3 minute read

Brett Davis provides exclusive preview of Happy Valley races.

Rail - B Course

Race 1

#2 CHATEAUNEUF won his first start at Sha Tin in good fashion before mucus and and a lameness issue set him back.Since then, he's struggled getting back into the desired groove but the off season break has assisted his progress.Zac Purton hasn't let too many opposing jockeys attempt to take the ride away despite the fact Keith Yeung rode him in his two quality lead up trials.With blinkers being applied and barrier one to exit from he's going to be extremely hard to beat.

#3 GIANT LEAP put away a handy class 4 galloper in PRIME MORTAR his last start and in the process burnt the candle at both ends.It's always an encouraging sign when a young horse can power up early, before then finding again in the stretch when placed under severe pressure. The two trials undertaken in preparation for his seasonal return have been conducted in typical Ricki Yui style, which is to build up slowly and whilst controlling in a sustainable manner.

#5 PERFECT GENERAL began slowly and made plenty of errors on debut but he also found the line like a good type.Now he ventures to Happy Valley for a run around the tight testing city circuit which is a concerning and challenge prospect for any inexperienced individual. A potential run of the race position is available, if he jumps well and stays controlled, but the chances of losing lengths due to immaturity are high.

#7 GIMME FIVE was ready to win at the end of his last campaign before drawing a wide gate, and interference, completely ruined his chances.Jockey Karis Teetan maintains his strong association and tactical speed is available to position handy from the draw. It's questionable whether he can match the top two selected runners for a turn of foot but he'll be in the right position.

#1 HAPPY DAY won a class 4 over this course and distance before a bad bled put him on the sidelines. With three trials now successfully contested all appears safe and well but soundness and race fitness are concerns. He'll settle towards the back plus have all the weight to carry however class of opposition shouldn't be a factor.

Selections : 2,3,5,7,1

R2 - 3,5,7,1,8

R3 - 6,3,1,9,2

R4 - 3,9,4,1,10

R5 - 9,5,4,2,1

R6 - 3,10,1,2,5

Race 7

#6 BRAVE STAR was unable to win a race last season but did go close a few times. He's a runner advantage by a lowered handicap rating especially when you consider his first up run in 2023. He can often give away a start, which generally brings him undone, or alternatively he can over race which ends up in the same result. However, his trial victory leading in was one of the better gallops I've recently seen, so if he does most things right he'll probably win.

#1 KAHOLO ANGEL has an excellent overall record and rarely runs a bad race. He's built up a formidable association with jockey Hugh Bowman and they've draw ideally in gate 4. There were clear excuses first up at Sha Tin when he half blew the start before finding traffic issues in the stretch. He again maps to receive the run of the race just behind the speed, which shall create the perfect opportunity for him to join in when it counts.

#8 HEALTHY HEALTHY was sent out the 2.7 favourite first up after trialling nicely on a number of occasions. Unfortunately, he coughed during the race and was then scoped after the event where blood in the trachea was found. He's since been forced by the stewards to trial again and did so by leading throughout with Zac Purton aboard. It's expected he'll cross and take up the lead from the wide alley which shall ultimately give him a strong chance.

#7 YOUNG ARROW is a former Singapore galloper that is now being raced in Hong Kong, by the Hong Kong Racing Club. Trained by Douglas Whyte, he's an improving 4yo that should pay his way and provide the owners with some good times. He trialled up nicely for Karis Teetan at Conghua on turf recently and he now takes the race night ride. That particular batch was won by BRAVE STAR, so hopefully it's turns out to be the right form referral.

#9 MOHAVE DESERT is still finding his feet and acclimatising to the rigours of Hong Kong training but he'll be winning races at some stage soon. The former Chris Waller trained runner was a solid contributor at a high level in Australia and with blinkers on I'd be weary. If your giving HEALTHY HEALTHY a chance then you need to consider this guy as well, especially after watching his trial.

Selections : 6,1,8,7,9

R8 - 8,7,11,2,6