3 minute read
Brett Davis provides exclusive preview of Happy Valley races.
Rail - C Course
Race 1
#3 MR GOOD VIBES hasn't excited connections at all since he began racing earlier this season and subsequently drops in class.However, the blinkers were applied in early February, when racing at Sha Tin in a class 4, and they've definitely produced some much better results.A good draw and back to 1000m create an interesting race profile here and with inform rider Brenton Avdulla now aboard, I'm happy to take the chance.
#2 HAPPY HORSE hasn't been to the races for two months after a tiring fifth place as the beaten favourite last start.He was given a week off training in early February, to freshen his body and mind, and it appears to have been justified based on his current sharp track work.He won over this course and trip back in November 2023 when leading all the way, and that's precisely what he'll be attempting tonight with a 10lb claiming rider on board.
#10 GREAT DAYS has done very little in his twelve start career but at the same time made some improvement at his two most recent starts.He bounced straight to the lead here last outing over the 1200m but was found wanting over the concluding stages, before eventually being overhauled.He's since been back to the trials and performed well under race day rider Zac Purton and the drop back to 1000m entitles him to another chance.
#9 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.Karis Teetan jumps back aboard tonight, after a ride on him two runs back, so perhaps he can coax him safely through the gaps, which is what he needs to do if he's going win.
#6 SWEET DIAMOND ran a nice race to just go under behind HAPPY TANGO last start and is worthy of consideration.He's a winner in class 4 for this jockey Alexis Badel but unfortunately draws another outside and awkward barrier. He's tactically adaptable but it's predicated he'll race forward, which potentially makes him vulnerable and a risk of covering ground.
Selections : 3,2,10,9,6
R2 - 4,3,2,8,5
R3 - 2,6,5,1,8
R4 - 3,2,8,10,12
Race 5
The Ireland Trophy
(Class 4 - 1200m - Hcp)
#8 SUPER EAGLE, in an even race , ends up with plenty of ticks alongside his name despite an already long arduous season.He's had lots of racing, but at the same time coped with it extremely well, so is therefore entitled to be in the money from the low draw.Karis Teetan has ridden twice and barely made a mistake, which reads particularly well, and I'd expect that to be the situation once more.
#1 HOSS has endured a poor season to date because he's been to highly rated after enjoying three wins last season.He's been going through the motions for a while now but finally rejoins the easier grade of class 4, and is therefore a very dangerous runner to dismiss.He's always run well over this course and trip and maps to enjoy a good run so I'd be taking him on at your peril.
#10 COLONEL has made a career out of leading races with frantic speed and that's precisely what he'll do again tonight.He'll easily have the runners drawn alongside covered for pace which almost guarantees him finding the rail. Once the established leader, he'll run solid sectionals up to the home bend before kicking hard down the straight.However, with class 4 horses chasing this time it's going to be tougher.
#7 MULTIDARLING has been quite honest all campaign and remains well enough rated to win another race in this grade.It's a tricky draw for him to negotiate tonight, so he'll need a touch of luck to find a position, but he's difficult to ignore on recent form and with the small claim.I'm prepared to risk him on a win line and hope he's worked over early, but I won't be brave enough to leave him out of the wider and multiple exotics.
#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 rarely beaten big margins. He was unlucky not to win two starts back in a head bobbing finish before losing his position mid race last start.He's a dangerous horse to take on in this type of race and is mapped to find cover during the run.
Selections : 8,1,10,7,11
R6 - 3,1,7,2,5
R7 - 7,6,4,5,3
R8 - 7,1,11,2,4
R9 - 9,7,8,4,1
