Brett Davis provides exclusive Preview of Happy Valley races.
Rail - A Course
Race 1
#6 MODEST GENTLEMEN was unable to gain clear running at a crucial stage when he last competed over this course and trip and similarly unlucky at his next outing over the 1200m at Sha Tin.Then last start, over the 1200m here at Happy Valley, he began poorly which took away all hope after drawing wide.Interestingly, both career wins came about last season under these exact race conditions, so I'm prepared to take the chance he's given a good ride at price.
#11 ACE TALENT only boasts the one career win from 29 starts but has been game in defeat his past couple.He certainly knows his way around this precise course and trip and from the low advantageous draw he's again expected to push hard for the lead.The overall early pace of this contest does however appear strong, but alternately he has the option to take a sit, if required.
#10 HAPPY TANGO was never a chance of running out the 1400m at Sha Tin last start but a test over the longer distance would've added physical strength.A recent 1200m barrier trial win on the all weather track also displayed him in good shape and I'm expecting him to bring that type of effort to the track tonight.A good draw and formidable jockey/trainer combination also create extra confidence.
#4 NOTTHESILLYONE hasn't shown much from his 9 career starts but he's worthy of inclusion following a recent trial win.Furthermore, he rated highly when finishing 9th over this course and distance mid April despite actually never looking a winning chance.Hugh Bowman now to ride from a likely striking position in the run definitely creates a solid opportunity, so he's included amongst the main chances.
#8 YOU'REMYEVERTHING doesn't shuffle along as quickly as he once could but he's dangerously rated in this grade.A 1000m race at Happy Valley probably see's him run of his legs early but he's capable of finishing quicker than any other runner going around.The cheek pieces being added may also spark up his mental approach so it's worth including him amongst the tips.
Selections : 6,11,10,4,8
Race 2
#4 WINDICATOR FAMILY broke his maiden status here in March over this course and trip and has since been super competitive in three additional contests.He arrived in Hong Kong as a listed New Zealand 3yo winner off 70 points but wasn't able to get himself going through his initial Hong Kong campaign.The tide has turned now, as he continues to races with enthusiasm, and his current handicap mark continues to suggest that he's extremely close to a rating special.
#12 BEAU GOOSE showed up with a different attitude at his third run for the new stable of Dennis Yip and should position up perfectly from the low draw.The recent application of the hood has had the desired effect as he saves his energy for the race, instead of burning it up earlier in the mounting yard.The stable then went one step further last start by adding the cheek pieces for the first time, and he went within a whisker of getting the winning result.
#3 COURIER MAGIC has received no favours at two of his past three runs before a competitive effort last start.The wide draw ensures he'll need a copy-book ride but his efforts this campaign in February/March rate him a strong winning chance.Ellis Wong now jumps aboard for the first time, the blinkers go back on and he importantly drops into class 5 where he's previously had success.
#6 SHINKANSEN has gone close to notching up his second victory a couple of times this season a must be included.His three recent runs here at Happy Valley have been honest in defeat and tonight he'll likely box seat in the run.Although he's previously failed at two attempts over the longer distance of 1650m, he can turn that around can now he's found his way into the lowest grade.
#5 ESCAPE ROUTE should enjoy the change of venue following two rather ordinary efforts at Sha Tin.The drop back in distance to 1650m also reads well and he maps to secure a mid-field position with cover in the run.It's debatable, as to whether he's lost his overall desire to compete and win, but a John Size/Zac Purton competitor is a dangerous runner to fully oppose.
Selections : 4,12,3,6,5
R3 - 3,2,1,10,7
R4 - 10,6,1,3,9
R5 - 1,12,9,11,3
R6 - 6,2,1,5,11
R7 - 6,2,4,3,12
R8 - 9,4,10,5,11
R9 - 9,8,4,2,12
