3 minute read
Brett Davis provides exclusive preview of Happy Valley races.
Rail - A Course
Race 1
#5 COLOURFUL BARON gained the confidence of a win recently at Sha Tin before almost making it back to back last start here at Happy Valley.With his mind in a good place trainer Jamie Richards has called upon 5lb claiming apprentice Angus Chung to alleviate the burden of additional weight.With an enviable position in running from gate six anticipated he's going to prove rather difficult to defeat.
#9 DIAMOND WINNER has gone desperately close to shedding his maiden status this campaign but just fallen short on numerous occasions.Nevertheless, he's fit well and again accompanied by a rider who understands his requirements and needs.Therefore, another opportunity to put one in the back of the net awaits particularly from the low advantageous draw.
#8 BRILLIANT PIONEER ran a career best last start over the Happy Valley 1650m when closing in fast from the back.Trainer Ricky Yui made the decision prior to the event to take the pacifier's off and he responded accordingly.The check pieces now go on for the first time as he rises in distance, which is an interesting tactic, and it's more than likely that he further improves.
#11 GOLDEN FAIRY had performed slightly better leading into his last start win so it wasn't a complete surprise.That win was achieved, however, over the longer journey of 2200m and under a slimmer weight being 5lb lighter.The jockey and barrier allocations remain in his favour but it's worth mentioning, he hasn't broken the twenty five seconds barrier for his final 400m in quite a while.
#2 NICE BIRDIE has been extremely tough his past four starts with a narrow win and defeat the two highlights.He did a fair amount of work during the middle stages last start, over the shorter trip, but was still there fighting at the end.He's a one paced grinder that'll be suited by the rise to 1800m and a genuine contributor when it comes to endeavour.
Selections : 5,9,8,11,2
R2 - 6,9,12,1,3
R3 - 8,1,6,3,7
R4 - 3,5,9,2,11
Race 5
#5 RAGING BLIZZARD did plenty right during his first four starts at Sha Tin before recently venturing to the bright city lights of Happy Valley.
It was worth noting, that prior to his first race here he hadn't visited this track at all leading in, which I believe ultimately cost him at least one of two potential wins.He should now be primed and lengths better for the city experience and the low draw tonight makes him difficult to beat.
#6 WINGS OF WAR is having his second run for the new stable of Douglas Whyte and performed exceptionally well first up behind SUGAR SUGAR.He was a Gp 2 winner in France and had multiple placings in black type events but initially struggled with acclimatisation.With the blinkers remaining on don't be surprised if he improves further and is good enough to take the win.
#1 SUPERB CAPITALIST can be a tricky runner to catch but be assured you want him in all exotic bets.The outside draw made it extremely tough to cross and lead last start but that won't be the situation from gate four tonight.He's been back to the trials here at Happy Valley, following the aforementioned tiring last place, and he lead all the way whilst defeating a top notch group one winner.
#3 HEALTHY HEALTHY has enjoyed an excellent season to this point and is still very much on the upward spiral.He possesses pace, can drop his head mid race before importantly quickening when a sprint is required.A recent regular rider in Alex Badel is once again onboard so it'll be interesting to see if can take another step forward.
#7 SING DRAGON previously arrived from the Chris Waller stable in Sydney where he was know as OPERATIVE.He won his maiden at Newcastle before a Wednesday 3yo Bm68 at Rosehill, but hadn't raced for over a year before his Hong Kong debut last start.The extensive break from the race track told in the end but expect he'll be better for the run this time around.
Selections : 5,6,1,3,7
R6 - 1,9,2,3,12
R7 - 4,3,9,7,1
R8 - 2,5,8,4,3
R9 - 3,5,1,11,8
