Brett Davis provides exclusive Preview of Happy Valley races.
Rail - C+3 position
Race 1
#1 HAKKA RADIANCE began fairly, then over raced to find the lead first up before eventually tiring through the final 200m. He was then sharply away over the slightly longer trip 2nd up and consequently got the money via a solid and sustained gallop all the way to the line. A change of track, and 5lbs increase in weight can certainly swing things around, but the good draw and A grade jockey booking ensure the perfect run.
#2 STORM RUNNER covered plenty of extra ground first up before finishing just a drift of the winner. He'll strip a lot fitter following that encouraging first up run and with Zac Purton sticking he's a genuine contender. He'll attempt to slot in one of the fence as they work down the home straight the first time, which should enable him to work into the finish the next time around.
#3 WAH MAY WAI WAI was placed on two occasions in class 4 last season so he must be respected on that form. They didn't go fast enough for him during the first half of his opening run for the season, which is what he requires to be racing at his best. A little more pace, with a low draw and claim are specific's in his favour here, so I'd be expecting him to finish thereabouts.
#6 LEATHER MASTER thrashed a similar field to this last season over the Happy Valley 2200m but his record over 1800m is also solid, particularly off the back of a strong aggressive speed. He caught the eye closing in at Sha Tin 2nd up and for that reason, along with the change of venue, he must be entertained. Furthermore, a strong tempo early doors is a legitimate chance of unfolding, which brings him right into calculations.
#9 MR ALADDIN ran particularly well first up before starting favourite at his next run over the Sha Tin 1800m. He completed bombed the start on that occasion and was never a chance after those on pace fully dominated affairs. I'd also forget he went around on the dirt last start and focus on the fact he's often run a good race over this track and trip. Capable if the go silly up the front.
Selections : 1,2,3,6,9
R2 - 1,6,2,11,12
R3 - 5,12,2,10,11
R4 - 8,10,4,11,1
R5 - 1,5,8,6,12
Race 6
#3 STAR CONTACT is somewhat of an elder statesmen these days but continues to race with great heart and desire. He was being hailed the winner last start before being cut down final strides by a competitor who's renowned for his hard core finishing powers. He maps perfectly from gate 5 and should secure the box seat, while the blinkers being reapplied can take control of his focus on maintaining the lead, once he hits the front.
#5 ANOTHER ZONDA enjoyed a soft lead and favourable mid-race sectionals throughout the race first up but was overrun at the end by a turn of foot.He'll again have things his own way out in front with the addition of a 5lb claim. He's yet to reach his fully potential, and this looks an excellent opportunity to raise the bar, so expect him to be hard to catch.
#1 EMBRACES drew an outside barrier for his debut of the season which combined with top weight made it difficult to win. Nonetheless, he rattled home with gusto through the final 400m to only go down officially by a length and a half.
He draws slightly better this time around in barrier 8 which should enable him to settle closer in the run, therefore he's a genuine danger of finishing off to well.
#8 CASA ROCHESTER won a race over this course and trip in class 4 last season and did it with a level of class. He sat back nice and quiet early on, like a coiled spring, before launching a potent and explosive run to win. We saw something similar on debut this term, so it would be naive to think he won't be winning more, even up in grade.
#6 KEEN MOLLY is the question mark runner in the event because he travels to Happy Valley for the first time. His performance first up this season was solid on the clock particularly after being tight for room and partially held up when looking to fully extend. He's tactically versatile and has the speed to push up if so desired, but more importantly, he trialled around the tricky Happy Valley circuit back in May.
Selections : 3,5,1,8,6
R7 - 3,5,1,8,6
R8 - 7,6,8,5,12
R9 - 2,5,8,10,12
