3 minute read

Brett Davis provides exclusive Preview of Happy Valley races.

Rail - C Course
Race 1
#2 WIND SPEEDER has been a costly conveyance if you've backed him regularly to win but this appears a race where he can repay your time and effort.He should've got the cash two runs back after being caught right off the track, then last start got involved in a traffic jam when the race was there to be won.Zac Purton jumps aboard now so your price shall be under the odds but it's highly unlikely he doesn't get it done.
#9 GREAT DAYS has done very little in his eleven start career but has definitely made some improvement through the final 400m of his two most recent starts.He'd been back to the trials and performed well under race day rider Karis Teetan before a solid effort last weekend, where he slightly missed the start.A quick back is generally a reliable tactical move by trainer's when they decided to play that card, so with inside draw to leave from I'd expect another good run.
#7 GOODMANSHIP has had more than enough chances to win another race over the past couple of seasons but continually finds something to beat him.He draws ideally tonight, to position handy to the speed, but when the race is there to be won he must follow through.Derek Leung jumps back aboard after a ride on the dirt two runs back so perhaps he can coax him through the gaps.
#10 HAPPILY FRIENDS is entitled to a couple of forgives in recent events and shall race forward in an attempt to lead.The booking of 10lb apprentice Ellis Wong is a contributing factor to his inclusion in the tips, because the weight off his back is a huge advantage in this grade.He'll need everything to go right early on from the awkward barrier and if that's the case, then I would be surprised if he didn't run well enough to feature.
#4 TACTICAL COMMAND has shown glimpses of ability and is worthy of inclusion at a decent price.When finishing third at Happy Valley in late November 2023 he recorded a reasonable rating on the clock.
That event was in class 4, against superior opposition, with his two following runs offering excuses.
With blinkers now added, whilst returning to Happy Valley, he's worth throwing into the mix for one final chance.
Selections : 2,9,7,10,4

R2 - 3,8,7,6,11

R3 - 7,4,1,10,11

R4 - 4,11,1,3,8

R5 - 11,9,3,4,6

Race 6
#3 HARMONY FIRE dropped along way in the ratings last season after an ordinary campaign where he placed only once from a total of eight starts.A lengthy summer break in a lush green paddock at Conghua was thereafter enjoyed, where he was able to replenished his tired body and exhausted mind.The four runs back this preparation have built a solid foundation of fitness and the 10lb claim only adds to his prospects.
#7 MOLLY'S WITNESS makes his Hong Kong debut for the Jamie Richards stable and arrives with a decent wrap.He began his track work at Sha Tin in September last year before transferring to Conghua for a period of four months.He trialled nicely here at Happy Valley in the lead up to his debut and it was very comfortable work under Zac Purton.
#9 RUBY SAILING has been the runner up on four occasions from only eight starts and has the speed to position up handy.He trialled here at Happy Valley in June last year so that'll help him find his way around comfortably.He's had plenty of racing this term so fitness won't be an issue, but if he's to challenge for a win he must improve on his strength to the line.
#8 PARENTS' LOVE was certainly in commission on debut at Sha Tin but eventually tired out over the final 100m to finish home in fifth.He's another 3yo in this event that appears to be above average however the the wide alley shall assure he works.He's also never raced or trialled around the tight city circuit which could easily bring him undone, but to offset that is a serious amount of natural gate speed.
#2 FUN ELITE recorded good time when winning his first start down the Sha Tin straight but was unable to back it up.A switch to Happy Valley now takes place in an attempt to make it two wins from three and he's not without a chance.However, zero experience around the city circuit is always a worrying factor especially when drawn wide in gate ten.
Selections : 3,7,9,8,2

R7 - 9,5,3,7,6

R8 - 2,8,4,5,10

R9 - 4,9,11,12,2