3 minute read

Brett Davis provides exclusive Preview of Happy Valley races.

Rail - C Course

Race 1

#2 TURTLE AGAIN is a different animal to what we saw last season and that can be attributed to trainer Benno Yung's patients and prudent knowledge.
He hasn't missed a beat this campaign and with a better barrier last outing he would've made it back to back wins.
He receives that good barrier tonight and therefore maps to enjoy the run of the race throughout.
He's deserved of starting the race favourite and in an open contest is extremely hard to beat.

#5 SUNNY BABY has inconsistent form a lot of the time but when he drops back into class 5 he's worthy of respect.
Zac Purton shall be keen to strike a blow early on, after some recent and forced time off, and together they've already established good form.
He can position behind the speed shortly after the jump whilst saving significant ground along the rail.
From there, he'll conserve energy for most of the 1800m journey whilst being ready to strike.

#6 UNITED ENDEAVORS is racing well this campaign and has only recently found his way into the lowest grade.
Chris So took over his training, prior to the season beginning, and now has him nicely tuned and in a good mental space.
A jump up to 1800m is being tried for the very first time and he's indicated that's exactly what he wants.
A committed rider in Keith Yeung aboard, plus a terrific inside draw, has him rated amongst the winning chances.

#1 CLASSIC ARCHI was in superb form at the back end of last season and was able to carry that momentum across the summer break and win first up.
His following run, up in class 4, was also a hearty effort where he closed in later stages to just miss the frame.
You can then completely forget his last race at Sha Tin where he was given no hope, courtesy of a poor ride.
Harry Bentley now takes over the reigns and a strong early pace could well play into his hands.

#7 COLOUFUL BARON had suggested a win was imminent with some handy efforts here at Happy Valley.
Then last start he went to Sha Tin, drew well, and subsequently got the cash.
He'll need a touch of luck tonight from the sticky gate and with additional pounds to carry, but his confidence is up and the opposition are similar.

Selections : 2,5,6,1,7

R2 - 10,9,5,12,1

R3 - 11,6,8,10,7

R4 - 9,6,2,5,10

R5 - 7,9,2,4,1

R6 - 4,10,3,2,7

R7 - 12,3,2,4,1

Race 8

#1 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 showing us that she's settled and feeling well.
Her handicap rating dropped significantly in recent months which keeps her well placed on her overseas credentials.
She'll give away a start, but as we suggested last outing when she powered home to win, she'll be finishing hard.

#8 WATCH BUDDY handled his first attempt at class 3 company with a fair amount of purpose and endeavour.
He was only beaten narrowly , and endured a tough run in transit, so he's worthy of including in all calculations.
What's in his favour tonight is the on speed position he'll almost certainly secure, in a race that lacks real pace.
This factor could well go against the chances of BON'S A PERLA, but can he fend off her overall class.

#5 RAGING BLIZZARD has done plenty right in his first four starts at Sha Tin but tonight ventures to the bright city lights of the Happy Valley circuit.
It worth noting, that he hasn't been here at all in the past, not even to trial, so he's going to be better for the experience.
Nevertheless, trainer John Size has brought plenty of horses here in the past without previous experience, and most have been ultra competitive, but mistakes are potentially on the cards.

#3 LUCKY ARCHANGEL is at a career high rating, courtesy of three victories from six starts this season, but shouldn't be completely overlooked.
He's been rundown his two previous starts which highlights the fact he's probably getting close to his handicap mark.
However, with the rail out a long way and a clear lack of noted early pace, he can cross the field initially before attempting to dictate the speed.

#12 TOGEPI finds his way into class 3 for the first time and won't know himself carry the light weight of 117lbs.
Nevertheless, it's a tough class 3 race to make your debut because there are numerous runners on the up, and many of them can position close to the speed.
That being said, he's a definite inclusion for exotics because he'll find the line hard.

Selections : 1,8,5,3,12