3 minute read
Brett Davis provides exclusive preview of Happy Valley races.
It's meeting 76 of 88 and racing returns to the city circuit for a fascinating 9 race program. It's been two weeks since the last meeting at Happy Valley and the rail returns to the true position, better known as the A course.
In the last 30 days trainer Tony Cruz(52) has sent 73 horses to the races and returned home with and incredible 10wins. It's fair to say he's throwing everything at the Trainer's Championship title which is still held firmly to this point by Ricky Yui(57). John Moore(48) is also having a decent crack with an even better strike rate, 10wins from his last 68 runners, so a combative chase is well and truly on but Yui still hangs tough for the moment.
On the other hand Zac Purton took full advantage last Wednesday night riding three winners with Jo Moreira sidelined due to suspension. Neither rider flattered last weekend and Purton now steps into tonight's meeting with a four win lead and clearly the better book on paper. Over the last month Purton has cranked up the pressure and in the process built momentum with a staggering 21 wins from his last 78 rides. In that type of form there's every chance he can put it beyond doubt in the next few meetings, if not tonight.
R1 - 5,6,3,1,8
R2 - 9,7,10,8,6
R3 - 2,1,5,10,11
Race 4
#1 Sky Show is a 3yo who's hit the ground running literally with a polished win last start and a decent first up run where he did plenty wrong. He's been in work since August last year and continues building his strength and experience. He weighs in around 1200lbs and has a staying pedigree through the dam Mary Agnes, who was by Zabeel. He's far from the finished product but gives the impression he's the one to beat and follow going forward.
#5 Destine Jewellery is a nice horse with good ability but is his own worst enemy. He continues making crucial mistakes particularly at the start and if he doesn't rectify them quickly he'll hover around this rating for good. With a new rider aboard and a perfect draw in gate one he's a must include for calculations.
#3 Decisive Twelve is another lightly raced 3yo that looks to have a future. His pace profile is still hit miss but he's generally speedy and I'm expecting him to be there early tonight making the play. It's his first race at the valley circuit and he's receive a wide gate. Under those circumstances I'm generally not interested but I like this bloke and want him involved.
#2 Split Of A Second goes in third up after finding the line nicely last start. He'll need a strong tempo to run at but he's getting close to his peak and the A course suits his closing race pattern.
#4 Sprint Forward heads to the valley for his debut and drops back to 1200m with blinkers going back on. These are all positive moves but he lacks strength in a finish.
Selections : 1,5,3,2,4
R5 - 8,4,3,10,7
R6 - 12,2,3,6,1
R7 - 4,5,3,10,9
R8 - 5,9,1,3,10
Race 9
#7 Highland Fortune as mentioned in previous editions is a highly talented galloper that was originally purchased from Ireland as a two year old. His Hong Kong opener back in May 2019 was a cracker finishing second behind the now group galloper Big Party, with last weekends winner Mr Croissant behind him in third. An acute left fetlock joint issue retired him to the sidelines until February this year. He's since returned to racing gaining in confidence and fitness and recently put in a terrific run when wide no cover to finish third. He's now looking spot on and very much up to his eye balls in this tonight.
#5 Island Shine has already exposed himself with a classy win at the valley back in April. He's still a young lad in human terms with plenty of upside and he'll just keep improving. It's likely he'll get all the favours in running tonight.
#1 Fantasy has been racing for just over four months and already risen 28points. Last outing was his worst performance finishing fifth beaten one and a quarter lengths. The valley first time and the wide draw create concerns again but it's hard to be to critical of his efforts since his debut.
#10 Big Fortune lines up for start fourteen this season which is credit to his durability. He's a good horse for exotics as he gives you his all.
#6 Hardly Swears has been a favourite of mine since finding him first start this season. He's still got scope to rise higher in ratings because he's only lightly raced. He's been recently freshened up and trialled only fairly leading in but I'm weary of him nevertheless.
Selections : 7,5,1,10,6
