3 minute read
Brett Davis provides exclusive preview of Happy Valley races.
Rail - C Course
Race 1
#1 JOYFUL PROSPERITY went through last season without a win and was subsequently handed a 4 pound relief during the off season break.
Now rated 40 handicap points, he finds himself in the lowest grade for just the second time in his career.
He was excellent first up at Sha Tin from a wide draw and despite being unable to win lost nothing in defeat.
There's a strong enough tempo anticipated in the opening race of the night and Hugh Bowman should have him overpowering opponents at the end.
#7 SUNNY BABY was sent out at a big price first up and only found one better on the opening day of racing at Sha Tin.
He got all the favours that afternoon and he'll almost certainly gets them again with Purton jumping aboard from the ideal draw in barrier two.
His overall statistics also unveil Happy Valley as his preferred surface so a return to the city track is seen as ideal.
#4 FRUITY WARRIOR is the runner that either settles leaders back or potential challenges for the lead.
He hasn't won a race yet but was competitive at the bottom of class 4 last season before dropping in to class 5.
In a recent trial over 1600m at Sha Tin, he lead the field until the final 200m before switching off through the line.
It was an encouraging piece of work and labels him the rapid improver.
#3 ARTHUR'S KINGDOM is only small in stature so an increase at the weights could realistically anchor him down.
However, he recorded a career best rating at the end of last season by winning two of his final three starts.
The speed map has him crossing the field and finding the lead as they settle into formation, but the advantage of a race start this season probably favours
others when the pressure goes on.
#2 KYRUS UNICORN is in the later stages of his career and did enough first up over the shorter trip of a mile.
This is his grade nowadays and the rise to 1800m is a plus so he must be included.
I would have been more confident if this event was 2200m but with clear running when they dash he won't be faraway.
Selections : 1,7,4,3,2
R2 - 8,1,2,6,11
R3 - 2,1,10,6,5
R4 - 6,8,9,2,1
R5 - 4,6,11,3,7
Race 6
#4 MATSU VICTOR did things the hard way first up over this course and distance but was still courageous enough to win.
He's far from the finish product and is sure to make more errors but a stack of improvement is come.
He'll eventually end up racing over 2000m and beyond but it's slow steps at this point of his career.
The inside draw gives rider Vincent Ho an economical run and provide he doesn't resent a lack of space early doors he should be winning.
#8 SUPER UNICORN is a similar type, a progressive youngster with rating points in hand and poses as the main danger.
A recent trial on the all weather over 1200m portrayed him in a good space and his two gallops since have been delightful.
It's his first trip to Happy Valley on race night, which is always some concern, but he did trial well here back in March on a Saturday morning.
If the money flows strongly towards him in betting I'd be following it in.
#10 GALLANT CROWN is at the other end of the spectrum with his talent well and truly exposed and he's currently quite well rated on his best.
He's a four time winner in the grade, a five time winner course and trip, drawn well and in receipt of a 7lb claim, which all adds up to a potential win.
His first up run when finishing 4th was also a solid piece of work after working hard throughout from the wide draw.
If things go his way, he's capable of mopping up any mess left behind by the more favoured youngsters.
#11 NINJA DERBY has found his mojo recently and arrives back into class 4 with a solid line of form.
He's drawn nicely and should enjoy the perfect run without anything else to do.
It's hard to be confident that he's improved enough in recent times to win
back up in grade, but he should be included in the wider exotics.
#1 ROCKET SPADE has been a costly conveyance since his arrival from New Zealand where he won the Derby in 2021.
As a juvenile he pretty much had the world at his feet after a fantastic 3yo campaign but it seems obvious now that he just doesn't coped with travel.
He arrived on a rating of 82 points and is now rated 60 points, so if he turns things around promptly in this grade you'd be wanting him in the tips.
Selections : 4,8,10,11,1
R7 - 6,1,2,7,5
R8 - 1,2,5,12,8
