3 minute read
Brett Davis provides exclusive preview of Happy Valley races.
Race 1
#5 Humble Steed caught the eye two runs back when closing in from the tail at a decent rate. He never got in to the race at his next outing under the guidance of Alexis Badel but still made steady ground nevertheless. Chad Schofield is back tonight and together they've draw a lovely barrier which should entitle them to a better run in transit. Both his wins have come in this class and around the mile distance with signs he was ready to win a month ago being hoisted. The opening race is mind field in all reality but I'm happy with this nocturnal galloper on an each way basis.
#9 Smart Thinker is a maiden after twelve attempts and the blinkers have been reapplied. He maps to sit just off the speed and drops back in distance from his latest effort. There's been competitive runs over a mile at Shatin previously and he's always shown a glimpse of ability. He comes into this off a freshen up and should produce a solid enough performance.
#4 Joy Master has experience on his side with trainer Casper Fownes sending him to the races for the thirty seventh time. He kicked off the current season with a win at Shatin over a similar journey when joining in with a powerful burst. Since then he's been a touch disappointing and his overall record at the Valley reads poor. However, Moriera jumps back on board following the mandatory freshen up from a bleed and they know each other well. With wet conditions expected and a lack of competent opposition it's highly likely he'll feature first up.
#7 Well Dragon made a decent fist of his first attempt at the Happy Valley mile and the son of Frankel's been bursting for the longer races to come along. The near outside barrier is a horrid gate and he may need to be kept in the fridge for a later assignment. Nevertheless he's racing well enough to be included but a 10/10 ride is required.
#11 Vegas Rhythm is yet to finish in the frame but an encouraging effort behind Fantastic Fabio reads nicely. The rise in distance and services of Mathew Poon create another opportunity to break his maiden. If Poon gets him comfortable he's a definite chance and the money for him last start agreed.
Selections : 5,9,4,7,11
R2 - 3,1,2,6,4
R3 - 4,1,2,7,9
R4 - 3,2,1,5,7
R5 - 6,1,12,9,7
R6 - 4,8,12,2,5
R7 - 1,4,9,8,11
Race 8
#1 Kinda Cool is an ultra consistent performer and continues lifting the bar to new heights. His rapid rise over the last four months is primarily due to impeccable placement and trainer Frankie Lor would be delighted with his progress. Zac Purton has a good association with this NZ $90,000 purchase and they should receive the ideal run. He must cope with top weight tonight to find his way in to class 2 and I'm tipping he'll go close to getting that done.
#6 Aurora Pegasus has been building up to the form that saw him win three races on end during last season. He wont know himself this evening jumping from pole position in the stalls and narrowly missed recently when afforded no favours. Moreira can sit and conserve energy mid race then finding a clear passage entering the straight his main aim.
#10 Nordic Warrior doesn't win out of turn and normally teases supporters by flashing home late after conceding a start. The combination of a hot tempo, light weight and rail in the 'A' position does create the conditions he requires. With Matthew Poon jumping on for the first time and wet and windy conditions arriving he must be genuinely considered.
#2 California Concord's had four runs this year and is now hovering close to another win. He stretched out nicely in recent track work and was very strongly supported at his latest start.
He's particularly well rated and if the track favours on speed he could just be the one. The markets have been quite accurate with him in the past so I'd be watching betting closely as we draw nearer to the start.
#3 Alcari is on his mark and not always reliable but his efforts of late have been competitive against similar rivals. He's is a back marker that needs things to roll his way but meets a field no stronger than his recent event. He boasts more wins than any other runner and often runs well at a price.
Selections : 1,6,10,2,3
R9 - 11,5,8,3,10
