3 minute read
Brett Davis provides exclusive preview of Happy Valley races.
Rail - C+3 Course
R1 - 6,3,4,1,2
Race 2
#1 HERCULES won a race in class 4 last season over this exact course and distance and is a dangerous runner to ignore in the lowest grade.His first up last placing can be completely overlooked after he was snagged out the back but his form since has been very good.He doesn't win out of turn and requires a race with good speed to run at, but he's definitely knocking on the door for another win.
#3 WIND SPEEDER can be excused on his last start performance where he drew the outside gate.He was snagged out the barrier immediately upon jumping before settling back towards the rear.With a better draw in gate five to leave from, and the blinkers remaining on, he's extremely capable of running well and can most certainly win.
#2 VALHALLA has been well tried to win on numerous occasions this season and shall be considered a genuine contender again.Hugh Bowman jumps back aboard, now he's recovered from injury, and from the low draw they'll be positioned to do no work.His win two back was full of merit, looking at the margin, because he was held up momentarily in the straight, but the bigger weight is now a factor.
#4 AUGUST MOON hasn't won since April 2022 when he got the money in a competitive race 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 six runs back, a good draw, blinkers back on and a return to the turf, he's become attractive and can be entertained.
#12 VIVA A LA has enjoyed his racing over the past six months and is suited by a return to 1200m.He over cooked himself during the middle stages of his last start, over the 1650m, before tiring badly in the run down the home stretch.He'll be pressed for early speed, by one or two others, but with the blinkers going on should still lead and find rail.If that's the case, he'll make sure the opposition earn their keep when trying to get past.
Selections : 1,3,2,4,12
R3 - 4,1,7,8,5
R4 - 6,9,5,2,10
R5 - 12,4,2,8,5
R6 - 3,1,6,9,2
R7 - 2,11,5,8,9
Race 8
#4 QUANTUM PATCH is an improved athlete since gaining a significant amount of body weight during the off season break.Trainer Pierre Ng has continued building his physical strength during the season and the results are really starting to show.He's right at the top of his game going in to this very winnable contest, with rating points in hand, and from the better draw is a big chance of turning it around on SILVER SONIC.
#1 SILVER SONIC showed encouraging signs at the end of last season and is now racing with an abundance of self confidence.He's up 6lbs on his dominant last start win but conversely draws slightly better in gate two.With an economical run in transit likely it's anticipated he'll deal with the extra load appropriately, and take all the beating again.Attempting to lead throughout could well be an option if he jumps well.
#9 EIGHT PALMS was given no chance once he became trapped off the track last start but that effort can be overlooked.A minor setback saw him miss a run in early October but his form prior was on the improve.A pair of recent trials have him ticking over nicely and it's expected he'll bounce back courtesy of a better barrier draw.
#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.There's plenty to like about the way he won two races here in July/September with his tactical versatility a weapon.Runners with class continually find away to overcome adversity, when it confronts them, and he's inadvertently displaying such qualities.
#2 TOURBILLON PRINCE won a race over this course and trip narrowly last start and should be given some respect on that performance.With more weight and a wider gate to deal with it'll be a challenge to back that up, but he does possess natural gate speed which can assist.The declaration of a roarer, on more than one occasion does create concern, but he continues to race well.
Selections : 4,1,9,11,2
