Brett Davis provides exclusive Preview of Happy Valley races.
Rail - A Course
Race 1
#1 FAIRY HORSE has blinkers applied for the first time following an average effort last start which should make a big difference to his overall finishing position.His effort first up in September was a gallant second in a much tougher race which should give you confidence regarding this event today.He's tactically versatile, with Hugh Bowman taking the ride, so expect him to make a real feast of his first attempt in class 5.
#3 COUNTRY DANCER has endured numerous set backs along the way including a bone chip removal mid-year from the right knee.That all appears behind him now following two strong trials at Conghua and an extremely luckless run first up.The leading jockey again takes the opportunity to jump aboard and if his 4th place in February over this exact course and trip is anything to go by he'll be winning this race.
#10 RATTAN WORLD is good enough to feature in the finish from the inside draw and potentially may even win.However, you've got to catch him on the right day and in the right mood which makes him a risky conveyance.He raced home hard recently on the all weather track after settling a long way back and a repeat performance would have him right in the mix.
#6 HERO STAR has five career wins to his name and they've all been accumulated over this exact course and trip.With four of those five wins coming in the higher grade of class 4 he's well placed back in the easiest grade.As a 9yo, he's certainly in the twilight of his career but with three runs this preparation up his sleeve he should be accountable, despite the outside draw.
#8 FALCON COURT ran two credible races here at Happy Valley over 1200m late last season and they were both in the higher grade of class 4.With the horror draw of gate 12 to deal with first up, and a bad check shortly after the jump second up, he was never in the hunt at either outing.With blinkers now applied, I'd expect a far more aggressive ride via jockey Andre Atzeni from the wide gate.
Selections : 1,3,10,6,8
R2 - 1,10,9,8,4
R3 - 5,1,12,4,6
R4 - 7,3,2,10,1
R5 - 4,1,10,3,11
R6 - 8,11,2,1,5
Race 7
#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 took a toll.He arrived on a rating of 82 points and is now rated 66 after finally winning a race two start back in class 4.He's worth following now he's displaying signs of confidence and interest with the step up to 1800m appearing ideal.
#5 CHAIN OF GOLD won a race comfortably at the end of last season and has followed that up this preparation with two encouraging minor placings.The inside draw shall enable him to track the lead early and most likely have him positioned closer in the run.He's only lightly raced and possesses a good turn of foot so I anticipate he can go a little higher in the ratings.Zac Purton jumping aboard is the another reason he's expected to be in the frame.
#4 ILLUMINOUS ventures to Happy Valley for his debut under lights and is the most intriguing runner in the race.The former Australian galloper has a habit of giving away a start but is arguably the best finisher in this race.Hugh Bowman has been working with him throughout this campaign and they are seemingly close to a win.The low draw, minimal pace and nil experience around Happy Valley are a little off putting aspects but if it works out his way he can crunch them late to win.
#1 NOBLE PURSUITS has continued to physically strengthen over the past 6 months and that's been evident by his early season results.There were a couple of excuses last start when finishing down the track but prior he was excellent winning first up.The 7lb claiming apprentice being booked is a sign that trainer Casper Fownes is looking for help, and it'll give him every chance to be in the mix again.
#10 RED MAJESTY is an ageing galloper that doesn't win out of turn but he's a dangerous runner of a light weight.He's almost certain to lead, with no opposing speed, and if uncontested in front for too long can dictate the terms throughout.Keith Yeung also knows exactly how to carry out the job but rival jockey's also no how he works.
Selections : 6,5,4,1,10
R8 - 2,10,1,4,11
R9 - 7,4,10,6,12
