3 minute read
Brett Davis provides exclusive Preview of Happy Valley races.
Rail - B Course
Race 1
#6 GOODMANSHIP went close to defeating HAPPY HORSE in a similar race to this back in November last year and meets him better at the weights.Extracting another win has been an arduous task for trainer Douglas Whyte but he's not faraway from notching up another success.The all weather track wasn't his go last start and he was caught wide prior here over 1200m.He's difficult to recommend with a huge amount of confidence but this is a race where the stars almost align, so I'll suggest he can just about win.
#1 HAPPY HORSE shall again be suited by the low barrier draw and can certainly bring about another on top winning result.
He'd had excuses at all runs this campaign, prior to a recent victory, and his movement continues to be smooth and sharp during 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 for the judge.With the addition of Hugh Bowman to ride he'll be required to carry more weight, but his experience shall count for plenty.
#8 MODEST GENTLEMEN has run two good races from his four attempts in class 5 and from the inside gate should be in the hunt.He's got a habit of being slowly away, which he needs to correct, and with the blinkers going back on there's every chance that'll take place.A top class rider also jumps aboard in ANDREA ATZENI so don't be leaving him completely out.
#3 MULTIMORE has been banging on the door of victory at all runs this campaign.Connections are now taking the option of a 10lb claim, with apprentice ELLIS WONG given the green light by authorities to ride at Happy Valley, which could easily make up the difference.He's twice a winner over the Happy Valley 1000m and has also won in higher grade, so if gets up and running early he'll give a decent sight.
#2 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 lead to surgery earlier this year, where a bone fragments was removed from his left knee.
With fitness no issue connections are now opting for some weight relief, so he can be entertained.A drop back to 1000m is also seen as positive.
Selections : 6,1,8,3,2
R2 - 2,10,6,5,9
R3 - 1,2,10,4,5
R4 - 4,6,9,10,1
R5 - 6,4,3,2,10
Race 6
JANUARY CUP(Gp 3 - 1800m - Hcp)
#3 SWORD POINT pulled up lame following his only start at Happy Valley last season but handled the tight turning track quite ok.He's returned in fine fettle this season with close up finishes in all three runs and they've been at the highest of levels.A top jockey booked to ride from the perfect draw reads particularly well, and combined with the fact he goes in fourth up, he should finish thereabouts.
#7 HELENE FEELING is another potential top liner on the rise and he'll appreciate the feather weight of 115lbs on his back.He's tactically versatile, but seemingly better ridden forward, which creates some risk due to the draw.Therefore, dropping back for cover could well be the play which means he'll have some work to do.However, his class doesn't look to be of any real concern so with a sprinkling of luck he's right there.
#9 HAPPY TOGETHER is one of the newest revelation's to the Hong Kong racing scene after winning three of his past four starts.We'll learn more about him tonight because he's up in class and trip, and at this level that's only for the top echelon of thoroughbreds to achieve.The barrier draw and weight to carry are on his side and his closing sectional data suggests he'll measure up, so let's see what he got with the pressure on from the very beginning.
#2 MONEY CATCHER is a proven competitor at the elite level and noted front runner at the same time.He has the power to push hard from the nice draw before eventually finding the rail, and the lead, as they run out of the home stretch.That's precisely what he achieved in this exact race last year when starting the 2.5 favourite.The depth to this year's edition appears stronger, to that of 2023, so it won't be easy to go back to back, but he loves this track and remains in good shape.
#11 LA CITY BLANCHE ran well in a similar race to this at Sha Tin in early November and is worthy of sneaking into the tips.That run was then followed by another honest performance, where he closed in powerfully, in the Gp 2 Jockey Club Cup over 2000m.I'm overlooking his next two starts, for various reasons, where his form now reads ordinary.He has won here before over this course and trip and shall do very little work in the run.
Selections : 3,7,9,2,11
R7 - 6,4,5,3,10
R8 - 4,9,3,8,6
