Brett Davis provides exclusive Preview of Happy Valley races.
Rail - A Course
Race 1
#4 DAN ATTACK has been an underachiever throughout his career but a stable transfer in January from Jamie Richards to Douglas Whyte should soon pay dividends.A four month period of rest and plenty of swimming, before gradually increased gallops, has seen him develop a lovely fluent action and sharp demeanour.He put that into action at the end of last season with a gutsy third placing in a blanket finish, with a recent trial victory intimating he's ready to break through.
#6 RAGNARR got into a good space at the completion of last season and was unlucky not to pick up his first win.He's clearly held that enthusiasm during the off-season recess and a quiet trial down the Sha Tin straight shouldn't be assessed negatively.The awkward draw in gate 9 appears the only little negative against his overall winning prospect, but a heady ride from regular associate Mathew Poon goes close to getting the preferred result.
#1 SUPER CHARIZZARD won two races last season from his fourteen starts and both came in this class and over this course and trip.Zac Purton was also aboard on one of the two occasions so there are plenty of reasons to suggest he'll be in this finish.Conversely, his two barrier trials have displayed mixed results, with the first on the all weather solid but his most recent on turf somewhat lethargic.
#7 WOODFIRE CHAMP can take advantage of the middle pin draw by pushing across in an attempt to lead, or at least race handy to the speed heading into the back stretch.His performance in winning at Happy Valley at the end of last term, when the visor was applied, displayed an unseen and new tactical string to his bow.Furthermore, the stable and jockey have both begun the season on a high so I'd be reluctant to overlook.
#2 LUCKY BLESSING ran a couple of decent races on speed last season before receiving the all clear from the handicapper, during the off-season reassessment, to enter class 5.With the inside gate to exit from an economical run along the rail, by either leading or leaders back, looks guaranteed.The tongue tie being added could also noticeably assist his moderate closing and final sectionals to this point.
Selections : 4,6,1,7,2
R2 - 6,4,1,7,9
R3 - 5,4,3,9,2
R4 - 5,6,3,1,4
R5 - 2,5,8,9,1
Race 6
#5 SUPER UNICORN rated through the roof when he won 2nd up last season over this exact course and trip but hasn't been able to win again since.That's primarily due to the 12 point hike he received in the ratings for the nearly 6 length hard held win, but a long taxing season also played its part.A change of environment to the Mark Newnham stable was undertaken in April and with almost immediate effect a spritely pick up was witnessed.An encouraging trial under Zac Purton was also recently noted, while the specifics and race shape of this contest are likely to suit.
#2 STURDY RUBY enjoyed a prosperous season last campaign with eight top 4 finishes from just eleven starts.With the majority of those performances accomplished in class 4, and at the begging of last season, he's seemingly well placed coming back into this grade.Jockey Vincent Ho has also displayed significant loyalty towards preparation for his seasonal return, which included a closing 5th in an August barrier trial.Additionally, the draw reads near perfect and he's proven he can carry weight.
#9 FIREFOOT hasn't coped overly well when competing at Sha Tin however his efforts at the city circuit have been solid.Check pieces have been added for his debut for the new season and he's worked nicely in them, on multiple occasions, following a strong August trial at Conghua.He'll do minimal work from the low inside draw when working through the first bend and I expect him to be winning a race, or two, during the season.
#7 VIVA GRACIOUSNESS would be difficult to beat on his runner-up finish behind HIGHLAND RAHY in March but he's renowned for mixing his output levels.Nevertheless, the inside alley and booking of familiar rider Mathew Chadwick create the environment to settle handy, whilst getting comfortable in the run.He's unknown for his inspiring turn of late acceleration, so the probable solid tempo throughout plays to his strengths.
#4 AMAZING RUN is eying of a hat-trick of wins but the increase in weight and break between seasons are hurdles he must now overcome.There's been nothing wrong with his track work and trials leading in, and his confidence is definitely sky high, but the question that keeps pondering remains, does he have extra rating points in hand?
Selections : 5,2,9,7,4
R7 - 2,7,1,6,11
R8 - 6,4,3,10,9
