Happy Valley Preview

Race One – GOOD BOY / HAR HAR AT HEART (EW)

Just a respectable effort by GOOD BOY last time but inconvenienced by a wide barrier. Ran over this trip on seasonal return at Sha Tin. Class-dropper.

HAR HAR AT HEART was a modest 10th on his seasonal bow but ran better than the placing suggests. With that run under his belt, and down 2Ib, he could be a different proposition under Alexis Badel.

Race Two – HAPPY JAI JAI / SMART BEAUTY (EW)

HAPPY JAI JAI was a good 3rd last time under Zac Purton. Back over his best trip of 1600M and the champ sticks.

SMART BEAUTY improved for his reappearance when landing a first podium finish behind Superb Move. Remaining off a career low mark, he can progress again under Brenton Avdulla.

Race Three – COMET SPLENDIDO / JUMBO FORTUNE (EW)

Harry Bentley takes the reins on the son of War Command. The Englishman finished 3rd and 2nd on the selection last season and missed his next run through suspension – it turned out to be Bentley’s loss and Zac Purton’s gain – So this is another opportunity on the Danny Shum 5YO, now 6Ib below his winning mark and following an encouraging return over an inadequate 1400M at Sha Tin.

No ride for Purton here. He was onboard Star Contact for his reappearance over C&D last month – the Star Turn gelding had all the favours from his low draw and ran well for third behind an impressive Rising From Ashes – the 2nd, 3rd, 6th, 7th and 8th lock horns once more.

Anyone’s guess who wins from that quintet but I’ll include JUMBO FORTUNE in my selections. So far, the combined talents of Tony Cruz, Casper Fownes and current handler, Pierre Ng have failed to win with the Pride Of Dubai gelding but he sits on a career low mark and will appreciate any give underfoot. Luke Ferraris maintains the partnership.

Race Four – GOLDEN LUCK (NB)

Lots to like about the son of Per Incanto. Lightly raced, his only success came under Zac Purton, onboard for his reappearance where they made most in the driving rain and were only reeled in close home. Drawn better this time, and off the same mark, he can gain compensation under the champ.

Race Five – ACE TALENT

I really found this a tough one to call but the tentative vote goes to the Caspar Fownes 5YO reunited with Alexis Badel.

Race Six – AWESOME TREASURE

Class-dropper Kilindini might find this too sharp a test on his seasonal bow. Party Warrior was predictably outclassed last time but an enigmatic sort and capable on a going day. Lyle Hewitson did everything right on Awesome Treasure except win on his return to action. Zac Purton takes over from the plum draw. A strike-rate of 1 win from 19 starts is nothing to write home about but he’s picked up the runner-up spot on five occasions and looks a genuine sort.

Race Seven – LEAN HERO (BB)

Quietly progressive with both wins achieved at this trip. The David Hayes 4YO enjoyed a light campaign last season, but still hit the target, overcoming trouble in running to score under today’s pilot, Hugh Bowman. His latest run, a highly encouraging fifth to Super Winner, was the perfect return to dust off the cobwebs and now lines up over his optimum distance from an excellent barrier.

Race Eight – LIGHTNING BOLT

Lightning Bolt added a new string to his bow when winning on the green stuff for the first time last month. Known for his exploits on the dirt, the son of Acclamation saluted under Purton at generous odds in a tight finish over Reward Smile. A 5Ib rise seems fair and the champ stays loyal. Of the others, Not Usual Star and Oriental Smoke finished last season out of sorts so it’s hard to say how they’ll perform. Gallant Waking has done all his winning over track and trip but was racing over further for the latter half of the season. A tricky race to bring the curtain down.