3 minute read
Brett Davis provides exclusive preview of Happy Valley races.
R1 - 6,1,11,3,4
R2 - 4,5,3,12,7
Race 3
#11 Ardenode arrived to Hong Kong as an 80rated galloper following an almost faultless 2yo career in France. He was a young, immature and no doubt intimidated when he first stepped off the plane in to the jungle that is Hong Kong Racing. That lack of general life experience got the better of him mentally, his body also struggled to adapt with multiple front leg injuries occurring and then re-occurring. Time and patience however see him arrive at the races tonight, over three years since his last win, his rating now at an all time low of 45points. But the signs of soundness and happiness within were finally evident again at the end of last season, with two hearty runs in to the minor money. Tonight he's exceptionally well placed with no weight and the confidence of two strong trials underneath the saddle, suggesting he's right on track to start winning again.
#2 Namjong Sings has been a frustrating and costly conveyance for those that have shown previous financial interest in the Danny Shum trained runner, and yes I'm one of them. He's was relegated to this grade at the end of last season and the two runs following have been at 1200m. First up this preparation he did all the heavy lifting and was right there until the final 150m, it was a good solid performance. Tonight he's drawn ideally in gate four, with all the alternative speed drawn out, so Purton can position nicely whatever the opposing tactics maybe. I've been burned by this fella on numerous occasions and should just watch him go around, but it all seemingly adds up for what could be his best ever performance.
#9 Farm Bumper has a solid record over a 1000m at the valley which automatically puts him in to contention. His only win to date came in class5 for this jockey and he's been ultra consistent since, but he has struggled to find that extra length required to win against the better opponents. That being said he's a late maturer and Im confident he can lift the bar higher this time in.
#8 Wild West Wing has draw awkward in gate9 and shall need luck to find cover, but Moreira rides so it's more than a possibility, after his 6 winners last Sunday. Interestingly, Moreira rode #11 Ardenode in a trial at the end of August and I suspect had the option here to ride either of the two. Having said that he's been aboard this galloper every start and he's yet to win, so there's definitely loyalty on display for one reason or another.
#4 Forza Angel had a torrid trip first up and tired noticeably over the final 100m. His most recent win was this course and distance but it was two seasons ago and off a much higher mark.
He's always appreciated cut in the track so I'm expecting more confidence through the market if thats the case tonight, either way he's not far off another win.
Selections : 11,2,9,8,4
R4 - 2,10,9,8,4
R5 - 11,10,4,5,6
R6 - 4,9,3,1,12
Race 7
#10 Cantstopthefeeling was the on top selection first up and despite his defeat ran a super competitive race, considering how it unfolded. From gate10 he didn't get in and was forced thereafter to roll forward from the 800m and take up the lead. It was the right decision and a prudent ride by Alexis Badel as he managed to finish an honest third, after being run down the final 100m. With gate6 tonight and the experience of a race under their belts, both horse and rider should enjoy cover shortly after the jump. This is a strong class3 but Im quietly confident and prepared to back up through all bet types.
#2 Metro Warrior in time has the scope and ability to develop in to the best horse in this race. His first up win was tradesman like over the 1000m at shatin and there's definitely more wins to follow. The issue for him tonight is the tricky gate, plus his ability to handle the sharpness of the valley track. He can't afford to be on and off the bridal looking uncomfortable at any stage, which I think is a distinct possibility, so there are some reservations tonight. Zac Purton however shall be well aware of all my mentioned concerns and probably just sort it out.
#1 Californiadeepshot was extremely impressive when leading all the way from the outside barrier on debut, back in January. He hasn't been able to win since but he's more than held his own carrying big weights, which have anchored him over the final stages. Now a 4yo he'll return a tuff and almost fully furnished galloper with a Tony Cruz off season under his belt.
#4 Beauty Spark has completed preparations for tonight's seasonal debut at the Conghua training complex in China. A soft trial recently was satisfactory and from gate1 with the 7lb claim he'll likely get all the favours.
#3 Seven Heavens has start thirty tonight but only one win on the board to show for it. He's a genuine back marker and what suits his race style tonight is the likely hot speed. It's worth noting he looked good winning a straight 1000m trial recently and if he gets the breaks in running, look out.
Selection : 10,2,1,4,3
R8 - 7,1,5,11,3
