,4,10,5,3
R7 - 9,1,10,2,8
Race 8
#2 TOMODACHI KOKOROE won six consecutive races in northern Queensland before his import to Hong Kong and has recently proven he can run. He's well within himself this campaign, following some acclimatisation issues early on, and should again be given serious consideration for the win. A near outside awkward draw on this occasion does however create concern, along with the 4lb increase in weight, but he's still on the up so it mightn't matter.
#6 O'LINER remains relatively unexposed to this point and has recently displayed a liking for the Happy Valley circuit. Zac Purton jumps aboard for the first time and from the inside draw either leads, or sits in behind the probable favourite TOMODACHI KOKOROE. If he delivers something similar to what he's dished out three runs ago he'll be right in the fight for the win.
#9 ACT OF FAITH has hit form early this season under the care of John Size and is ready to tackle the depths of class 3. He's been here before but was unable to strike a win however he did close in well on two occasions. The application of blinkers recently has brought about further improvement, on the clock, so with a light weight to shoulder he's a legitimate contender.
#12 HEALTHY HEALTHY has won two of his past three starts this preparation and is an another runner on an upward spiral. The Pierre Ng stable represents a shining beacon in the trainer's premiership approaching the half way point, and for that reason alone I'd anticipate that far better is still to come. The draw is good, rider looks good and position in running appears ideal so there shouldn't be many excuses.
#3 GRATEFUL HEART is still quite well rated despite his ongoing consistency and should therefore be given a chance. The opportunity to roll forward from gate ten and drag TOMODACHI KOKOROE over to rail is available, but the question remains, does he possess the required amount of natural gate speed. I'd suggest probably no, but he can alternatively take a sit in behind, and from there he's very much in the hunt.
Selections : 2,6,9,12,3
