3 minute read

Brett Davis provides exclusive preview of Happy Valley races.

Race 1

#5 Sell My Sole is a talented newbie and expected to benefit greatly from his debut at Shatin when well supported. Moreira again holds the ride and the two subsequent barrier trials suggest he's further improved. With ear plugs applied a favourable barrier and a more relaxed temperament pre race, its likely he'll gain the prime position in running. With that in mind he receives the opportunity to break through in a very winnable race to start the programme.
#1 Harrier Jet comes into this assignment with a long overdue win under his belt. The handicappers lifted his rating seven points keeping him in the grade or conversely, providing connections the option to again step him in to class 3. At the top of class 4 Zac Purton can retain the ride and give him every opportunity to win again. Given the ordinary barrier and and the extra 6lb he'll need things to fall in to place, but he can definitely capitalise again.
#9 Travel Datuk has always had ability however he still holds his maiden banner aloft after 41 starts in Hong Kong. This damming statistic does dampen the enthusiasm on a win line but the geldings recent efforts have been competitive. If the early leaders sit down the last furlong he might finally take advantage and break through before the season ends.
#2 Kings Race is a son of Foxwedge that's been freshened since his debut run at the valley back in mid April. He showed plenty of promise last campaign and although the 1200m may be a tad short, he can offset that by racing handy from the good draw. Given his recent and more than satisfactory barrier trial I'm expecting him to play a big hand in the finish.
#8 Regency Poet comes into this race following a forgivable effort where he was set an impossible task through the first half. From the wide barrier again I'd be very surprised if Karis Teetan doesn't take a slightly more conservative approach when contesting the lead. He is capable and could easily atone given a better chance.

Selections : 5,1,9,2,8

R2 - 12,10,4,9,1

R3 -  4,3,8,6,9

R4 - 1,3,2,9,12

R5 - 1,8,2,9,4

R6 - 9,10,3,6,12

R7 - 8,12,1,7,5

Race 8

#3 Alpha Hedge has impressed this time in being super consistent with his efforts despite just the one win. He finished less than a length behind Green Luck this trip last run with a poor barrier committing him to work early. A favourable draw tonight though has him conserving energy early, thereafter providing a golden opportunity to power down the stretch.
#9 Rich and Lucky a gelding by Kingman has blistering early burn and I'm expecting him to lead for fun. First up this track and distance he was particularly sharp and far to slick for his opponents with an impressive all the way victory, before failing in class 3 next time around. A sound recent barrier trial points to a ready to reefier conveyance and he'll take some running down.
#6 Best Alliance hasn't run a bad race for most of the season and in review should have almost certainly won last start. The outside draw on this occasion means he'll need a strong tempo to run at or a huge piece of luck. If he can slot in somewhere shortly after the jump then his odds shorten dramatically.
#7 Shamport is a durable galloper that's been on the way up this season pleasing his patient connections. Racing well in tougher company his last three starts and finding the line well behind California Rad suggest the extra trip is once again worth tackling. He's still a progressive type off 65 rating points and is likely to sit just off the pace in running.
#12 Methane wasn't suited over the 2200m last outing when he finished midfield. I'm happy however to forgive that effort and look forward to him returning back to the mile. He again gets in on the light weight at class 3 level and with the additional fitness derived from that last run, I won't be at all surprised to watch him flying home strong at the end.

Selections : 3,9,6,7,12

R9 - 2,6,10,9,3