Happy Valley preview

Race One – 3 CLASSIC ARCHI

The son of Archipenko gets the vote in the opener and has the services of Hugh Bowman. The selection, unbeaten in France under Rosario Mangione, has yet to hit the board in Hong Kong but signed off last season in fine form.

Race Two – 1 SAVVY CHIC

Last seen when third to Joyful Hunter over track and trip, the Frankie Lor 5YO returns with Hugh Bowman keeping the faith. He races off a 2Ib higher mark, but with only 9 local runs has plenty of upside.

Race Three – 3 PRINCE ALEX

A trappy looking race that makes little appeal from a punting perspective. The selection is winless after 14 local runs but well handicapped as a result. Andrea Atzeni, buoyed by an early breakthrough success aboard Mega Bonus, takes the ride for Douglas Whyte.

Race Four – 7 HAR HAR AT HEART

Hails from a yard that takes time to click into top-gear but an interesting contender on just his eighth local run. Yet to win but appreciated the class drop when an improved sixth to Starry Night on his penultimate start. Similar display last time when a never nearer fifth to Circuit Seven under Karis Teetan. Caught the eye on his latest trial when a strong travelling third to Fighting Star over the Conghua straight. Given that was 3 weeks back, I’m hopeful that the John Size 5YO is primed for a big run under Brenton Avdulla. The Sydney Champion Jockey of 2017/18 is securing a few rides for the multiple champion trainer, including a neck second on Red Desert at the weekend. I reckon the selection will return to 1200M in the near future but from an advantageous barrier nothing will be finishing better. An obvious danger is Tronic Mighty, the likely favourite under Zac Purton. The Headwater gelding returned from 137 days off to win for his new trainer last season. Jamie Richards is 0-8 so far but with the champ booked his chance is clear. Viva A La shed the maiden tag on his final start last season, a victory that leave Peter Ho two shy of the Jockey Club’s performance benchmark. Now in the care of Manfred Man, the Showcasing gelding has sufficient toe to be competitive over the minimum trip.

Race 5 – 3 GALVANIC

Went close for Jamie Richards last season with three runner-up spots and a third. Making his debut for in-form Caspar Fownes, the son of Ilovethiscity looks to have found a winning opportunity under Vincent Ho. Magic Supreme ended the season in winning form under Zac Purton and they combine off a workable 5Ib higher mark. However, all his wins have come at Sha Tin and he’s never finished higher than fifth in 10 visits to the City Circuit. Melbourne Hall won twice last season over track and trip last season. Reunited with Hugh Bowman from the rail draw, his chance is there but a mark in the 50s has always proved beyond him. Ricky Yiu has begun the season well and Island Bright, despite the wide draw, looks an interesting debutant under Alexis Badel. The Frenchman rode him to a recent trial success, a marked improvement on his previous barrier under Derek Leung.

Race 6 – 7 STAR CONTACT

An impossible looking race where the speculative vote goes to Star Contact for David Hayes. As the chosen mount of Zac Purton he makes the most appeal.

Race 7 – 3 MAJESTIC KNIGHT

A cracking sprint where I’ll take the son of Redoute’s Choice to make a winning return. He races off a 15Ib higher mark than his solitary win last year but deserves to hit the target under Lyle Hewitson. Barrier 7 is a middling launchpad for a habitual front-runner but my guess is that E Universe will blast to the front under Angus Chung and play the hare. In a race full of possibilities, Solid Impact is second pick under Zac Purton. They combined to win on debut last season off a 9Ib lower mark. Luke Ferraris has started the season well and partners Allgreektome for David Hayes. The Scissor Kick gelding saves his best for track and trip and scored by two lengths from Kokushi Musou for his only success. He’s well drawn in gate 2 for a repeat. Toronado Phantom is well handicapped while similar comments apply to Keep You Warm on debut for trainer, Mark Newnham. Formerly with Francis Lui, he lost his way last season but won off 89, defeating Lucky With You and Explosive Witness. There’s nothing like that class of opposition here and a return to anything approaching that form gives him every chance under Hugh Bowman.

Race 8 – 7 GALAXY WITNESS

Began his career with a perfect 4 from 4 but 0-15 since despite numerous good runs. Retuned this season with an encouraging fourth to The Golden Scenery and every chance off the same mark under Vincent Ho.