3 minute read
Brett Davis provides exclusive preview of Happy Valley races.
Rail - B Course
Race 1
#3 KEEN UNITY has now found his way into class 5 and should be winning a race at this level in the immediate future. Trainer Jimmy Ting opted for a 2200m event last start which was his first attempt over the longer distance.Now that he's back to a more appropriate journey of 1650m he should be extremely competitive and I expect him to run well.I'm confident he's better than most of these, pound for pound, and with a good ride goes close to getting the money.
#6 SPEEDSTAR appears the logical danger from the low advantageous barrier draw and is expect to start favourite for star jockey Zac Purton.His performance last start at Sha Tin was indicative of a runner ready to win and he maps to receive every chance.With the David Hall stable in excellent form everything seems in order for a top three finish, although his record at Happy Valley is a minor concern.
#10 VIVA A LA has enjoyed a prosperous season for connections and is the runner to lead and find the rail.He won with plenty in hand over the 1200m four runs back when crunching the leaders over the later stages to score.He'll need to raise the bar if he's to produce another win up in trip, but being out in front dictating should provide him with a strong chance of going all the way.
#11 NINJA DERBY hasn't enjoyed any luck at his past few outings but could make his presence felt this time around.He's yet to finish any closer than 5th his entire career but would've gained additional physical strength recently when running over 2200m.With a familiar rider aboard, an economical run anticipated and the polish of trainer Tony Cruz applied, I'd expect a much better result.
#5 SMART FOLKS doesn't win out of turn but is nicely placed back in class 5 and could give this race a shake.The last time he got this low in the ratings he went to a 1200m race on dirt and got the money in easy fashion.He's placed over this distance and a strong barrier trial a few weeks ago highlighted a necessary fitness base.He'll probably be forced to go back early from the wide gate but that's no deterrent.
Selections : 3,6,10,11,5
R2 - 8,2,4,3,11
R3 - 3,2,8,1,11
R4 - 8,2,4,5,9
Race 5
"EWO CHALLENGE CUP"
( Class 2 - 1650m - Hcp)
#8 OUTGATE is starting to furnish into a smart individual and I expect him to run a big race despite the depth involved in this exciting and challenging contest.This former English galloper certainly arrived with a wrap and is currently glowing during his daily works.A small claim and a low draw create another fantastic opportunity to further enhance his record and it'll take an outstanding performance to deny him.
#3 MOMENTS IN TIME drops backin class from a solid performance in aG1 at Sha Tin, to a Happy Valley class 2, so you'd be right to think he must end up somewhere in the finish.The last time he was here racing under these conditions he got the better of OUTGATE over the final meters, but a swing in the weights tonight can certainly turn that result around.He's a quality animal with bigger fish to fry and therefore commands respect.
#7 CHILL CHIBI has been freshened up since running in the 4yo classic series and is the X -Factor component to this race.With an excellent record at Happy Valley and a strong finishing profile he fits in perfectly to the surrounds of this event.A 1600m trial leading in was satisfactory, and quiet, so I wouldn't advise taking him on or leaving him out.
#2 TELECOM FIGHTERS could buy you a big house with the prize money he's accumulated over this course and trip and it's likely he'll add to that tonight.With 7 career wins, all over the Happy Valley mile, it's fair to say he's a specialist in this field of work.He does things from the front and makes the opposition chase so with a 7lb claim being utilised he'll be hard to stop.
#5 MR ASCENDENCY won a race quite similar to this particular event in February when carrying a light weight.That form has since dried up but it had been primarily at Sha Tin, so it can be anticipated that he'll improve.The pace and tempo look strong which are reasons to suggest he'll perform because he thrives on a hard core test.
Selections : 8,3,7,2,5
R6 - 3,1,9,5,2
R7 - 1,6,9,5,11
R8 - 6,9,1,4,2
R9 - 3,11,4,1,12