3 minute read
Brett Davis provides exclusive preview of Happy Valley races.
Rail - A Course
Race 1
#2 TATTENHAM has been working his way toward class 5 company all season but his honesty and overall consistency have kept him in the higher grade of class 4.However, the handicappers have now conceded that if he's going to win another race this season it'll take place in class 5.His efforts leading into today have been solid in defeat and he's rated highly to win, but the longer journey of 1650m is the task he must complete.
#4 THE KHAN is yet to finish any closer that fourth in his eight start career but that could certainly change tonight.Despite his entire race record reading poor the drop in class, combined with an inside barrier, creates a legitimate opportunity to improve.It's also worth noting, Casper Fownes has trained horses for this particular owner for 20 years and there hasn't been many that haven't won a race.
#7 DRAGON DELIGHT notched up his first Hong Kong win three starts back when enjoying the benefits of a 7lb claim.He doesn't have that luxury this evening from gate 10 but instead has the services of champion jockey Hugh Bowman.With Zac Purton out suspended Hugh Bowman puts on the kings crown.Therefore, it would be worth anticipating that he makes the most of every opportunity to fill his boots.
#1 LITTLE FAIRY has only been into the lowest grade of class 5 on one occasion and he quickly snatched the win and went back up into class 4.That success took place at Sha Tin over 1600m in February and it was courtesy of a ripping ride from James McDonald.No other rider, prior or since, has been good enough to get the job done, but with the perfect draw in gate 2 to leave from jockey Levi Ferraris should get his chance.
#6 DRAGON PRIDE has won twice over this course and distance and five of six in this grade, therefore he registers as a genuine chance of turning his most recent average form around.The key to his success is stepping cleanly when they brake and securing a position mid-field or better, with cover.That hasn't been achieved at his past four starts in the higher grade, but with a drop in class tonight it's likely.
Selections : 2,4,7,1,6
R2 - 6,5,3,2,1
R3 - 5,2,10,12,9
Race 4
#3 AURORA LADY has displayed an abundance of natural talent in his short career and appears, all being equal, to be better than this grade.He's had a few set back along the way including an epiglottic entrapment last start and now ventures to Happy Valley for his first assignment around the city track.The draw isn't ideal and he's never seen the course so he's no doubt somewhat risky, but if most things go to plan he'll still be good enough to secure the win.
#11 MY INTELLIGENT has the bottom weight and a good gate to work with and rates amongst the main chances.Previous efforts this season at Happy Valley against similar opponents have been strong on all fronts, so he's difficult to oppose or drop off.There's plenty of speed drawn across the gates so I expect he'll bide his time early before eventually finding cover.If that all works out, which it should, then he 's the runner to secure the box seat.
#4 GOLDEN RISE bumped into a more than handy galloper last start in FLYING WROTE and that form should stand up.The problem he has however, is a lack of size and strength through the core because he only weighs 1000lbs.
Trainer John Size is now transferring him back to Happy Valley in search of and easier assignment, and with a good draw to exit from and Hugh Bowman jumping aboard, he's worthy of another chance.
#8 CIRCUIT SEVEN has been honest all season and generally picked up a cheque for connections on a semi regular basis.It's also fair to say that he's more reliable over 1000m, compared to 1200m, but then that wasn't the case recently when he bucked that trend with a narrow defeat.Which ever way you assess him, he's drawn favourably and the booking of a familiar rider in Mathew Poon is a confidence building aspect.
#12 COLONEL returns to class 4 competition at Happy Valley following two excellent runs in defeat at Sha Tin.We know he's durable and as honest as they come but the question that needs answering is, how long can he dictate and lead this race?The law of averages says he'll be gradually overhauled through the final 100m, particular whilst in this grade, but there is the odd occasion when he wins.
Selections : 3,11,4,8,12
R5 - 4,2,11,8,9
R6 - 3,4,2,6,11
R7 - 1,5,311,6
R8 - 2,1,5,4,6
R9 - 3,4,10,7,8
