Brett Davis provides exclusive Preview of Happy Valley races.
Rail - B Course
Race 1
#3 CHATEAU LE PECHE has showed noticeable improvement at his past two starts by finding the line nicely behind JOYFUL PROSPERITY and KINGLY DEMEANOUR respectively.Jerry Chau had been working with him for quite sometime and the pair had been edging closer to a win, but it now appears as though the inform Mathew Poon has bumped he's fellow rider for the mount.The wide draw shall again force him to settle back, but he's bound to finding the line hard with the pressure now on Mr Poon to produce the win.
#4 KINGLY DEMEANOR was perfectly ridden by Keith Yeung at Sha Tin recently and got the money when leading all the way.He'll have to transfer that form to the tighter turning track of Happy Valley if he's to repeat the dose, but he's had race experience at the city track before.He's always been a good looker with scope to win races and it appears as though Tony Cruz has worked him out.Expect him to lead from the low draw and take running down, despite the weight.
#1 PALACE PAL won his only race under almost identical circumstances in February and guess who was behind the wheel, Zac Purton!With the stars again aligning for tonight's contest he's a runner you'd be extremely brave to leave out of all calculations.However, his form was much stronger prior to when he won last season so I fancy he might struggle to defeat the top two selections, particularly if they receive their desired runs in transit.
#2 SUPER HONG KONG had a poor previous season from a total of nine starts with just one third placing registered.His two runs back this season haven't been overly flattering but importantly he's now been relegated to class 5.He has won off a rating as high as 52 points in the past so he's quite capable of being somewhere thereabouts.
#5 NICE BIRDIE won two races last season in this grade and is a genuine contributor when he's up and about.With three fitness boasters now absorbed this current campaign he should start improving on his finishing positions.With a good draw, small claim and previous winning rider aboard I'd be keeping him in calculations.
Selections : 3,4,1,2,5
R2 - 1,3,4,2,12
R3 - 6,7,12,4,8
R4 - 9,1,2,4,6
R5 - 2,1,7,11,5
Race 6
#9 LAKESHORE HERO was on debut last start and the interesting runner in the event with blinkers going on.Trainer David Hall had tightened the screws in preparation with 6 barrier trials completed, two of which he won, and they date back to early April.Unfortunately, he was unable to utilise his natural gate speed and ended up settling way back, before making up a stack of ground in the home stretch.He's gifted with plenty of ability and there is no doubt he'll be winning races.
#4 THE PERFECT MATCH won a race similar to this at the back end of last season and has plenty of scope and upside going forward.A lot didn't go his way first up in the race won by SMART FIGHTER but his closing 600m spilt was superb.With that effort now absorbed, a good draw in gate 5 and the experience of Hugh Bowman behind the wheel, he only needs to position well from the jump to be the runner they all must fend off.
#7 CIRCUIT DUFFY jumped favourite on debut following a solid and encouraging preparation where he'd easily won a trial at Happy Valley under Zac Purton.After settling back, he raced greenly through the first half before finding bother when making his final dash down the shortish home stretch.With the rail to guide him this time around, and the experience of race pressure under the belt, he can't be overlooked as a genuine winning option.
#11 YOUNG HORIZON is well exposed after 34 career starts but his current output is as strong as it's ever been.With no wins from 24 starts in this class, and zero wins at Happy Valley, tipping him to get the money is a risky declaration.The wide draw also means it's highly likely he'll end up deep but he can't be left out on his recent excellent form.
#3 CALIFORNIA DEEPLY is tricky runner to assess because he has the potential to jump and run from the wide gate.However, with numerous options for speed present, it would seem unwise to change his run on style after his terrific run home from down back last start.There are 6 to 8 runners in this contest that have a strong chance of hitting the frame, dependent on pace, and he is one that's difficult to leave out.
Selections : 9,4,7,11,3
R7 - 10,1,3,11,6
R8 - 10,7,8,11,5
R9 - 8,5,4,2,3
