3 minute read
Brett Davis provides exclusive preview of Happy Valley races.
Race 1
#1 We The South is the expected favourite in the first of the night and it's a justified call with questions hovering over many of the remaining opposition. All efforts this season have been competitive and his record speaks for itself over tonight's course and trip. A good barrier with Moriera on top and it appears there'll be no excuses offered, so it's potentially just a matter of going through the process and hopefully getting the job done.
#7 Seize The Moment put together an encouraging effort behind the very talented "Cordyceps Six" on debut. Moriera was aboard on that occasion and has opted, it would seem, to jump back on the top weight "We The South". He's got in wrong before and there's definitely plenty to work with going forward with a 5yo late bloomer like this guy, but I'd be guided by his better judgement. He's not often wrong in this situation but it shall be interesting, nevertheless, to see the margin between them when the judge calls a stop.
#4 Brilliant Fortune was looking a high quality conveyance once he initially got going but has flattened out rather quickly. He's had more than adequate chances to grab a victory but a lack of stamina in a finish has cost him most of the time. He'll run a big race dropping back from 1200 to 1000 but you'll be feeling for your ticket through the last 100m.
#2 Ginson was a handy youngster in Australia that raced under the title of "Rulership" when trained by Tom Dabernig and Ben Hayes. He finished 2nd in a Blue Diamond Prelude, amongst other strong performances at Group level, and is the interesting inclusion in this race tonight. The 3 barrier trials leading up have been adequate/good with the first conducted here at Happy Valley. His fresh record is solid and if the paddock report on the night regarding fitness/behaviour is positive then he'll probably win.
#5 Spontaneous has been out of form all 3 runs this term but I'm interested and believe he'll run better tonight. He showed plenty of scope last season winning 3 and with the tongue tie applied and a return to 1000m I'm expecting him to run much better.
Selections : 1,7,4,2,5
R2 - 5,6,8,11,10
R3 - 2,3,4,5,11
Race 4
#9 Charizard hasn't won a race since the 23rd of June 2019. I know that for certain because I called the almighty win at Shatin when he charged home from down back. How he's hasn't won again is baffling but his honesty cannot be questioned with 11 top 5 finishes since. He's now eventually regressed to the bottom of class 4 and has returned this season with a pair of hearty performances. With Luke Ferraris again riding for father David it could well be his time to wind back the clock.
#2 Loyal Baby has looked good his last couple and shall roll forward looking for the spot outside the lead. He may even recieve one by one cover heading to the back as others push on wider out. From an advantageous position as such there won't be many excuses to fall back on once they push for the judge.
#3 More Than Enough didn't cope well with the low draw last start particularly after a sluggish jump from the gates. I'm prepared to give him another opportunity and don't mind the wide draw because he appreciates rhythm and room. He'll be caught deep for a portion early on before pressing up towards the lead. A fast run race suits him far better than a sit and dash.
#10 Laputa is immature and still finding his feet but makes his Happy Valley debut tonight. Vincent Ho has done a lot of work with this lad since he arrived and to be fair not much has gone right during his runs. He'll be looking for the extra ground and could well be the big improver if he handles the track.
#7 Ernest Feeling has been hot and cold but is definitely capable of winning in this grade. A decent bump halfway around didn't help his cause last start and Purton is obviously prepared to give him another go. With 5 minor placings already accumulated its only a matter of time before he wins and a strong tempo to run at suits him best.
Selections : 9,2,3,10,7
R5 - 4,3,1,5,7
R6 - 1,10,2,11,9
R7 - 4,11,9,1,5
R8 - 9,8,6,2,1
