Brett Davis provides exclusive preview of Happy Valley races.

Rail - C Course

Race 1

#1 SUPERB MOVE put together a couple of extremely competitive performances in class 4 at the end of last season and now finds himself in class 5.Trainer Dennis Yip, after a couple of poor seasons, has numerous horses in his stable that are now well rated and this guy is right up the top of that list.He's the only runner in the opening event to have won a recent trial, so with Hugh Bowman atop and the inside gate to jump from, he's the one to beat.
#3 MIlLENIUM FALCON over raced and then tired at his first run back but you can guarantee he'll be better for the effort.His overall scorecard at Happy Valley reads poor but there have been sound efforts here in the past, and at a higher level.Ongoing issues with mucus in the trachea are his biggest concern, and have been for quite sometime, but he's scoped clean recently and therefore rates a top 3 prospect.
#5 DOUBLE SHOW is the runner that could surprise despite the fact he's never won a race.He's untried at a mile but has hit the line well on numerous occasions over the 1400m which indicates he's some chance.However, he's often ridden forward to find a handy position but is then unable to finish off his race.A conservative approach is the ideal and preferred tactical option.
#2 COPARTNER ERA had a relatively poor season last year with just 2 minor placings from 15 starts.With his last win off a rating of 51 points and over this course and distance he's very well placed, if anywhere near right.A fresh approach to his seasonal return has been uncomplicated with no official trial but 8 morning gallops, and his fluidity has responded particularly well to the change.
#6 SMART BEAUTY is the lowest rated galloper owned by the Kwok family I've ever witnessed and I'm extremely surprised he's still racing.The 4yo International Sales Graduate is almost void of competitive galloping ability and realistically should be doing something else, like dressage.The only hope is legendary horseman Tony Cruz has him to turn it all around, but that's unlikely.

Selections : 1,3,5,2,6

R2 - 4,1,7,2,3

R3 - 5,4,3,7,2

R4 - 5,2,3,6,1

R5 - 7,3,11,8,2

R6 - 10,3,1,6,8

Race 7

#2 JUNEAU FLASH was ultra consistent for most of last season and has trialled up nicely in preparation for his return.He moved well behind the field under race day rider Karis Teetan on dirt last week displaying plenty of residual fitness.He's often found trouble out the starting stalls, or been awkwardly away in many of his previous starts, so if he happens to get it right and settle closer then tonight is the night.
#3 KOKUSHI MUSOU ran well first up over the 1000m from an unenviable gate.He stuck on nicely after a particularly hard run deep off the track in a race not suited to his style.Stepping up to 1200m and drawing low creates the environment he's accustomed to, so he should run a very forward and credible race.
#1 BABY CRYSTAL has won a trial in the lead up and draws favourably in gate 2.He's a big strapping unit who's performed when fresh in the past but the 135lbs he must shoulder has troubled him before.The key to victory is in the hands of local star hoop Vincent Ho, who needs a high speed gallop throughout, because he struggles to produce a turn of foot.Departing the stable of current champion trainer John Size in the off season break is also a likely tip in itself.
#8 TOGEPI won his final race last season for the now defunct Tony Millard stable but Hugh Bowman retains the ride.It was a win well overdue and he put the opposition away nicely with a sustained turn of speed.Both horse and rider took a spin around this track in a trial 10 days ago but appeared in need of the run.So I'd be watching the market closely to see what it suggests.
#10 ROUND THE GLOBE hasn't run a bad race since his debut and should be a much improved galloper this season.The blinkers go on for the first time, replacing the cheek pieces, and he trialling in them 10 days ago.His best results have come from a conservative tactical approach and he's going well enough to feature.

Selections : 2,3,1,8,10

R8 - 4,5,6,1,9

R9 - 1,7,10,3,2