Brett Davis provides exclusive Preview of Happy Valley races.
Rail - C Course
Race 1
#1 ALWAYS MY FOLKS put in a solid performance at his first attempt in class 5 after being intensely pressured for the lead right throughout the event.The blinkers are now exchanged to a visor and a tongue tie goes on with both adjustments expected to be worthy.Another low draw for jockey Karis Teetan provides the desired option to sit in, which in turn brings should bring about a positive result now up in trip to 1200m.
#12 EVER SMART is the lowest rated competitor in the event but wouldn't be the first to break his maiden status under such circumstance.Hollie Doyle teams up again after the pair missed the jump horribly last start before running on strongly at the end.With the blinkers now off, and the visor going on, it's hoped he'll react more swiftly to the starters call, which could easily make up the required ground.
#9 DOUBLE BINGO has been the most consistent class 5 galloper all season and displayed versatility recently by breaking through on the turf for his first win.Generally, he's been renowned for his better efforts on the all weather track but has now added another string to his bow.The wide drawn shouldn't matter because he gets back in the field but more importantly he remains in the grade.
#11 GLORIOUS EXPERT found the line with solid power over the 1000m last start and that effort came from the unenviable outside barrier draw.Tonight, he exits from a much lower gate which entitles him to the run of the race behind a likely solid speed.Jockey Richard Kingscote is riding well despite the fact he's only notched up the one win, so he's worthy of including.
#2 INNO CENTURY tired over the final stages of his first up contest but the effort was encouraging up until that point.He was then awkwardly away at his most recent outing and never in a winning position at any point.His effort behind HARMONY N HOME and GIANT LEAP earlier in the year would clearly have him in this finish, so be weary now that he's dropped into class 5.
Selections : 1,12,9,11,2
Race 2
#1 STAR BROSE has been a costly conveyance for punters, but conversely, produced a career best performance recently when ridden cold.The drop into class 5 was highly beneficial on that occasion and with his confidence now on the up, he's ready to win.Recent experience around Happy Valley, Hugh Bowman to again ride and a perfect low gate in barrier 4 all merge together nicely, creating his first opportunity to win.
#8 DRACO arrived in the stable of Brett Crawford recently following three solid runs at Sha Tin under trainer Ricky Yui.He was extremely unlucky and should've arguably won two starts ago but was caught up in traffic for a large portion of the home stretch.Another encouraging 3rd place last start says his hoof is on the till, so he's graded one of the more difficult runners to defeat.
#7 PANDA LEGEND is a lightly raced 7yo who's unfortunately suffered multiple leg injuries throughout his career.He won a race in class 4 over 1400m at Sha Tin impressively two seasons back before injury unfortunately got in the way.He found his way into class 5 at the tail end of last term with better movement and minor results following.The query is however, can he handle the track and challenge of Happy Valley.
#6 WINDICATOR FAMILY carried solid form going into his opening run at Sha Tin and performed well enough to finish 3rd.He then dropped off the radar at his next couple of starts but nevertheless should be kept safe after drawing well in gate 5.Has he turned the corner remains the unanswered question, after arriving on a rating of 70 points, but he adores the city circuit and shouldn't be overlooked.
#3 THUNDER BLINK has dropped 25 rating points since winning his first two starts as a griffin in early 2024.He completely lost his way following the aforementioned wins and was consequently gelded shortly thereafter.His two runs back this preparation have added fitness whilst also quietly indicating that he may be ready to fire.
Selections : 1,8,7,6,3
R3 - 5,6,10,4,2
R4 - 8,10,5,4,3
R5 - 5,3,2,6,7
R6 - 6,1,7,9,5
R7 - 5,1,8,3,7
R8 - 3,1,7,6,4
R9 - 6,4,1,5,3
