3 minute read

Brett Davis provides exclusive preview of Happy Valley races.

Race 1

#10 Flying Monkey is an 8yo veteran of the Hong Kong Racing circuit and he's been a handy class 4/5 money spinner for the Racing Twelve Syndicate. Although he doesn't win out of turn a freshen up following his gritty and determined effort last is the ideal preparation. Travelling wide without cover and laying out when racing ungenerously didn't aid his cause recently but yet he still battled on strongly to finish third. A repeat performance see's him very competitive and with a touch of luck the old boy is quite capable of upsetting the more favoured runners.
#5 Ready Conqueror has been relishing class 5 company after struggling efforts in class 4 earlier in the season. With the rail position C+3 the draw is gold and he should secure the right passage in transit. He's been well supported on several occasions and with the old saying, "Where There's Smoke There's Fire", it's likely he'll produce the desired result in time.
#2 Winner's Heart shall enjoy and appreciate racing the easier opposition as he now drops in to class 5. He'll give a bold sight from pole position and looks to settle as leader or leaders back at worst. The last 100 metres shall be the acid test but any easy sectional can prove detrimental to those doing the chasing. He shouldn't be taken lightly despite the ordinary form reading alongside his name.
#1 Little Thunder is yet to salute over this journey but another opportunity for trainer Tony Millard to get the job done is staring him in the face. With vigorous rider Karis Teetan sticking to the saddle he should settle behind the pacemakers thereafter pouncing over the concluding stages. His recent form is hard to knock and he's over due for another win however the Happy Valley circuit has been his nemesis.
#4 Dr Eq returned from Conghua recently and tonight tackles his third up run from a spell. The sticky point is the outside gate and it's likely Moriera shall roll the dice early and use his speed. If that occurs he's improved enough to give these something to think about despite the statistics saying the outside barrier is poison.

Selections : 10,5,2,1,4

R2 - 4,11,10,12,1

R3 - 10,6,1,8,7

R4 - 2,3,5,1,11

R5 - 12,1,2,11,4

R6 - 5,1,10,7,2,

Race 7

#4 Shouson has been a frustrating horse on occasions but he possesses a powerful finishing burst when on song and put it together last start for all to see. Trainer Tony Millard's had him in the stable since the start of the season and finally he looks to have worked him out. He's now a seasoned class 3 galloper that conserves energy mid-field the rail before launching his stake once they've rounded the home turn.
#9 Daily Beauty has the Derby winning formula of Casper Fownes/Joao Moreira and given his recent impressive victories is likely to run favourite. He rises six rating points and tackles class 3 for the first time but continues meeting each challenge with aplomb. Drawn beautifully the plan will be to repeat proceedings where he just sits off the speed then finishes hard.
#5 Be Ready looked a promising type last campaign and he returned a month ago finishing just outside the placings. With blinkers off and the visor on he'll be benefited by clearer vision once they jump and with luck can slot in mid-field going in to the back. He's always given the impression he'll go higher in the ratings and should be kept safe.
#3 High Rise Soldier was just gunned down by "Shouson" last outing and with favours from the poor draw tonight can be right amongst it. Like many he's often found one better but he's finished no worse than sixth in his seven runs this season. A gear change from Blinkers to Pacifiers is an interesting call but it might just be the edge that he's looking fore.
#10 Aquila is fitter for two runs back and should further improve on his closing sectional given his light weight. He's a versatile galloper that races well on the all weather and turf and recently he's been against much tough opposition. Hell roll forward and look to set the speed and it won't be a surprise to see him stick on at a price.

Selections : 4,9,5,3,10

R8 - 5,11,7,2,1

R9 - 4,10,6,3,2