3 minute read
Brett Davis provides exclusive preview of Happy Valley races.
Rail - B Course
Race 1
#2 NICE BIRDIE has been extremely tough and honest all season.He did his fair share of work during the middle stages on the dirt most recently but as always he kept fighting hard eventually running into second.He's a one paced grinder that shall be suited by a strongly run race and the 2200m suits.Familiar rider Jerry Chau jumps back aboard and the low draw means they'll mostly likely do no work in the run.
#4 HAPPY HERO is proven over this course and distance and a suitable option from the low barrier draw.His past three efforts have all had legitimate excuses attached so the return to 2200m, and turf, is a wise decision.He's got the tactical speed to position handy, but also versatile enough to sit in behind, before closing off.A familiar winning jockey only further complement his overall prospect.
#5 SUPER DADDY has been declared a roarer on multiple occasions so straight away you're dealing with a lack of trust.He's extremely well rated, ran a blinder last start and Hugh Bowman now takes the ride from an excellent draw.It all reads and sounds super, but if he chokes down and can't get the required amount of oxygen, which occurred three and four starts ago, then we know where our money ends up.
#10 GOLDEN FAIRY won an almost identical race to this back in January when defeating HAPPY HERO.He established a perfect position in the run on that occasion before wearing down the runner up over the concluding stages.The inside draw last start, when dropping back to 1800m, ended up being a liability that saw him find trouble at a vital point.Alexis Badel continues his association which creates the confidence required.
#3 COLOURFUL BARON has been the most consistent runner in this field the past four months and for that reason, along with the re-booking of Zac Purton, must go into the tips.However, jumping from barrier 11 over the awkward 2200m start point won't be an easy assignment, whatever the tactics.He's untried at this distance with the blinkers coming off so he'll probably look to settle back, but remember, he has been quick enough to lead in the past.
Selections : 2,4,5,10,3
R2 - 3,2,8,7,11
R3 - 2,3,1,8,5
R4 - 1,12,3,7,10
Race 5
#3 WINDICATOR FAMILY won the listed Southland Guineas in New Zealand at just his second start and isn't far away from finding form.He's only a little guy in stature, who's taken time settling in, but he's got a reasonable motor hidden underneath.He really got going over the later stages last start when powering home from down back, so now he's had a good look around, you'd want to keep him safe.
#5 DEVAS TWELVE hasn't done much wrong in his seven starts to date and now ventures to Happy Valley for his debut under lights.He trialled well here against some strong opposition back in July 2023 so the previous experience should count.Zac Purton up from a good draw has him right amongst the hopes and there won't be any fitness issues after a strong effort recently over 1800m.
#9 SURE JOYFUL was favourite last time he went to the races but was put off guard when bumped leaving the starting gates.Prior, his form was excellent for tonight's appointed jockey Mathew Poon, with a win and courageous second over this exact course and trip.He'll be back to mid field or worse with the aforementioned change of rider now taking place, and the hot tempo expected should bring him into the finish.
#10 MR ALADDIN is still learning about this caper of racing and competition but he'll be provided with another opportunity to run well from the low draw.
There's been money around for him at three of his past four starts and the blinkers were added recently as well.He's a bit one paced and continues to make mistakes but it won't be a surprise if he puts it all together to win.
#12 KEEN UNITY was heading towards a drop in class but pulled out a ripping performance last start to finish second.The former Irish galloper has thrown in a good effort from time to time and did arrive in Hong Kong rated 63.A change of stable during the off season break has definitely contributed to the changing form and it won't be a surprise to see him run well.
Selections : 3,5,9,10,12
R6 - 9,6,3,8,11
R7 - 2,1,10,4,12
R8 - 3,5,2,4,9
R9 - 1,8,4,7,11
