Brett Davis provides exclusive preview of Happy Valley races.
Rail - A Course
Race 1
#2 TACTICAL COMMAND was well punted to win three runs back when he dropped into class 5 and drew the inside gate.Conditions change tonight as he takes on the shorter distance of the 1000m for the first time in his career.His efforts across his past three starts have certainly been credible with wide barriers and awkward beginnings making it difficult for him to win.Alexis Badel knows him well and they should position handy from the nice draw, allowing him to challenge for the win.
#4 MODEST GENTLEMAN is going along just as good as TACTICAL COMMAND and pound for pound there's little in it.What probably separates them in the finish is the unpredictability of who begins best and gets the early upper hand.When you consider the fact that this guy has been slow to move at three of his past five, then he must rate in second best.However, it was Jerry Chau's first ride on him last start so it's probably on the cards that he steps away better.
#1 DIAMOND SOARS won two races earlier in the season but has continually regressed in the ratings since.Now he's arrived back in class 5 he certainly comes under notice particularly with Hugh Bowman booked to ride.He is a three time winner in this class and adores the Happy Valley 1000m but the wide draw is going to make things tough.
#3 KING INVICIBLE remains a Hong Kong maiden after 14 starts but at the same time displays consistency and heart.He's much better placed from the low draw here tonight therefore worthy of a pardon on his first attempt in the grade.With Derek Leung now taking back the ride from Zac Purton you'll be gifted a far more encouraging price.
#6 MULTIMORE has enjoyed a few months break after suffering an epiglottic entrapment in a race here at Happy Valley back in January.He underwent surgery a few weeks later to release the issue, which causes a breathing disfunction, and has been working well in the mornings since.However, two barrier trials have been marked below average in the lead up to his return but he'll just about win this if he's anywhere near right.
Selections : 2,4,1,3,6
R2 - 6,3,4,1,5
R3 - 5,11,2,1,6
R4 - 3,5,9,10,12
R5 - 3,10,4,2,9
R6 - 5,10,4,6,9
Race 7
#6 COPARTNER PRANCE has been impressive both visually and on the clock at his two previous wins which both occurred over this course and distance.He now steps up in grade to class 3, draws identical to what he drew last start and carries significantly less weight.All that combined, along with the opposition profiles he contests, suggests he has rating points in hand and should be justifiably winning again.
#11 KA YING CHEER has shown encouraging signs from his half dozen starts and is very much worthy of following going forward.He's a hefty chunk of an animal who possesses excellent gate speed and with more and more racing shall only become increasingly stronger in a finish.There's some quick opponents contesting this event but the speed map I'm looking at says he'll find the lead and go close.
#3 BEAUTY INFINITY has done very little wrong in his eight starts to date and from the inside gate must be entertained.He's only just reached class 3 and shall appreciate some relief at the weights after chasing a runaway leader last start.His closing sectionals however are highlighting the areas around wanting further ground, and with Zac Purton abandoning him for COPARTNER PRINCE, I'm tipping in that direction.
#5 NEVER TO SOON has confirmed himself to be a head scratching conveyance that often lets you down.He's a sharp and competent galloper when him gives you what he's got but often fails to deliver his best.The draw and rider booking create confidence tonight and the expected speed should suit, but where he ultimately finishes is entirely brewed up in his mind.But he's dangerous to overlook.
#2 ASTROLOGER is another crafty and talented individual who's becoming difficult to leave out.He's yet to strike a blow this season but rest assured he'll be getting involved in a blanket finish sooner rather than later.The pace here appears strong enough to supply him the race shape he needs, but the key is whether he's up and about during the first and crucial half.
Selections : 6,11,3,5,2
R8 - 4,1,7,6,3
R9 - 1,2,4,7,10
