Brett Davis provides exclusive preview of Happy Valley races.
Rail - C Course
Race 1
#1 CHEERS FOR SOUTH is yet to win in Hong Kong but it's not from a lack of grit and determination.He only commenced racing in February this season, following an injury in-forced lay off, but has since put together four encouraging runs.The handicappers have also allowed him to drop in grade and combined with the booking of a 7lbs claiming rider, he now appears well placed.I would expect he'll attempt to cross the field from the wide barrier and be difficult to apprehend.
#10 AUGUST MOON has put together an ordinary campaign this time in and subsequently dropped along way in the handicap ratings.In his defence, the majority of those poor results are partially due to wide barriers and checkered paths during the run.With a good ride and ideal barrier on his side last start an improved result was obtained, and it's likely he'll receive the same opportunity tonight.However, with Zac Purton aboard you'll be forced to take under the odds.
#8 TIMESTORM has been a disappointing purchase who continually catches the eye and he did that again last start over the shorter journey of 1000m.Hugh Bowman is a rider that's been able to extract honest efforts from him on most occasions in the past so he remains worthy of consideration.There's no doubt his best effort would be good enough to have him in the finish but he's running out of chances to get it done.
#7 VIVA A LA is enjoying a consistent and prosperous season for connections and reads as the first runner to find the rail from the nice draw.He won with plenty in hand over this course and trip, after settling just off speed three runs back, before crunching the leaders over the later stages to score.He'll need to raise the bar if he's to produce another win but the extra strength gained from a run over 1650m last start shall assist.
#11 CIRCUIT SPLENDOR is your typical inconsistent and unreliable class 5 competitor but tonight worthy of thought.He's drawn nicely and expected to position up handy, according to many speed maps, which gives him the precise run in transit he requires.He ran a strong race under very similar conditions in December last year and the same jockey is booked to ride.A must include for all exotics.
Selections : 1,10,8,7,11
R2 - 9,2,5,4,1
Race 3
#3 NOBLE PURSUIT is furnishing into a handy galloper and there's definitely more wins install as continues to strengthen.Ironically, he's started favourite on three seperate occasions in his short career and unfortunately been beaten every time.He won a race over this course and trip in February with absolute class and in the process defeated a subsequent winner.The 1800m suits perfectly following a hard finishing third last start behind FLAMING TRILLION, where tightening at the 500m cost him the win.
#7 FLAMING TRILLION was the runner down in the weights that caught the eye last start and he was able to get it done courtesy of a top class ride.He's only having his third start at Happy Valley tonight, so improvement is on the cards, but at the same time penalised 4lbs for the aforementioned win.That being said, he raced against high quality animals during the his early runs this campaign and certainly held his own.He'll race handy from the draw and therefore rates highly.
#2 GALLANT WAKING again reunites with his good friend Vincent Ho and the pair have notched up four wins and multiple minor placings in the past.He's was untried over the 1800m up until last start but closed in well, despite over racing through the early meters.A career high rating and 134lbs shall certainly create some challenges, but on the flip side, a perfect draw assures he'll do no work in the run.
#1 WINNING DRAGON hasn't won off a rating higher than 74 so despite the good draw is probably worth of taking on.Nevertheless, he has positional speed which shall make him difficult to cross and find an alternative position near the rail.With 135lbs to shoulder and a rise to 1800m also on the table he appears under the pump, however, he's honest and doesn't generally give up on the chase.
#5 AWESOME FLUKE is having his first start for the new stable of Ricki Yui and is on the verge of improvement.The former Australian participated in numerous quality 3yo events in Sydney before eventually winning the Gp2 WATC Derby in Perth.It was definitely a rush trying to get him ready for the Hong Kong 4yo classic series and his performances ended up highlighting that fact.However, a recent trial for the new trainer did display positive signs.
Selections : 3,7,2,1,5
R4 - 7,4,6,3,1
R5 - 4,5,11,2,8
R6 - 9,5,2,12,11
R7 - 3,4,7,6,9
R8 - 2,12,3,7,1
R9 - 2,10,6,1,7
