3 minute read
Brett Davis provides exclusive Preview of Happy Valley races.
Rail - A Course
Race 1
#1 CERVIN has recorded career best performances his past two starts so from barrier one he'll be gifted the run of the race and prove hard to beat. The 135lbs he'll be asked to shoulder could certainly test his depth when considering his body size but he remains in the easiest grade. His effort in defeat from the outside barrier at Sha Tin last start was a true indication of his well being, therefore he remains difficult to oppose.
#9 SO AWESOME hasn't raced to often in the grade of class 5 because he's generally been a reliable contributor. He's an 8yo now that's starting to slow down but four solid runs this campaign have displayed him moving well. He maps to settle handy in the run one off the fence with cover and the majority of his closing sectionals are strong. A wide draw and awkward beginning cost him the win three back, so perhaps a change of venue brings about the win.
#8 INVINCIBLE MISSILE has been on the verge of retirement for a while but has suddenly found competitive form. With two runner-up finishes at Happy Valley recently recorded another crack at the mile takes place. He hasn't won a race for many seasons, and that could remain the case until he retires, but he's been a solid contributor for most of his career and there were excuse at Sha Tin last start.
#5 GALLANT CROWN enters the realms of class 5 today for just the third time. He's an ageing galloper with his best racing behind him but he'll most likely end up with all favours in the run. With a clear lack of leadership speed it's envisaged he'll cross the field early from barrier 4 and take up the lead before pushing home down the stretch. With sectionals in his favour out front and a 7lbs claim kicking in at the end he should take running down.
#4 CASA LEGEND is worthy of serious consideration despite disappointing runs at his two previous starts. The tempo of this race tonight appears fair but conversely they can often run along when it comes to class 5. He was going good earlier this campaign, so a return to form, at a price, wouldn't be a complete surprise.
Selections : 1,9,8,5,4
R2 - 4,2,3,11,12
R3 - 4,9,6,2,5
R4 - 7,1,5,4,2
R5 - 9,8,5,2,4
R6 - 1,3,10,7,5
Race 7
"THE JANUARY CUP"
(Gp3 - 1800m - Hcp)
#4 ENCOUNTERED struggled with the depth of opposition for most of last season but ran a cracking race second up for the new stable of David Hall. The former Manfred Man trained runner certainly knows how to win, with eight career victories to his name, of which four have been recorded here at Happy Valley. With a huge drop in class from International Gp1 company back to domestic Gp3 company at Happy Valley I'm expecting he'll run a solid race. It'll take a perfect steer to get the job done but he can win at a price.
#6 MOMENTS IN TIME has endured an up and down season so far with just the one minor placings to his credit. Nevertheless, he put the writing on the wall recently with a hard closing second over this course and trip and that effort shouldn't be underestimated. With an economical run anticipated from the better barrier draw he's going to be granted his chance, particularly with Hugh Bowman again behind the wheel.
#1 HAPPY TOGETHER won this prestigious Gp3 contest of a rating of 91 points last year and has since elevated himself to a career high handicap of 110. His lead up 5th placing behind VOYAGE BUBBLE in the Gp1 Hong Kong Mile in December was as good a performance as you could expect. Alexis Badel, as we know, has a formidable association with him over a long period of time, but they'll need a touch of good fortune from the tricky gate to win.
#10 FLAMING TRILLION has been in super form without winning this campaign and the light weight here makes him attractive. He'll require something special if he's to trouble the established opposition but he's in the right kind of contest to try. He'll attempt to lead from the low draw, and hopefully uncontested throughout, but there's one or two drawn wider out that'll be looking to cross.
#2 FIVE G PATCH is a dangerous conveyance to overlook in a contest of this calibre especially when you remember he's Internationally G1 placed. He hasn't had a great deal of experience at the city circuit because he's to highly rated to regularly compete. The low draw concerns me, regarding traffic congestion, particularly when he's looking to work into the race, but if it doesn't end up an issue then be prepared for him to barge through at the end.
Selections : 4,6,1,10,2
R8 - 1,8,3,4,2
R9 - 6,1,10,9,12
