3 minute read

Brett Davis provides exclusive Preview of Happy Valley races.

Race 1

#5 Brilliant Fortune remains a Hong Kong maiden but gains another opportunity to shed that title over the minimum trip. It's an open contest and a length could potentially separate the first 5 across the line. With barrier 2 to jump from his natural early speed allows him to cross the opponent in gate 1 and thereafter lead the field.
The rail in its widest position is an advantage but they key to a potential victory is the additional strength gained by the run over 1200m last start.
#3 Stolz must carry an extra 7lbs but looks likely to secure the box seat position and run of the race. The former Australian trained by Annabel Neasham was quite well exposed before his import to Hong Kong but has certainly picked up where he left off. The cheek pieces have been added tonight to ensure he remains focused the entire race as he's been narrowly beaten on both occasions at the line.
#2 Special M is undefeated from 2 starts over the Happy Valley 1000m and shall be finding the line harder than anything else. He's the runner in this event with the most up-side but shall be giving away a few lengths when they turn for home. With traffic to contend with and a weaving ride probable he could easily run out of ground behind those that set up a break.
#6 Heart Conquered is a Hong Kong maiden from 20 starts and subsequently having head geared applied. At the beginning of this season he recorded an extremely fast time in defeat over this course and distance. His form since has been scratchy and below average but he does possess the ability to win a race of this level.
#7 Like That hasn't won in this class as of yet and looks destined for the drop in grade. His only run over the 1000m at Happy Valley was competitive when finishing third and he could definitely add some value to the wider exotics. Derek Leung knows him better than any other jockey and a bold display wouldn't be a surprise.

Selections : 5,3,2,6,7

R2 - 6,9,4,8,1

R3 - 5,3,8,6,9

R4 - 9,5,1,4,8

R5 - 9,7,2,1,6

Race 6

#3 Wind Speeder has been on the radar the last few months and is seemingly closing in on better results. As a smart young horse in Australia he was branded an
80 rating handicap upon arrival but struggled finding his feet. A couple of trips to the Conghua training complex in China have assisted with his acclimatisation and he's now a happier horse. With the perfect draw to trail the speed, plus the drop in class, I'm expecting a good performance.
#10 Circuit Booming has been in the market on both occasions and raced competitively without being able to win. He's a natural speed horse who jumps and runs and shall be fitter for the two outings. With Zac Purton calling up for the ride he'll again be shortish in the market but no doubt make his presence felt.
#8 Regency Star is also a speedy type and likely to hold the lead and rail. If there are no attackers from deeper barriers he'll slow the tempo mid-race and ensure cheap sectionals down the back. With that being the case he and "Circuit Booming" who probably settles outside him in the run can kick hard to the line.
With a potential 1-2 finish if nothing closes well enough from the back.
#4 Jazz Stead is becoming well rated after winning first up over the 1000m. On that occasion he was rated the same as tonight and Moriera was also in the saddle.
However, over the 1200m he needs a strong pace throughout to close over the top and I'm not sure if tonight it'll be sufficient.
#1 Spontaneous was impressive last season winning three of five starts over the Valley 1200m. The depths of class 3 eventually got the better of him and his form turned ordinary.
Now down in grade and with fitness on his side he could well find the frame and is worthy of inclusion.

Selections : 3,10,8,4,1

R7 - 10,3,1,2,4

R8 - 1,10,11,4,3

R9 - 1,7,6,9,5