3 minute read

Brett Davis provides exclusive Preview of Happy Valley races.

Rail - C+3
Race 1
#1 SAVVY CHIC won earlier in the season over this course and distance but has struggled since with the depths of class 3.He now receives the drop back in class he's been after and despite the top weight and poor reading form can figure.He's had a month between runs after an effort on the dirt that was completely forgettable and his track work leading in suggests he'll perform well.
#10 YEABOI ran his best race in a while recently when he powered home with purpose to finish a close second.The winner was too good on that occasion but this fellow ran a strong last 600m to beat the rest convincingly, which was the most encouraging part.Connections have wisely kept him at the shorter trip and with the same jockey aboard, plus, the draw entitles him to the near run of the race.
#11 HARMONY N HOME is a noted an honest contributor each time he steps out and therefore goes into the tips.He's struggled to win in this class on a regular basis but at the same time is rarely beaten big margins.He was unlucky not to win last start in a head bobbing finish which probably should have gone his way, so he's a dangerous runner to take on.
#12 BEAU GOSSE appreciated the drop to 1200m last start and from a low draw can be considered amongst the chances.He has plenty to find in the strength department if he's going to win but the light weight and low draw are gold.If he drops to class 5 he'll be right in the hunt for a win, but he can still race well tonight under these conditions.
#2 WOOD ON FIRE has done all his winning over this course/distance with legitimate excuses recognised at his past two performances.The draw tonight is unappealing however he does get back, but it's the booking of 10lb apprentice Ellis Wong that certainly catches the eye.He was racing better during the early months of this season so a lift is needed to win, but the weight of his back shouldn't be underestimated.
Selections : 1,10,11,12,2

R2 - 4,2,3,1,5

R3 - 8,3,4,12,11

R4 - 3,2,6,8,4

Race 5
#10 KYRUS UNICORN is a more than a capable galloper under the right circumstances and there's plenty in his favour over the 1800m.He lost his action approaching the turn near the 700m last start and it cost him momentum, and arguably a win.He's always shown that 1800m and beyond are his ideal distances and despite just the one win in this class, remains a genuine winning proposition.
#4 SERANGOON is on the verge of his first Hong Kong win and conditions appear to be almost perfect.He would've gained additional strength from a recent start over 2200m and that'll surely come into play when the whips are cracking.The inside barrier also assures an economical run, plus, he's a big strong boy who can easily carry the extra 3lbs.
#11 SUNNY BABY needed the easier grade to notch up another win and did that nicely with a well timed run last start.The rise back up in class is the challenge he must overcome here if he's to go back to back, but the statistics say it's highly unlikely to happen.However, with the light weight and low draw he'll be in the right spot, so don't be complacent and leave him completely out.
#12 TURTLE AGAIN has arguably the best form in the race but it's been established in the lower grade of class 5.With seven previous attempts in class 4 netting a nil top four result there's definitely risk associated with the rise.The outside draw doesn't complement the overall picture but he does possess the speed to cross and lead.A lot of his previous form was also recorded when he wasn't going well, and that should be taken in to account.
#6 MR ALADDIN hasn't raced since the middle of January and was scratched from his last intended start.He's a nice enough lightly raced stamp of a horse who's got swagger and the right attitude for competing.He'll roll forward with a few others during the initial stages, according to the speed map, which potentially sets the race up for the run ons and closers.Nevertheless, if he slots in somewhere mid race he's a legitimate chance.
Selections : 10,4,11,12,6

R6 - 7,2,6,3,5

R7 - 9,12,4,1,7

R8 - 7,3,1,6,2

R9 - 3,5,9,1,6