3 minute read
Brett Davis provides exclusive preview of Happy Valley races.
After an exciting opening day of galloping action at Shatin racing returns to the Hong Kong city circuit on Wednesday night.
It's been quite a while since Happy Valley, the mesmerising and fascinating racecourse, has pumped out tunes from the beer garden between races.
But that's exactly what we can look forward to in time.
The course programming last season had 9 race cards each and every Wednesday evening and that regime shall continue once more of the horse population is literally up and running.
In the interim it's 8 race cards for mid week racing enthusiasts.
Enthusiast's that are fresh or green regarding form and results for Happy Valley should be informed, it can be exceptionally challenging.
This tight turning track is renowned for testing both horse and rider and often plays in favour of those that remain unimpeded, in rhythm and tactical versatile.
It's not a track where the best horse always wins but more a course where experience, reaction and intuition makes all the difference.
R1 - 6,10,2,12,5
R2 - 6,3,1,10,12
R3 - 3,7,1,6,10
R4 - 9,5,8,1,2
Race 5
#1 Joyful Win is a fine young talent that resides in the yard of Ricky Yui. He won two races in his first campaign of racing and has a lovely big action. A huge amount of speed is on the cards early here and I anticipate he'll absorb that well, before pushing hard to the line. He's got rating points in hand and should again be competitive once he finds himself in class 3.
#4 Infinity Win recorded very good overall sectionals when 2nd at Shatin on debut. He's now had the benefit of two more barrier trials and performed well in both under race jockey Zac Purton. Happy Valley has claimed many debutant scalps in the past and this fellow falls in to that category. If he's agile and undeterred by the surroundings he's the one.
#3 Party Warrior shall drift back in the field during the first half as high speed is anticipated. Conversely, he has the benefit of experience at the track. Vincent Ho has not allowed anyone else to warm the saddle on this son of Contributer since the pair finished second at the end of last season. Ultimately he'll enjoy further ground in time but expect him to find the line with purpose.
#2 Jazz Steed is not disadvantaged by the wide and ugly draw as he's a genuine closer from the back. Moriera hasn't ridden this thoroughbred under race conditions but was aboard in a lead up trial. He went to the races 18 times last season for only one win so he doesn't boast a confident win strike rate, but this contest shall suit his style.
#10 Noir Rider of the speed horses is the runner I'd be keeping safe. Blinkers go on and he finished 2nd in a trial at Shatin behind the brilliant winner from opening day "Nervous Witness". The 1000m is about as far as he wants but he'll give a big sight. Particularly if the track is favouring those in the first half.
Selections : 1,4,3,2,10
Race 6
#1 Sunny Star is now at an all time high in the ratings but I fancy there's still sizeable crumbs left in his bickie barrel. Jerry Chau has won on him in the past, which is a plus, and he's again been called up to claim the excess pounds. The biggest attribute this galloper possess is his turn of foot and if ridden with patience he's the one to repel.
#10 Nothing New had good polytrack form in Ireland before arriving in Hong Kong. Like the majority from the Northern hemisphere acclimatising was an issue last season. He began racing better at the end of last campaign and I'd expect him to feature shortly.
The draw, weight and jockey booking tonight are all big ticks.
#4 Indicative Vote is also still acclimatising after arriving from Ireland and this race appears a fraction short. However, with Moriera on board from the inside barrier it's near impossible to take him on completely. He's well rated and partaking in just his third start for the new stable of Danny Shum.
#6 Gallant Crown continues lifting the bar and four wins last season was an exceptional return from just 10starts. His body weight has increased 20lbs from his last race win so it's anticipated he'll be better for the outing. That being said, with a familiar jockey aboard and a superb draw he's going to do no work.
#3 Wealthy Delight was terrific when winning earlier in the year but hasn't had a lot of racing since. He's spent time at Conghua during the off-season break and a trial before his recent return to Honk Kong appeared plain. He's very capable in this type of race but Im quite content to just watch first up.
Selections : 1,10,4,6,3
R7 - 6,3,10,1,12
R8 - 3,4,1,9,6
