Brett Davis provides exclusive preview of Happy Valley races.

Rail - B Course

Race 1

#3 CLASSIC ARCHI arrived to Hong Kong on a rating of 70 so he's extremely well in on his overseas form. Acclimatisation and a bout of colic are the reasons for his regression in the handicap but he's certainly not the first European galloper to struggle with relocation. The former French horse was unbeaten from 2 starts in his homeland before losing form but the signs over the past
few months say that's about to change.
#4 FIERY FLING is bred to run 2000m and beyond so he'll really appreciate getting to the 1800m for the first time. Tony Cruz took over the training from David Hayes towards the end of last season and he's exactly the type of mentor this galloper needs. Tony Cruz trains his horse hard and relentless so the lazy streak embedded in this guy's approach is currently under fire, therefore expect a good run.
#2 HAPPY JAI JAI was given a three point relief during the off season break and with Purton jumping on, from the good draw, he's going to be right in commission. Only Jo Moreira has been good enough to extract the wins and he did that on 3 occasions, in succession, back in season 21/22. A trial win at Conghua in August has him ready to rock and he draws to receive the run of the race.
#1 LOYAL AMBITION is the only runner in this event to have won a race last season and he achieved that over the 2200m. He also filled minor positions on 7 other occasions from 14 starts so he's quite reliable regarding endeavour. A trial leading in over the insufficient 1200m was borderline satisfactory, but the 7lbs claim for inform local rider Angus Chung is pure gold.
#5 SUPER BUDDY has struggled from the outset with racing and its challenges but he does possess some gate speed. Finding the lead in the night's opening event appears achievable, with a long run down the home stretch, and that's exactly where he likes to race. When push comes to shove he doesn't generally find a great deal but his track work leading in has been solid.

Selections : 3,4,2,1,5

R2 - 8,3,5,6,2

Race 3

#7 DRAGON STAR almost pulled off a monster early season result for this column when he did everything the hard way on debut. Incredibly, he was sent out as the outsider of the field despite the fact he'd won a trial at Conghua by more than 20 lengths. The ride was acceptable from the outside alley because he had to lead, but when you're forced to run a 27.54 lead time, you're officially cooked. With the inside gate to leave from this time around we'll be hoping for the best possible result.
#1 OWNERS' PRAISE should have definitely finished closer at Sha Tin last Sunday after being held up at a vital point in the home straight. He displayed a liking for Happy Valley last season with 2 placings from 3 starts. The movement of Zac Purton to FLYING SIlVER is baffling, considering he rode this horse on Sunday and did all the lead up work, but perhaps it's an administration oversight with the quick back in play.
#5 JUNE PLANET has been ultra consistent since he began his career last season and rocked up in fine form on opening day at Sha Tin. Hugh Bowman saw that encouraging effort and quickly zoned in on the ride, bumping fellow Australian Brendan Avdulla out of the saddle in the process. With a strong 1200m gallop witnessed Monday morning he's in line to run well.
#2 FLYING SILVER won 3 races last season over the 1800m and encouragingly all at Happy Valley. His form tapered off towards the end of that campaign but he gave the impression he was progressive and had further rating points in hand. The majority of his recent track work was completed at Conghua where he appeared in reasonable shape. His barrier trial nevertheless was graded inconclusive after he bungled the start.
#3 PRINCE ALEX was placed at listed level in Melbourne/Australia prior to arrival so he should be competitive in a race of this nature and depth. That being said, he struggled to find any rhythm or continuity last season so questions surrounding his commitment to the cause are valid. On the flip side, he did produced a reasonable performance when travelling to Happy Valley in May, so perhaps a return to the city circuit can bring about a positive result.

Selections : 7,1,5,2,3

R4 - 9,1,11,2,3

R5 - 3,2,5,7,9

R6 - 4,9,7,1,3

R7 - 1,2,7,5,6

R8 - 6,11,7,1,4