3 minute read

Brett Davis provides exclusive preview of Happy Valley races.

R1 - 9,5,2,7,6

R2 - 6,2,5,9,8

R3 -6,5,4,2,12

Race 4

#3 V Chevaliers a 6yo by Ocean Park has been a frustrating galloper for connections and all concerned. Soundness issues have long plagued his training momentum and this time last year he was sidelined for 6months due to a severe right from leg injury, just prior to his first run. Eventually he recovered and found himself back at the races in February 2020, with encouraging efforts following. With a change of stable in the off season the horse finally seems refreshed, looking the happiest and soundest he's ever been. Mapping one out and two back throughout the run should allow him to appear ready to put them away down the stretch.
#4 Wonderful Tiger won three races last season and all were right here, 1650m at the valley. His career looked almost over when starting last season off a rating of 24points. Chris So however, somehow, worked the oracle eventually getting the horse right and the rest is history. He starts the current season off a rating of 37points and remains in the same class. Spending most of the off season at Conghua(China) has been a blessing and his trial in preparation was more than satisfactory. He looks primed and ready to go once again.
#12 Virtus Star finish second in his lead up trial behind Wonderful Tiger at the Conghua training complex in China. But when you read his rating and over all record its hard to feel confident he can feature, I totally understand! However, drawing gate1 does allow him every luxury from the outset and his presence in a tight finish wouldn't shock.
#2 Polymer Luck is an 8yo that's reliable and noted for being one of the on pace brigade. He interests me greatly tonight with the 10lbs claimer booked in Jerry Chau. He's particularly well in on his previous best efforts and with the claim also being utilised, he stands out. He's the type that could easily absorb the first half pressure and return to form at a price.
#1 Joy Master hasn't shown much of a liking for the city circuit with five unplaced runs here from as many starts. But its impossible to completely leave him out of the selections. He's already raced this season and won, Purton jumps on, whilst Moreira rides the likely favourite, and he's drawn gate five which see's him likely to obtain the run of the race.

Selections : 3,4,12,2,1

Race 5

#8 Smiling City like so many horses in Hong Kong is bred to be a star. He was previously trained by the Hayes/Dabernig combination in Australia where he won at Sandown and Canterbury. There were certainly acclimatisation hiccups throughout his first campaign with a number of runs on the all weather surface assisting him in building a solid fitness foundation, whilst still settling in to Hong Kong life. He'd always looks a horse that could progress and positive signs began arising in May/June last season. Returning to the turf for his final run last season was an extremely prudent decision. He sat back early over the 1650m at the valley and shortly after turning unleashed a massive run carrying top weight. He went on to win and win impressively That form was recently franked by winning a trial in strong fashion on the 1st September.
#6 Lightning Steed backs up from an honest fourth last week with race fitness on his side. With barrier one and a forward racing profile all looks perfect going in to the race. But I'm very interested and extremely cautious about what direction his form heads. He was super at the back end of last season winning two races in class4 and both in convincing fashion, but he now hovers around a career high rating. That does create queries an suggests he might be close to his mark.
#2 Jolly Honour according to the ratings should still be very competitive and look a solid winning chance in a race of this nature. He's won twice and both wins came from sitting back with cover before sprinting hard in the stretch. Purton knows exactly what his capabilities are and from the draw you'd fancy him to get the run he needs. His work and trials leading in suggest he'll be right there.
#4 Heavenly Thought started tiring at the end of last season and that was reflected in his closing two performances. His best overseas form rated him much higher than his current mark of 69. A good trial recently with Moreira aboard and a the potential of a soft time on speed, make him attractive now he's had a freshen up. I've only tipped him fourth but at the same time I'm weary he might get under my guard.
#10 London Luckystar is ultimately looking for the all weather track judge on his UK form, prior to his import. Having said that he was ok on turf and does possess a good turn of acceleration. A watch the market closely and runner of interest.

Selections : 8,6,2,4,10

R6 - 2,10,11,7,5

R7 -  3,7,9,5,1

R8 - 8,2,3,11,1