Brett Davis provides exclusive Preview of Happy Valley races.
Rail - B Course
Race 1
#8 MODEST GENTLEMEN was unable to gain clear running at a crucial stage when last competing over this course and distance which is unfortunately the risk you take when deciding if he's the one. Both career wins came about last season under these exact conditions so I'm prepared to gamble, win/place, that he's given a clear path by familiar and inform hoop Andrea Atzeni. The pair again got together in a preparation trial in early September, in which they won, further confirming he's going well enough to finish over the top.
#4 NOBLE DELUX dropped into class 5 for the first time on opening day and ran a solid race out in front after racing fiercely through the initial stages. A change of rider takes place as he heads to Happy Valley for the first time but I'm confident he'll run a good strong race again from the draw. I cant label him the on top, due to the fact he's yet to visit the city circuit, but he showed enough last season at the bottom of class 4 to suggest he'll be winning a race or two at some point.
#2 SILVER SPURS displayed excellent manners out the starting stalls in his preparation trial at Conghua with race day rider Ellis Wong aboard. The pair should be able to cross gates 1/2 when the starter says go which places them first to the rail, and even in front. He was 3rd in a class 4 race of similar profile to this last season, so there's plenty of ticks alongside his name to suggest he's another that can run well.
#1 GOLDEN FRIENDSHIP possesses enough tactical speed to position himself within the first half dozen as they scamper through the opening 200m. Zac Purton shall then be in a striking position approaching the home turn and ready to pounce when they flatten. There hasn't been a lead up barrier trial to review as he prepares for his fist attempt in class 5, however, the top jockey has been aboard during his final two gallops which is not always the case.
#7 TRIUMPHANT WARRIOR was a beaten favourite at his final start last season but pulled up with blood in the trachea. His lead up barrier trial at Conghua when finishing 2nd was a nice price of work and he's appeared comfortable and fluent during morning gallops. With no wins to display from a career of 21starts he's been costly, but he does map to receive the run of the race.
Selections : 8,4,2,1,7
R2 - 2,1,6,4,12
R3 - 9,5,2,12,4
R4 - 8,4,5,1,7
Race 5
#4 HONEST WITNESS competes in the colours made famous by the legendary SILENT WITNESS who won 17 straight races before tasting defeat between the years of 2002-2005. The owners haven't had one like him since but in their defence they've rarely purchased a slow one. His early form is suggesting he's closing in quickly on wins with his recent trial on the all weather comfortable and responsive. It looks a case of whatever bets him wins.
#3 NEW POWER was in excellent form during the final months of last season and he'll hold a solid fitness base coming into this event first up.He's drawn perfectly to initially race outside the lead but in an ideal world can end up with one-one cover.
Furthermore, the stable has begun the season in rich vein of form, rider Keith Yeung knows his capabilities better than any one, and his lead up trial was difficult to fault.
#1 MASTER CHAMPION has the race fitness on his side against all opponents after a narrow defeat her last week. The market surged in on him late in the aforementioned event and he ended jumping favourite in what turned out to be a rather open house affair. He's a big solid dude who weighs in at over 1200lbs, so the run up his sleeve, plus rise in distance, are both to suit.
#2 MEGA BONUS is a guaranteed jump and run competitor and he should eventually cross the field to lead. For that reason alone, he must be considered incase he's able to dictate at a moderate and advantageous speed. I fancy he's high enough in the ratings, but I'm also mindful he's previously won off this exact same handicap mark.
#10 EXCEED THE WISH has been a slow maturing type and from a limited amount of races often bungled the start. Conversely, he found the line with real power at his penultimate contest last term and is worthy of including if you're looking to shop a little wide. His only trial was a week ago and he jumped out better than before. But market moves are your best guide.
Selections : 4,3,1,2,10
R6 - 5,4,3,6,2
R7 - 1,8,11,7,4
R8 - 7,1,6,4,9
