3 minute read

Brett Davis provides exclusive Review of Happy Valley races.

Rail - A Course

R1 - 3,1,5,4,8

R2 - 10,8,3,6,4

R3 - 3,9,10,8,5

Race 4
Centenary Cup( Class 4 - 1650m - Hcp)
#2 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 and the weights are mounting up but he continues raising the bar accordingly.He'll kick up early with his natural high speed and take beating, and should he win again he'll be extremely competitive at the bottom of class 3.
#7 WIN WIN FIGHTER found untimely bother in the home stretch three starts back which ultimately cost him a minor spot in the frame.He was then posted deep after being unable to slot in but did however still find the line reasonably well.A change of rider was significant last start and a better result followed.So he's worthy of inclusion with Vincent Ho once again on board.
#9 STRONGEST BOY has been the beaten favourite at two of his past three starts with Zac Purton aboard but a change of rider now takes place.He's racing well, and a winner waiting to happen, but he's been unlucky with barrier draws and interference.I'd like to tip him to win, and tell you he's a good thing, but he's again drawn awkwardly in barrier nine.
#10 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 shifting elsewhere he may have missed an opportunity to win, but I wouldn't underestimate his prospects.
#1 PRINCE ALEX would win this event if he produced the same sectional data that he reeled off first up in September.However, he's been extremely unreliable from a total of seventeen career starts and remains a Hong Kong maiden.That being said, if he puts it all together from a nice barrier you'll be wishing you had him in your numbers and exotics.
Selections : 2,7,9,10,1

R5 - 1,5,12,10,2

R6 - 11,7,4,5,3

Race 7
#4 BON'S A PEARLA is one of very few mares racing in Hong Kong and she's so far been an under achiever.However, recent signs in the mornings and results on the track are now suggesting she's settled and feeling well.Her handicap rating has also dropped significantly in recent months which places her particular well against tonight's and future opponents.She'll most likely give away at start but she'll be crunching hard when it counts.
#7 BEAUTY WAVES has plenty of untapped ability and should be considered amongst the major winning chances in a strong class 3 contest.The former Irish galloper appeared well above average when winning his maiden as a 2yo on the poly track at Dundalk.It's his first trip to the city circuit under race conditions which can often bring about reservations, but he's trialled here superbly on two seperate occasions.
#2 TOMODACHI KOKOROE won six consecutive races in northern Queensland before his import to Hong Kong and has recently proven he's in good shape.
He's well within himself this campaign, following some acclimatisation issues early on, and should again be given serious consideration.
An awkward draw on this occasion does create some concern, along with the recent increase in weight, but he remains on the up so it mightn't matter.
#3 SUPERB CAPITALIST has the gate speed to blast straight to the front and shouldn't get much pressure from TOMODACHI KOKOROE.With that in mind, and the benefit of two runs back this campaign, he's likely to stick on for longer when they dash.He can be a tricky customer to get right and vulnerable to a superior turn of foot but I'd be rather nervous leaving him out.
#8 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 an outside contender.
Selections : 4,7,2,3,8

R8 - 2,1,10,8,9