3 minute read

Brett Davis provides exclusive preview of Happy Valley races.

In a year that's shaken humanity its very self who could have imagined Thoroughbred Racing in Hong Kong could stay afloat drifting through the waves and rips off the Coronavirus Pandemic.

The 2020 "Longines Hong Kong International Races" are only days away and there's surely been some nervous people, an
moments, in the weeks leading up to tonights "International Jockeys Championship"

Throughout the 14 seasons I spent in Asia's World City I was extremely fortunate to witness many incredible moments on track, an honoured to call the last eight of these dynamic nights in the amphitheatre that is the Happy Valley Race Course.

Tonight the atmosphere shall be unique, undeniably strange and definitely quieter but the competitive nature and spirit on track, the friendly banter and comradeship off track by all involved shall no doubt be visually apparent.

A special congratulations goes out to the incredible Hollie Doyle and the amazing Tom Marquand on there selection, and decision, to include themselves in tonight's Blockbuster.
Giddy up girls and boys...


R1 - 1,8,6,3,4

R2 - 5,1,4,6,10

R3 - 6,5,1,4,11

Race 4 - Longines International Jockeys' Championship

"1st Leg"

#8 Winner's Heart receives the most tickets in a very open first leg over the 1000m. He's a sizeable unit and race experience along with additional fitness have seen him develop nicely this season. He's still a maiden after fourteen career starts but he has gone close a few times and the assignment of Neil Callan to the saddle is a massive bonus. Neil has been aboard for the horses last ten starts and the pair are giving the indication there just about ready. There are other runners with genuine claims but it does appear everything has fallen in line for this combination at the right time.
#12 Oversubscribed won in the lowest grade at then end of last season so his return first up in a stronger race, finishing third, was a creditable effort. He'll need to produce a similar or greater effort to win again but clues from his morning track work suggest he can. The light weight and good draw are on his side as is the early speed expected.
#3 Very Sweet Orange is the ideal horse for Tom Marquand to draw in his inaugural Hong Kong International Jockeys' Championship race. This track has tested the most experienced of riders in years gone by and a slight error can cost you plenty. This horse likes to show you the way with pure speed from the gate so combined with the fact he drops back in class and to the minimum trip, should go close.
#4 Farm Bumper is very much suited by the return to Happy Valley following a poor run recently at Shatin over the straight 1000m. His win first up was excellent and there's been legitimate excuses since at his next couple. His morning work is terrific and he's an improving galloper. With a good draw and form over the course and distance, plus a rider that knows the track well, he's a serious contender.
#6 Young Missile is raced by the HKJC Racing Club Syndicate and they look to have a nice young horse on there hands. He's a long way from being declared a moral but has shown signs of ability. He also trialled well here a few months ago which is a big positive however his behaviour in the paddock shall need to be monitored closely.

Selections :  8,12,3,4,6

Race 5 - Longines International Jockeys' Championship

"2nd Leg"

#3 Royal Racer was dominant last start with Moreira in the saddle and the pair have drawn one another in tonight's second leg. The wide barrier and 9lb penalty are no doubt deterrents when analysing the form, however it genuinely appears that this 5yo has gone to another level since his return. He's predictable regarding race pattern and he'll again conserve energy through the first half before revving up from the 500m. Any additional speed up front shall only play in to his hands so he must be considered the hardest to beat.
#5 Fearless Fire has recaptured near his best form since transferring to the David Hayes stable and he's particularly well rated on his best. Zac Purton's had a relatively quiet last 6 weeks in the saddle but I sense the fire in the belly has returned. I'm sure he'd like nothing more than to gain some momentum heading in to the biggest meeting on the calendar this Sunday, I expect him to ride like a man inspired tonight. He knows this horse well and they'll do little work from the draw, so there's plenty to like about there chances.
#8 Nunchucks was forced forward last start when drawing near the outside in gate eleven. His effort was more than satisfactory but ultimately the change in tactics took its toll, with his closing finish compromised. With a low draw on this occasion he'll revert back to a conservative approach early, before joining in strongly at the end. He's still improving and can continue climbing the ratings mountain for a little longer yet.
#1 Regency Master has a bright future but top weights and wide draws have cost him the win at his last two starts. Unfortunately for connections they have the same reoccurring issue tonight. He's quite a tricky horse to rate because he meets many of the same horses better at the weights. But if Buick can find some luck and squeeze him in just of the pace, he'll probably win.
#4 Play Wise has been the brides maid his last four starts and tonight won't receive any assistance via a claim. However, he's racing well and does receive the services of Ryan Moore, which could very easily equate to more than a measly 7lbs allowance.

