Happy Valley Preview

Race One – THETA HEDGE

The son of Harbour Watch has a modest strike-rate but generally gives his running. His sole victory came over 1650M but outings at the end of last season saw him reinvented as a sprinter with 3 placings over track and trip. The Francis Lui contender remains 3Ib above his winning mark but trialled well last week when runner-up to Gorgeous Vitality on the AWT. The selection breaks from barrier 6 and his gate speed should see him prominent under Matthew Poon where 9 go to post.
Vamos looms as a huge threat under Hugh Bowman. The David Hall 6YO knocked on the door last season but remains a maiden after 22 starts. The ability is there but he’s a frustrating customer and it might pay to tread carefully. Goodmanship is another to consider – The son of Al Maher scored over track and trip last year and is back on the same mark. From gate 2, the excellent Lyle Hewitson will give him every opportunity. Multimore is a two-time winner at Happy Valley, and while that was over 1000M, he must be respected as the chosen ride of Zac Purton.

Race Two – DURHAM STAR

Both wins have come over shorter but he signed off last season with runner-up spots at this trip. South African, Luke Ferraris hands the reins over to fellow countryman Lyle Hewitson, the latter onboard when it mattered, including a winning reappearance last term. Back on the same mark, and with an encouraging barrier trial (under Andrea Atzeni) behind him, the Deep Field gelding makes plenty appeal from his handy draw. D Star is an obvious danger for Tony Cruz. The son of Darci Brahma ended last season with an authoritative victory over C&D and rates highly off 7Ib higher. Danny Shum saddles Nice Birdie, yet to win in 10 local starts but on a fair mark with Purton taking the reins – an obvious positive though he is 0-4 on the son of Kodiac.

Race Three – LUCKY ARCHANGEL

Bowman takes the ride on the triple C&D winner. The selection would have gone close last time with a clearer passage but compensation awaits. Gate 5 is ideal and he returns to the fray off a competitive mark. H Z Tourbillon couldn’t build on last season’s neck second to Winning Icey but sits on an attractive mark. Snowalot won twice last season under Hewitson and team up with each way claims.

Race Four – JOY COMING (Best Bet)

A winner on his last start, Joy Coming can record back-to-back success for Francis Lui. The runner-up, Wind Speeder looks for revenge on 6Ib better terms but lacks the winner’s unexposed profile, who limbered up for this with an encouraging trial over the straight track at Sha Tin. From barrier 3 the selection can defy a 5Ib rise under Keith Yeung. Others to consider include Happy Soul for Danny Shum – the Shooting To Win gelding hit the target over track and trip last season and Purton takes the ride. High Percentage is an interesting contender on just his fourth local start. He disappointed last time but ran a cracker two back when second to Solar Partner.

Race Five – HAMERON

Formerly with Chris Waller, the Night Of Thunder gelding wasted little time adapting to his new surroundings. He got off the mark for his new trainer, Francis Lui on only his fourth local start when edging out Zone D over 1800M. A 5Ib rise seems fair and he comes into the race after a pleasing barrier trial under his regular pilot, Luke Ferraris. Having proved his effectiveness over a variety of distances, the return to 1650M is unlikely to be an issue and he’s slightly preferred to Splendid Living, the mount of Zac Purton. The Ricky Yiu 6YO shone last season with 3 victories and looks set for a big run. Others to consider include Eighteen Palms, from the Danny Shum stable, and top-weight, California Voce.

Race Six – GORGEOUS VITALITY

Made his belated seasonal return last December and failed to build on some early promise. As a consequence, has been given an opportunity by the handicapper and competes in class 4 company for the first time in 16 months. A recent barrier trial success confirms his well-being and his ‘one time’ rating of 71 is more than any of his rivals can muster. Sergeant Pepper ended last season on a high note when edging out Oversubscribed over track and trip – both return with each way prospects. Super Commander and Circuit Seven are last start winners worth considering, along with Pachisi, a diminutive son of Per Incanto who once again has to overcome a wide barrier.

Race Seven – HEROIC MASTER (Next Best)

The Frankie Lor 5YO was unable to build on his C&D success of last season but there are reasons to expect a bold show on return. Off 68 he’s only 3Ib above his winning mark and the booking of Zac Purton speaks for itself. His last four runs have been over 1200M, but in my opinion the minimum trip is his optimum and from the rail draw can stalk the pace, pretty much guaranteed with trailblazer, Super Axiom drawn next door. Of the others, take your pick. Atomic Force, formerly trained in England by Kevin Ryan, is useful on his day while Harmony N Blessed returned to something like his old self last season and sure to go well. California Deeply is well drawn under Matthew Chadwick but looks in the grip of the handicapper for the time being.

Race Eight – ARMOUR EAGLE (Each Way)

Formerly with Me Tsui, Armour Eagle has held his form well for Jamie Richards. Signing off last season with an excellent second to Reward Smile, the son of Epaulette has bagged the rail draw and talented Harry Bentley maintains the partnership. Excellent Peers has enjoyed a successful 18 months and holds decent prospects with the handicapper starting to relent. In an ultra competitive heat, chances can also be given to Reward Smile and One For All, the latter with Mark Newnham, a new addition to the Hong Kong training ranks.