3 minute read
Brett Davis provides exclusive preview of Happy Valley races.
Race 1
#5 Humble Steed began his racing campaign this season in October with his runs since very well spaced. Last season he won twice with wins occurring sixth and seventh up at Shatin and then Happy Valley. They were achieved off ratings of thirty three and thirty seven respectably and tonight he enter's this contest fifth up off the back off an encouraging performance. The rail position, I'm hoping, favours those running on and off the fence which is quite often the case when it's in the A position. There's speed on paper and should it turn out that way he'll be joining in at the right time and at odds.
#7 Galaxy Racer began a fraction awkward most recently but recovered to work in to the race nicely turning for home and was thereafter just denied. His form was patchy last season under trainer Casper Fownes but a transfer to Richard Gibson in October has lead to improved performances. Blinkers were reapplied last start and in the past they've had the desired affect. He appears the most likely winner but when you haven't won a race ever it's difficult to be overly optimistic.
#3 Tailor Made is a horse I suggested could win at 1200m on the all weather track earlier in the season and that went horrendously wrong. Shortly after he stepped up to a mile on turf and has recorded two encouraging second placings since. He's just transferred to a new stable and tonight makes his debut for Casper Fownes. I'm not a huge fan, but emotions aside, he's a definite chance.
#1 Baby Storm has been racing well all season and racked up two wins in the last six weeks. Although finishing down the track as a beaten favourite last start he had genuine excuses after being worked over during the initial stages. If Moriera wasn't suspended I dare say he'd be in the saddle again. However, top weight a widish barrier and speed drawn underneath don't create a confidence environment, however he's racing well and maybe overpriced.
#10 Happy Hour is hard to pick with confidence but he ran well two back before failing last outing as the 2.4Fav. Dennis Yip and Mathew Poon have both been in fine form lately and they'll combine here from a good draw. With Purton moving on, and plenty of punters as well, he's another that'll be overpriced and capable of featuring.
Selections : 5,7,3,1,10
R2 - 7,2,12,3,8
R3 - 2,3,11,6,8
R4 - 2,12,10,7,4
R5 - 7,4,2,5,8
R6 - 4,1,6,2,12
Race 7
#8 Wealthy Delight is developing in to a very nice horse who's result card is about to start improving. Theirs been the normal acclimatisation period that many arrivals need to adjust and interestingly John Size has kept all his racing to Happy Valley. Last start he raced a number of tonight's opposition settling back initially before Moriera made a long range decision to take off at the halfway.
He was ultimately cut down in the final strides but displayed exceptional depth and range. With Moriera suspended Purton takes the reigns and he'll be keen to atone for the Brazilians tactical defeat.
#5 Royal Bomb's had only the two runs at Happy Valley with both producing prize money cheque's. His latest effort was better than it reads as the race developed in to a staying contest a long way out.
It clearly went against him as he'd already burnt energy recovering from a slow start but with gate one and a new jockey you can bet your bottom dollar he'll begin on terms.
It's likely from there he'll box seat throughout and have no relevant excuses.
#7 Harmony Spirit also competed in the aforementioned race finishing third but was gifted all favours from gate number one. He again fits in well to this race with the claim but is drawn
slightly worse off in gate six. He's not the finished product yet and the former UK galloper should run as well, if not better better, with his campaign still to reach its peak.
#10 Villa Fionn has been a tricky horse to follow throughout his career but he's returned in good shape with consistency sited through his closing sectionals on the clock. He's never won in this class from ten attempts so it's logical to suggest he wont break that pattern, but be cautious. He's endured multiple injuries and surgery over the years and it's very clear right now that he's never felt better.
#4 King Opie has only raced at Happy Valley on one occasion back in September 2018 so his presence is an interesting call. This horse has been out of form for quite some time and crept down in the ratings substantially. It's a fifty fifty call as to wether he'll be suited but his recent effort at Shatin was much better than it appeared. He'll be value and is perhaps worth including in exotics, just in case, but whatever the result tonight he's not far away from again hitting the frame.
Selections : 8,5,7,10,4
R8 - 4,10,1,11,6
R9 - 4,1,3,6,12