Selections : 3,5,8,1,4

R6 - 7,2,9,8,12

Race 7 - Longines International Jockeys' Championship

"3rd Leg"

#1 Real Busy despite the weight he'll have to carry, and the depth of this contest overall, is your banker for all the exotics. I've tipped him to win but I'm of the opinion the weight he carries shall see him cut down in the final run to the line. Establishing who that runner may be is a difficult question to answer. But there are strong reasons to suggest he'll finish at least in a top three position.
#6 Savaquin could well be the blow out runner in this race. His debut over the 1200m here at the valley was a cracker and exposed him as a runner of interest going forward. John Size sent him to Shatin second up and it was a complete contrast, appearing common in amongst the field. The return to the valley tonight combined with the step up to the mile creates plenty of interest as he's bred to run 2000m. It's also worth noting Moreira has been riding this horse regularly in gallops but is partnered with the bottom weight.
#12 Smiling City is the aforementioned runner that Moreira is partnered with and together they've had success in the past. Since his arrival in to class 3 there's been ordinary barriers to deal with and results have therefore been difficult to achieve. With a better draw in gate five he should be respected.
#8 Gift Of Lifeline is to be ridden by Zac Purton who wouldn't have sat on a horse for Tony Millard in a quite while. But they are some chance of success as this horse is now fit and lurking closely around his right rating. He'll receive a good run on the fence saving energy throughout and can definitely feature.
#3 Surrealism has been a disappointing horse for connections overall with only one Hong Kong win on his resume. He'll arrive tonight with three runs under the belt and edging closer to a better result. The quicker they go the better and Tom Marquand has a solid chance here if he can work in to the race from the 600m.

Selections : 1,6,12,8,3

Race 8 - Longines International Jockeys' Championship

"4th Leg"

#2 Grateful Heart is undefeated this season and draws well in a race that has frantic speed. If he tries to lead there's every chance he'll be gassed, so I'd expect Ryan Moore to take a sit. It's likely he'll be wedged amongst runners if that's the case which may unsettle his mentally state. If it doesn't, he looks the winner in a very good race.
#9 What a Legend steps back up in class following another polished performance in the lower grade of class 4. He's a three time winner in his career with all victories having been achieved here, at the valley over the 1200m. In the past when attempting class 3 he hasn't been up to the task but he's physically mature this time around, so I'm prepared to offer him one last chance.
#12 Harmony N Blessed has a stack of ability and is a genuine winning hope for Hollie Doyle. He'll stay at the same distance following a very exciting debut at Shatin but transfers to Happy Valley for his second career start. Winning a trial here recently should assist his cause but this is an entirely different ball game to his last start walk in the park.
#3 Meridian Genius had joint surgery in April and is still on the way back to finding his best. He ran a cracker first up over the 1000m at Shatin but looked to suffer with the second up syndrome here last start. He'll be fitter again going in to tonight and has the cheek pieces added to sharpen his approach. If he bounces back he can certainly win but it's more likely he's a place chance at best.
#11 Lucky Quality hasn't missed a cheque this campaign from his five starts and again must be considered. He'll attempt class 3 for the second time and is well placed from the gate with a light weight. However, if he's going to be right in the finish he must lift to a new level and produce a career best.

Selections : 2,9,12,3,11

R9 - 2,10,4,3,8