Brett Davis provides exclusive Preview of Happy Valley races.
Rail - C+3 Position
Race 1
#7 CAN'T GO WRONG can only boast the one victory during his twenty six start Hong Kong career but he's an honest campaigner who's likely to feature.The jockey booking, barrier draw and Happy Valley mile are all registered to his liking, plus, question marks hang over many of the opposition.He's yet to follow through on his solid Australian form from another life, where he was Gp2 placed, but if he does he'll be winning this race with ease.
#1 MIGHTY STEED is bred to get over ground which is precisely what we witnessed from him when winning his maiden in New Zealand over 1600m.With four Hong Kong runs now to his credit and a drop in class on the table he becomes a runner of great interest.He's only mediocre in size so the large weight may diminish his closing speed but with Zac Purton up, for the first time, he'll be right in the fight.
#11 DRAGON DELIGHT is a front runningspeed machine that is 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.He then produced something similar when transferring to this track and trip before fighting hard to secure the win.With a return to his preferred track and distance at Happy Valley again, plus a 7lbs relief at the weights, he must be included.However, the rise in class suggests it won't be easy for him to win.
#3 GRENWICH won a barrier trial on the all weather track in September under a solid hold with Andrea Atzeni aboard.Andrea Atzeni now rejoins him fourth up which coincides with the required drop back in grade, to class 4.He's an on pace conveyance that'll probably struggle to run out this trip but he should be able to cart across with DRAGON DELIGHT, which can help.That'll create the opportunity to race comfortably on speed whilst conserving energy for the home straight.
#10 FLYING SILVER is worthy of inclusion in to the wider exotics because he'll hold an early position along the rail.He's ultimately looking for a downgrade into class 5, which is where he'll more than likely next win, but the low draw and small claim aid his chance.With an immediate push and shove out the gates he'll be straight in to the prime position behind the speed, and from there entitled to his chance.
Selections : 7,1,11,3,10
Race 2
#1 KASA PAPA is a 7yo Hong Kong maiden from 26 starts but at the same time he's desperately close to a win.Hugh Bowman rode him perfectly behind DRAGON DELIGHT at his first up run this campaign and the pair went within a whisker of the desired result.Yes, its difficult to believe he was Gp3 placed on two occasions in Australia before arriving on a rating of 76, but it appears as though the time is now right and for that reason I reckon he wins.
#9 MEDIC ELITE has the advantage of race fitness over most competing here following four runs back this campaign.
He'll receive another great opportunity with a light weight and good draw and it won't be a surprise to see him find the line hard, and the frame.
There wasn't a great deal going his way in the run behind CHARMANDER, so with a change of rider I'm jumping back aboard.He's unreliable, but a return to Happy Valley implies he'll perform.
#2 SUPER WISE DRAGON found his way in to class 5 for the first time recently and in the process ran well in defeat.A stable change in the off season break has certainly enlightened his spirit and the cheek pieces worked proficiently when applied last start.A good draw with Purton up reads inviting when you peruse the overall race, but he has been declared a roarer, on three occasions since laser corrective surgery, which dampens our punting space.
#3 CHARMANDER has returned to racing in better form than he had last season but a return to Happy Valley is the challenge he faces tonight.
With a strong win first up, he then ran well in defeat over the Sha Tin mile before securing another tradesman like victory over 1400m last start.Zac Purton decides to take up another option and considering his record at the city circuit, the decision is justified.Nevertheless, he's fit and winning which counts for plenty in this grade.
#11 YEABOI is a previous winner in class 4 but he was a moderate contributor throughout last season.On the flip side, his two runs back so far this preparation have displayed grit and enthusiasm, so he's worthy of inclusion if you're going wide.Where he ends up in the run is difficult to ascertain when dealing with this particular stable, but he's a dangerous runner to completely leave out.
Selections : 1,9,2,3,11
R3 - 5,8,1,10,6
R4 - 3,10,2,4,8
R5 - 1,11,8,5,2
R6 - 6,5,4,3,2
R7 - 11,6,1,9,5
R8 - 9,4,3,2,7
