3 minute read
Brett Davis provides exclusive Preview of Happy Valley races.
Race 1
#7 Run The Table looks a great chance of winning the first particularly now that Zac Purton jumps back aboard following his big four timer last Sunday. With only two wins separating Moreira and Purton it's well and truly on between the pair for the "Champion Jockey's Title". With a terrific draw, great record in the class plus course and distance, he's the obvious and justified on top selection.
#11 One Step Ahead would be the horse to beat had this event been conducted over 1200m. The rise to 1650m for the first time is a fascinating decision by connections and I'm surprised it hasn't been tried before. His closing sectionals over 1200m say he should be to good over the longer journey but wearily remember, we're discussing class 5.
#10 Oh Bravo on the other hand has ordinary figures in all departments but did run well at his most recent start. Moreira spotted the effort, and no doubt dialled up for the ride, so you'd imagine he'll be making sure it counts. We know he's has an incredible knack of getting these low grade gallopers over the line therefore expect him to feature.
#4 Heavenly Thought finds himself in the depths of class 5 for the first time, which underlines a poor season. The stable has been eyeing off this race and grade for quite a while so now that he's here I'd be very respectful. Many recent runs have been better than they read and this course and distance is where he's done his winning.
#12 Prime Star is the lowest rated runner competing in this contest but is still a chance of winning the cash. A good draw and drop back in journey complement the booking of Alexis Badel and I'd be including him in all calculations. The bottom grade runners in class 5 are fighting for their career survival during this period of the season, so a result is desperately being chased.
Selections : 7,11,10,4,12
R2 - 4,1,7,2,5
R3 - 9,5,1,8,10
Race 4
#1 Happy Sharing is still acclimatising to Hong Kong lifestyle but he's been a very solid contributor from day one. With a second run in the easier grade, familiar jockey and excellent barrier draw, he creates plenty of appeal. The majority of the opposition he's opposing are well exposed and he's a refresh newbie that now appears progressive and close to a win.
#2 Pleasant Endeavor is hitting his peak fitness right now and that was evident with a comprehensive win last start. Conditions are almost identical tonight with just a 5lbs penalty the only hurdle to overcome. His size and bulk should enable him to deal with the increase well and I expect he'll be in the finish.
#8 Hercules hasn't won a race this season but he's been a gallant runner up on three seperate occasions. With Purton atop and a solid pace anticipated it's easy to envisage him joining in over the concluding stages. This is the course and distance he enjoy's most and he's coped exceptionally well with a big season of racing.
#9 Perfect Peach is still a baby but enough ability has been witnessed to suggest he'll be winning a few races. It's likely that'll occur next season but I give him a small sniff of victory tonight. A couple of woeful barriers have cost him badly at his last two starts, plus, he should've arguably won the start prior.
#7 Shadow Runner was much happier on top of the ground last start when winning in good time. The additional 4lbs to shoulder shouldn't be a massive issue but the outside gate is quite ugly. Nevertheless, he's enjoyed a good season and continues to race with enthusiasm which labels him a chance.
Selections : 1,2,8,9,7
R5 - 9,12,5,10,11
R6 - 1,6,2,11,5
R7 - 3,12,6,2,5
R8 - 9,1,7,3,8
R9 - 5,10,11,4,12
