3 minute read
Brett Davis provides exclusive Preview of Happy Valley races.
Rail - C+3 Position
Race 1
#1 SPEEDY SMART gets the drop in grade he's been after and it'll complement the ideal barrier draw in gate 1.The Japanese bred 5yo did all his racing last season in the midst of class 4, so taking on the easier opposition for the first time should greatly assist.His natural and generally reliable gate speed shall enable him to position up leaders back without burning fuel, and thereafter he can pounce on the leaders once they turn in to the home straight.
#5 SUPER CHARIZZARD won well after receiving a cushy run on speed at Happy Valley two runs back but the landscape was overwhelmingly different for him recently at Sha Tin.With a change of venue back to Happy Valley, and an ideal draw in gate 5, he must again be seriously considered.He'll push forward from the good gate in an attempt to settle on speed and with Zac Purton behind the wheel he's going to take plenty of beating.
#7 FAIRY HORSE doesn't have much to boast about when it comes to solid form but he has been in the betting at his last three starts.That's because he's now entrenched in class 5 following a couple of reasonable efforts in class 4 and I'd be tipping he'll be specked again tonight.Drawn low with a 7lb claimer to ride for the first time in Ellis Wong does catch the eye, so I'd be including him in all exotics.
#9 CIRCUIT TEN has only been in class 5 for the two starts and both were encouraging runs.He gives away a start regularly but normally finds the line with purpose which seems to be his style at this point in time.An expected strong tempo to run at, and the addition of extra ground to 1200m, are both specific's of a contest he requires to potentially win.Throw in new rider Brenton Avdulla to the mix and I'm prepared to include him in.
#11 SPEEDY CHARIOT could win this event if he put it all together but as his rating implies he's difficult to trust.He was the beaten favourite two runs back for Zac Purton and ran a solid race, particularly when you consider he was galloped on during the run.He'll appreciate the speed on, and ran well last start after covering additional ground, so be weary of leaving him out.
Selections : 1,5,7,9,11
R2 - 1,9,5,7,8
R3 - 3,1,2,8,10
R4 - 5,2,9,7,8
R5 - 2,6,4,1,3
Race 6
#3 VIEW OF THE WORLD makes his Happy Valley debut following 4 good runs from his tally of 5 starts, and in the process won a barrier trial here impressively on the 20th of September.Zac Purton reacquaints himself after their success in October and they've drawn the gate you want when you're kicking off at the city circuit.The drop back in trip from 1400m to 1200m is seen as positive and a recent trial victory over 1000m at Conghua was an outstanding piece of work.
#7 ZETA FORCE was sent around at a big price on debut here and made plenty of mistakes during the run.However, he still managed to finish 5th in what can only be described as a total learning experience so expect him to dramatically improve.It's worth acknowledging he was also seen closing with force in a recent trial at Conghua which was ultimately won by VIEW OF THE WORLD.
#10 GIMME FIVE has responded nicely to the application of blinkers his past three starts and the low draw should give him every possible chance.He looked ready to win two runs back before a hefty bump approaching the home bend put him out of contention.Interestingly, the handicappers have only adjusted his rating by one point either way over the past 6 months, which tells you they feel he's on a potential winning mark.
#9 SWEET DIAMOND hasn't properly fired so far this campaign but he'll be a runner of some value to possibly include.His form at then end of last season was solid after winning two races over this course and trip, and tonight he maps to receive everything he wants in the run.A dirt trial saw him stride to the line under a strong hold not long ago so be weary of leaving him out.
#4 TOP TIME has powered home from the back with exciting sectional splits at both starts to date and is a must include.I'm not sure how to place him here because the race lacks tempo, which could see him forced to do to much.Conversely, he might just be a seriously talented thoroughbred on the up, and potentially even blow them all away.
Selections : 3,7,10,9,4
R7 - 10,3,6,5,1
R8 - 5,8,6,7,1
R9 - 2,4,7,1,5
R10 - 5,1,9,4,7
