3 minute read

Brett Davis provides exclusive Preview of Happy Valley races.

Rail - B Course

Race 1

#6 FURY AND GOLD has gradually been working his way up to the longer distances this campaign and finally reached his mark last start.The 2200m is certainly what he's been searching for and that was clearly evident by the way he powered home to just miss the win behind KINGLY DEMEANOUR.With similar opposition to race against and a slightly better draw to exit from in gate 6, he should position closer in the run.Which in an ideal world has him finishing a length closer and in the by process completing the desired win.

#2 PALACE PAL won his only race under almost identical circumstances in February and guess who was behind the wheel on that occasion, Zac Purton!With the stars again aligning for tonight's contest, following a super effort in defeat over the 2200m last start, he's a runner you'd be extremely brave to leave out.His effort was much better at his latest coming back on to the turf and if he backs that up he'll go extremely close.

#7 GOLDEN FAIRY was perfectly ridden by Vincent Ho last start in an attempt to jointly lead the field throughout over the gruelling challenge of 2200m.He'll be looking to repeat the dose from barrier 1 and with a familiar rider in Alexis Badel back aboard, there shouldn't be to many excuses in the run.He's always been a good looker with scope to win races like this and he's on the verge of peaking this campaign.

#4 SUPER HONG KONG had poor form last season from a total of nine starts with just the one third placing registered.His four runs back this season haven't been overly flattering but importantly he's now getting back up to the 2200m.He has won off a rating as high as 52 points in the past so he's quite capable of being somewhere thereabouts, and the addition of a tongue tie for the second time could see him sharply improve.

#5 NICE BIRDIE won two races last season in this grade and is a genuine contributor when up and about.With four fitness boasters now absorbed this campaign he should start to improve regarding finishing position.With a wide draw, small claim and previous winning rider aboard, I'd be keeping him safe, because he's likely to conserve energy early on.

Selections : 6,2,7,4,5

R2 - 8,1,12,10,4

R3 - 6,1,11,3,4

R4 - 8,3,1,10,9

R5 - 2,1,12,9,11

R6 - 10,8,6,2,1

R7 - 3,6,4,2,8

R8 - 3,1,2,12,5

Race 9

#7 I CAN has enjoyed a prosperous season so far with a win and multiple placings to his credit.With a lack or early tempo making the final race a tactical affair, its highly anticipated jockey Andrea Atzeni pushes forward in an attempt to find position outside the probable leader in SIMPLY MAVERICK.Thereafter, if any runner caught three wide in the shuffle for spots pushes up, then he more than likely ends up with the ideal run one off with cover.Which would ultimately ensure that he'd be difficult to beat.

#1 SIMPLY MAVERICK is as high as he's ever been in the handicap ratings but continues to give the impression there are still a few more wins to come.He's a big bulky unit with tactical versatility, so the top weight and low draw here match up quite well.Add to that, the re-booking of James McDonald and advantageous inside barrier draw and he's going to be a tough nut to crack.

#2 HAMERON hasn't placed once from his four starts this campaign but that's not a clear picture on where he's at.He's suffered congestion and tightening on every occasion so far this preparation and as a result has struggled to gather any finishing momentum.He's become well rated over the past few months and should receive an economical run from the draw.Therefore, if things fall his way and he finally gets a touch of luck he could potentially even get the job done.

#6 CHAIN OF GOLD has been ready to win for sometime this preparation but just keeps finding one or two better.The outside draw made it impossible to feature last start after he was snagged out to last once they jumped.He's again draw tricky in a race void of speed so it's difficult to assess where he ends up, but he's racing well and has Zac Purton behind the wheel so he's difficult to completely work around.

#9 SETANTA hasn't raced for two months but continues working well in the mornings and is therefore a chance.What he'll require, however, is for multiple runners to attack the lead and in the process generate a hot pace throughout.Although that appears unlikely it's knot completely out of play, and a trial leading in suggests he's ready to swoop and mop up any mess.

Selections : 7,1,2,6,9