3 minute read
Brett Davis provides exclusive Preview of Happy Valley races.
Rail - B Course
Race 1
#6 MEDIC ELITE has shown what he's capable of his past couple with barnstorming finishes from down back witnessed on both occasions. No doubt, the recent change of track environment has had plenty to do with his improved performances but being ridden cold has also played its part. It's another typical class 5 event where many runners can be considered but this guy slots in nicely mid-field, and from there he'll be ready to fire.
#2 LIFELINE VISION has eventually found his way to class 5 company and this is where he can feature. With nine top four finishes in class 4, or above, he possesses the engine capacity to break through for a victory. After thirty two outings without a win I can only recommend him to place, but the drought is surely coming to an end.
#1 HAPPY JAI JAI has carried the weight well his past couple and he'll be required to dish out that level of effort again. At the end of the day, it'll more than likely make it difficult for him to win but it's not beyond the realms of possibility. Derek Leung is jumping aboard for a third consecutive ride which could certainly make up the difference in the end.
#7 BEAUTY NOVA is another with his toe on the till but he just can't seem to break the ice. Options are running out for the twenty five start maiden so a change of venue is tonight's almighty plan. Zac Purton went desperately close to victory on this guy earlier in the season so a bond is already established. The longer journey of 1650m is a slight concern but he's racing well enough to feature.
#3 CONCERTO bled in January at his first run in class 5 and has since been resting up on the sidelines. This lightly raced 6yo definitely showed something in October last year when finishing third in a class 4 over this course and trip. A solid preparation accompanied by two satisfactory trials, the later here at Happy Valley over 1700m, suggests he's not far off being ready to win.
Selections : 6,2,1,7,3
R2 - 4,7,6,11,9
R3 - 1,5,6,7,12
R4 - 5,6,1,11,7
R5 - 2,4,8,9,6
R6 - 9,1,5,6,2
Race 7
#4 DANCING CODE hasn't done much wrong since his Hong Kong career began and with a touch of luck he could be unbeaten. The former Kris Lee's trained galloper notched up two impressive wins, and two seconds in Australia, before being purchased by Hong Kong movie star "Aaron Kwok". A transfer to the city circuit tonight has been part of the plan with a quiet and useful trial undertaken here last November.
#1 SON PAK FU was troubled by the outside barrier and 133lbs last start which saw his winning run come to an end. Conditions are more to his liking from the lower draw so a bounce back is on the cards. His personal sectional data at times this campaign confirms he'll be capable in class 2, and he'll be in that grade next start provided he runs well tonight.
#2 ARMOUR EAGLE enjoys a strong record over the Happy Valley 1200m and is a two time winner in this class. He's recently been ridden aggressively, or upside down, but a conservative approach is more likely on this occasion. The last time he drew wide with Zac Purton aboard, and with the rail in the B course position, he flew home from near last to just miss out on the win.
#8 SMOKEY BEAR shall make up part of the on-speed brigade and is capable of running a race. A win recently on the all weather bumped him up a grade so he can now appreciate the lighter weights. He'll be vulnerable to a superior turn of foot when they swing for home, but at the same time a difficult runner to chase.
#3 SMART IDEA performed well first up from a lengthy break after a bled in January put him out of play. He'd suffered a delayed start to his season following a gut busting previous campaign which saw him accumulated four wins and multiple placings. Question marks surround his soundness second up but he's a difficult runner to pen based on his record at this track.
Selections : 4,1,2,8,3
R8 - 9,2,4,6,8
R9 - 6,1,7,9,3
