Brett Davis provides exclusive Preview of Happy Valley races.
Rail - C Course
Race 1
#2 WINNING HEART did it the hard way after drawing the outside gate over this course and trip two runs back but was still good enough to secure the win. It was a case of deja vu for he and Alexis Badel last start, after drawing gate 12, but unfortunately it didn't roll there way early on and they were unable to slot in. That fate should turn itself back around tonight from the ideal starting position in gate 4, and therefore create another golden opportunity to win.
#1 TRIUMPHANT WARRIOR has had legitimate excuses at his past couple but prior was running well over this course and distance.With a drop into class 5 for the first time now on the table Zac Purton once again dials up for the ride.His own sectional data when placing 2nd and 3rd in February/March would cover this opposition pound for pound, however, top weight and a wide gate creates risk.
#7 SO AWESOME doesn't shuffle along as quickly as he once could but nevertheless continues to race with great enthusiasm.He shared the lead last outing before battling with heart down the stretch but narrowly went down on the line.It all sets up similarly here with the speed map suggesting he leads on his own, while Hugh Bowman jumps back aboard for a third time lucky attempt at the win.
#4 MODEST GENTLEMEN has been unable to gain clear running at crucial stages during his last two attempts which has arguably cost him a win.He now transitions back to Happy Valley for a crack at the 1200m and he's had plenty of race experience here before.Both career wins were established in this class last season so despite a tricky gate he's entitled to solid respect.
#12 MULTIDARLING is difficult to follow with any confidence but he's clearly enjoyed being back at Happy Valley.The check pieces being added at his past couple have also improved his approach and tonight they're upgraded to blinkers for the very first time.Furthermore, he's drawn low with a chance of racing handier to the speed which makes him worthy of inclusion.
Selections : 2,1,7,4,12
R2 - 1,5,7,8,10
Race 3
#4 THUNDER PRINCE has the experience of a 4th run at Happy Valley following a luckless and narrow defeat last start. The rise in distance to 1200m work out perfectly on that occasion but unfortunately he got caught up in traffic congestion at a pivotal time. He remains a world wide maiden at this point, however it shouldn't be long before that's changed, because he was a G2 runner up in Brisbane/Australia at his second career start.
#1 FUN ELITE has been competing in higher graded races for most of the season with the majority of those events conducted at Sha Tin.A switch back to Happy Valley, whilst dropping in grade, appears a winning formula particularly when you add Zac Purton to the mix.Nevertheless, when analysing the weight to shoulder, from a potentially unsettling middle range draw, you'd anticipate an aggressive ride early in an attempt to cross and lead.
#7 ViCTOR THE RAPID participated in his first race for the new stable of Pierre Ng here last start and settled in a position worse than mid-field during the run.He then cut loose with a blinding final 400m whilst being difficult to handle and steer down the straight.I'm not sure what to expect from a tactical sense this time around but he does seem to have a decent sized engine residing quietly under the bonnet.
#10 VULCANUS is yet to win in this grade from sixteen attempts but in his defence has finished second on five occasions.It's a case of third time lucky for the in form Kegan De Melo, and when you analyse the stats they should receive every opportunity from the nice draw.Nevertheless, his overall record says no for the win, but he can certainly be thrown in to the multiples.
#2 FLYING TING LOK is still yet to find his feet, and prove his worth, but he may look to cart across with FUN ELITE.The pair have an opportunity to cross the field together through the first behind and set up one/two positions in front.What he's has to offer when they push for the judge is questionable at this stage, therefore, he must further improve on what he's dished up so far.
Selections : 4,1,7,10,2
R4 - 1,5,3,7,3
R5 - 2,3,5,4,9
R6 - 8,2,3,6,9
R7 - 3,2,7,1,5
R8 - 8,7,3,2,12
R9 - 1,7,12,5,3
