Brett Davis provides exclusive Preview of Happy Valley races.
Rail - C Course
R1 - 2,1,11,3,4
#2 SPEEDY SMARTIE has enjoyed a good break since his win on the all weather where he stalked the pace throughout before going on to score.He's spent time at Conghua, working and relaxing over the last few weeks, and in the process won a 1000m grass trial.He's a happy horse in the stable of new Hong Kong trainer Brett Crawford and shall therefore again take beating.
#1 RAGNARR was in a good space at the completion of last season and was unlucky not to pick up his first win.He clearly held that enthusiasm during the off-season recess by producing a solid third place first up at Happy Valley, before cracking it for his first win.With top weight to carry from a wide draw he'll need everything to go right, but he continues to race with enthusiasm so it would be dangerous to leave him out.
#11 SONIC BOOM hasn't raced at Happy Valley since May but does boast a consistent record from his three starts.He's wasn't suited by the all weather track two runs back but both runs either side, on turf, have been solid in defeat.He'll require luck during the early stages to overcome the tricky draw but is ready to win with a familiar jockey on board.
#10 SUPER ELITE won his only race in good style over this distance two season ago when Hugh Bowman was atop.Unfortunately, since then he's been branded a one hit wonder with no additional successes to report.However, his reliable gate speed from the low draw should enable him to position behind the leading division, with a recent stable change a significant positive.
#7 COLONEL is an old veteran these days that continues to slow down with age.That being said, the running rail is in a great position to assist high speed leaders today so his chances are enhanced.He should be first to find that running rail heading into the back stretch which shall help him stick on better at the end.
Selections : 2,1,11,10,7
Race 2
#2 ALL'S WELL was excellent in defeat first up at Sha Tin over 1200m behind a winner who was able to record fast time.He's drawn well for his first run at Happy Valley this season with jockey Mathew Chadwick riding all four of his final track work lead up gallops.The check pieces go on, which should assist in starting better whilst also positioning handier in the run.
#1 WITH A SMILE picked up his first win at the end of last season over the 1400m at Sha Tin with the effort a promising result.He the pulled up with an irregular heart beat at his following start after starting the races 2.6 favourite.It was back to the drawing board for all concerned following the setback but he's now ready to go after three solid trials.Furthermore, Zac Purton has actioned a strong commitment to his preparation.
#12 DAN ATTACK has been an underachiever throughout his career but a stable transfer in January is beginning to pay dividends.He put that into action with a win first up over this course and trip in class 5 before over racing from a bad draw when jumping up in grade.He continues moving fluently in the mornings and could certainly feature.
#3 DENFIELD hasn't won for quite a while but he's become well rated.Hugh Bowman galloped him on Thursday morning leading up to this event after the pair got into trouble last start.His record in this class and over this course and trip are terrific, so it's only a matter of time before he wins.
#6 JUICY DRAGON did very little in his debut run at Sha Tin over 1400m but he does possess reliable gate speed.He's since won a trial here at Happy Valley over 1200m by a big margin with apprentice Brittany Wong aboard.There's legitimate queries around his back-end strength but he'll find the lead comfortably which is what he wants.
Selections : 2,1,12,3,6
R3 - 1,5,2,7,10
R4 - 1,4,5,11,3
R5 - 5,4,8,7,1
Race 6
#3 CAN'T GO WONG has been extremely competitive at both runs back this preparation and draws ideally in gate 6.Mathew Chadwick rode him particularly well at Sha Tin recently which is a track that he rarely performs well at.Coming back to the 1800m at Happy Valley 3rd up seems a great option and despite the fact he doesn't win all the time, he should go very close.
#10 HAKKA RADIANCE was sharply away over the slightly longer trip 2nd up this campaign and got the money via a solid sustained gallop to the line. A change of track and 5lbs increase in weight didn't change that result second up after he again won narrowly.Now he eyes off a hat-trick with Zac Purton taking up the ride but he must firstly deal with the rise in grade.
#11 CELESTIAL PATCH ran a competitive race back in May at this track which would be good enough to measure up here.Furthermore, he's won a trial following his first up seventh with race jockey Andrea Atzeni aboard.The inside barrier creates options and he's working like a horse ready to improve.I'm expecting solid market support.
#2 FOREVER GLORIOUS changed stables during the off-season break and now resides under trainer Brett Crawford. He's moving fluently in the mornings and ran nicely first up over 1650m.He remains competitively rated on his overall career best and draws to do no work throughout the run.The check pieces going on does suggest he maybe lackadaisical but the strong tempo should further assist.
#5 MANAGEMENT FOLKS is a noted and reliable 2200m galloper here at Happy Valley but worthy of inclusion first up.He'll be out the back early doors conserving energy whilst the speed up front is likely to be hot.Hey maybe in need of the outing to improve fitness but he'll enjoy the race being run to suit.
Selections : 3,10,11,2,5
R7 - 1,4,6,2,9
R8 - 11,8,10,9,4
R9 - 8,2,10,2,3
R10 - 4,10,12,3,6
