3 minute read
Brett Davis provides exclusive preview of Happy Valley races.
Rail - A Course
Race 1
#1 GO GO GO found himself in class 5 towards the end of last term after failing to win a race last season.Zac Purton went desperately close to winning on numerous occasions during that period before eventually getting the money first up at Sha Tin.He looked sharp when winning that day before a courageous 2nd place on the all weather followed behind the unstoppable RELIABLE PROFIT.Now he turns his attention to Happy Valley where his record is sound and is expected to be the measuring stick again.
#5 DRAGON DELIGHT is a front running type that should be capable of crossing over from gate 7 to lead.His first up run at Sha Tin was honest in defeat after doing his fair share of the heavy lifting through the first half.With a return to his preferred track and distance at Happy Valley and claiming rider Ellis Wong once again on board, the chances of him proving difficult to run down are marginally increased.
#8 YEABOI wouldn't be the first lowest rated galloper in the event to win and following an encouraging first up run must be included amongst the hopes.Mathew Poon knows him well and could have ridden TATTENHAM again, I would've thought, which is potentially a tip in itself.He's completely unreliable, which is why he's rated where he is, but with the blinkers recently going on he's racing with some of his old spark.
#2 KASA PAPA remains a maiden following his 25 Hong Kong start career so it's difficult to recommend him to win.However, if you're looking at the positives surrounding tonight's case then the rider booking and barrier draw are the first sectors to note.Add to that, it's his first attempt in class 5 following two solid runs this campaign in class 4, then perhaps he can be considered a genuine chance.
#7 RIGHT HONOURABLE is in his final season of racing as a 10yo and continues to race with great commitment and heart.With 6 of his 7 career wins over this course and distance, plus two excellent runs so far this campaign, he's a runner that must can entertained.The small field entitles him to be in proximity of the lead and the man behind the wheel knows how to get it done.
Selections : 1,5,8,2,7
R2 - 1,3,2,7,8
R3 - 7,2,8,1,6
R4 - 2,3,11,4,1
R5 - 5,12,1,3,9
R6 - 7,9,1,8,3
Race 7
#12 I CAN is the horse to beat following two excellent performances this campaign with the low draw and light weight only complimenting his chance.Drawing wide barriers has cost him dearly at his four previous starts but that won't be an issue tonight.The slight concern is he's yet to win a race in this grade but the jockey booked to ride knows him well.With all favours in the run expected from the outset he's going to be hard to beat.
#6 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 acclimatising to Hong Kong's frantic lifestyle really took a toll.He arrived on a rating of 82 points and is now rated 66 after finally winning a race last start in class 4, so he's worth following now he's absorbed some confidence and is therefore in the hunt.
#8 SETANTA has been extremely competitive at his two runs back and must be included as a strong chance.His overall record in class 3 suggests that he'll find it hard to win but he's definitely feeling well within himself.The barrier draw, weight and rider are all ticks alongside his name and the stable has had a brilliant start to the season.
#5 JOLLY RULER has the cheek pieces removed following his first up run and shouldn't be underestimated in a race of this class and depth.He did a stack of work on speed at Sha Tin recently before fighting on gamely in the charge to the line.Running out a strong mile is the obvious concern when analysing the stats but I'm prepared to give him a chance after what he produced last start.
#7 FIGHTING MACHINE is starting to build a handy record and the blinkers going on last start did the trick.It's a different set of circumstances here at Happy Valley and the wide draw plus increase in trip won't help.The rise in grade is another hurdle that he'll need to jump although he does appear to be quite capable on the clock.
Selections : 12,6,8,5,7
R8 - 11,5,1,10,2
