Brett Davis provides exclusive preview of Happy Valley races.
Rail - A Course
Race 1
#2 HAPPY JAI JAI has carried the weight well his past three start's and is expected to dish up that same level of output tonight. At the end of the day, the option to claim 7lbs, via the booking of apprentice Angus Chung, appears an astute decision by trainer Benno Yeung and should make up the marginal difference. All other race specifics are perfectly in place so a highly positive result is anticipated.
#10 BEAUTY NOVA has his toe on the till but he just can't seem to break through for the win. Options are running out for the twenty seven start maiden with compulsory retirement imminent, if he's unable to pinch a race shortly. Zac Purton went desperately close to a victory earlier in the season, and recently here at Happy Valley, so a bond is somewhat established. The longer journey of 1650m is a minor concern but he continues racing well enough to feature.
#1 CHARIZARD was to good for HAPPY JAI JAI here in May courtesy of a superb tactical ride and favourable inside draw. With gate one on his side tonight, plus the return to class 5 and Happy Valley, his hopes of finding the frame are increased. A recent lameness issue, found the day after his last race, has been quickly absorbed and he's up and ready for more action.
#3 SON Of MAKFI has found his way back into class 5 and is the trickiest runner to assess. A variety of tracks, surfaces and distance over the past six months, without results, have enabled him to drop significantly in the ratings, but how he's actually going remains perplexing. The market fluctuations should provide clues and are the best guide, but remember he's a two time winner over this track and trip, and in a higher grade.
#9 JUBILATION was thrashed over the 2200m recently but is a runner of interest back in trip. He normally requires the 1800m to do his best but from a low draw should position handy without doing any work. Residual fitness from races over longer likely allow him to find the line with strength, which gives him a chance.
Selections : 2,10,1,3,9
R2 - 2,6,1,3,5
R3 - 6,10,1,5,4
R4 - 5,7,4,11,3
R5 - 7,12,4,1,11
R6 - 3,5,1,10,6
R7 - 1,8,6,2,5
R8 - 1,5,11,8,6
Race 9
#6 REWARD SMILE had six starts in the United Kingdom before a Hong Kong victory on debut at a big price. He then followed up with another terrific effort, after half missing the start, when runner up in a strong class 3 run in fast time. Connections have an astute purchase under the care of trainer John Size and he'll be winning races. Happy Valley has proven challenging for the 3yo at his first two attempts, but he's a talent that'll take plenty of beating third time around.
#2 MAJESTIC KNIGHT is another good honest thoroughbred that rarely runs a bad or dishonest race. He possesses the power to find the lead and thereafter set the race speed. His ability to close out the 1200m at this level remains a hurdle, plus, the equal top weight of 135lbs shall be difficult to shoulder to victory.
#1 LUCKY EIGHT is a consistent dedicated conveyance that appears to be hovering around his handicap mark. Top weight verses the excellent draw seem to cancel each other out, but a top jockey and blinkers first time are expected to elevate his prospects. With excellent tactical speed he'll be in the hunt and a difficult runner to reel back.
#5 ARMOUR EAGLE enjoys a strong record over the Happy Valley 1200m and is a two time winner in this class. He's been ridden aggressively, or upside down recently, and thereafter resented being restrained at the jump last start. A conservative approach is again likely from the inside barrier, and his own personal closing splits are nearing his best.
#7 SMART IDEA performed well first up from a lengthy break after a bled in January put him out of play. He'd suffered a delayed start to the season, following a gut busting campaign last time in, but ultimately accumulated four wins and multiple placings. Question marks surrounding his soundness second up are now water under the bridge, so expect him thereabouts.
Selections : 6,2,1,5,7
