Danica looks the right choice at Happy Valley
In-form sprinter Danica’s Choice looks well placed to complete a double in Race 10, the Class 3 Handicap over 1200m at Happy Valley on Sunday.
Danica’s Choice, to be ridden by Andrea Atzeni, has shown marked improvement with two wins and a second from his last three starts. After being narrowly denied a first Class 3 victory two starts ago, the son of Swiss Ace not only made amends last time out but did so in emphatic fashion.
Heavily backed into even-money favouritism, he unleashed a strong turn of foot to overhaul his rivals before drawing clear in the concluding stages to score by 1.75 lengths over this track and distance. Notably, the form has since been franked, with runner-up Leading Agility winning convincingly at his next start.
Despite an eight-point penalty, Danica’s Choice remains the one they all have to beat this week, and a Class 3 double looks well within reach.
Four-year-old gelding Falcon Hunter looks primed to shed his maiden tag in the Class 5 Handicap over 1200m.
Falcon Hunter has shown marked improvement since dropping to Class 5 two starts ago, finishing runner-up on both occasions. The US Navy Flag gelding was beaten by only a length in a strong race two starts ago, with the winner subsequently performing well in Class 4, before being narrowly denied over this track and distance last time out. He is edging closer to a win and looks one to follow. – iRACE Magazine
Race-by-Race Previews
Race 1: Falcon Hunter has finished runner-up at both starts since dropping to Class 5 and, with the in-form Nichola Yuen aboard, looks poised to break through from a low gate. Always Fluke suited by the drop back to 1200m and is expected to show improvement. Von Baer charged home strongly to claim second last start and appears well weighted to repeat the effort. Dash caught the eye flashing home late last start but the slightly awkward draw may prove tricky. Russet Glow was not beaten far in his last two starts in Class 4 and should relish the drop to Class 5.
Race 2: Flying Boom boasts strong Sha Tin form and looks primed to run a big race on his Happy Valley debut. Luck Is Back narrowly beaten last start but may need to spend some petrol to find the lead from the wide draw this time. Exceed The Limit can make his presence felt again under similar conditions following a fast-finishing third. Vermilion Tempest ran on well to finish just outside the money last start but his inconsistency remains a concern. Sturdy Ruby a veteran who has dropped to a competitive mark and should not be overlooked
Race 3: Incredible Moment produced an encouraging on-pace effort from a wide gate last start and has drawn well to go one better. King Oberon trapped wide but still stuck on gamely for fourth last time out and, with a smoother run, can make amends. Country Pride comes off two consecutive thirds but will need some luck after drawing wide again. Vigor Eye possesses good early speed and could sneak into the placings if allowed a soft lead. Somelovefromabove his last few efforts have been disappointing, but he may show improvement with blinkers applied for the first time.
Race 4: Georgian Sigma finished a solid second despite the wide trip last start, and an inside gate should give him a good chance to make amends. Ghorgan a wide trip blunted his winning chances last start, and he gets another look. Looking Bright the drop back in distance and a better draw may spark improvement, and he could prove a value pick. Superb King has proven costly for followers but is worth considering again if his odds represent value. Super Sixty resumed with an impressive first-up win but the wide draw and weight rise raise concerns.
Race 5: Dragon Four Seas would likely have finished closer with a clearer run on his return to Class 4 last start and looks one to follow. Tin Fook finished second in a strong race last start, and the form has since been franked. World Hero narrowly denied last start but it may not be easy to reproduce the effort from an awkward gate. Gameplayer Elite is expected to produce an improved effort with added fitness after a modest first-up performance. Winning Money can give them something to catch if able to cross early from the wide gate.
Race 6: In a wide-open contest, Romantic Laos is well below his last winning mark and shapes as a leading contender. Absolute Honour made all last start, though aided by a slow tempo, and can repeat the dose if able to dictate again. Kyrus Treasure resumes off a quiet trial and looks capable of securing a cross-season hat-trick if he is anywhere near his best. Casa Rochester has kept posting fast final sectionals and can unleash a strong finish if the pace suits. Romantic Fantasy scored a narrow win three starts ago and looks more of a place chance with the weight rise.
Race 7: Rising Force the booking of Nichola Yuen enhances his winning prospects, and he appears well weighted to play a key role. Turquoise Velocity an in-form frontrunner, he comes off three consecutive placings and warrants respect. Lucky With You one of the standouts on collateral form and should run well despite the top weight. Sight Hermoso produced a fast-finishing fifth first-up and can make his presence felt under a light weight. Young Champion better than his recent form suggests and could cause an upset on his day.
Race 8: Jumbo Blessing has completed a hat-trick in Class 4 and looks capable of landing a fourth straight win despite stepping up to Class 3. Lucy In The Sky on a four-day back-up off a solid second and must be considered a strong contender. Candlelight Dinner the drop in class and apprentice claim are both positives, and he looks well placed to deliver a bold showing. Glowing Praises boasts a reliable record over this distance and must be included among the better chances. Eternal Fortune produced a fair effort last start and could place at odds.
Race 9: Dazzling Fit copped a nasty check in the concluding stages last start and can make amends with better luck in running. Prestige Good stuck on well for third off a blistering tempo last start and is well placed with the apprentice claim. Blossomy caught wide last time out and has drawn well to deliver a strong performance, as he has done from favourable gates before. Flying Fortress has mixed form but should not be overlooked given he is a two-time winner in this class. Turin Champions possesses tactical versatility and remains a chance despite the rise in class.
Race 10: Danica’s Choice comes off an impressive first-up win and looks capable of securing a Class 3 double despite the wide draw. Packing King didn’t handle the AWT last start and deserves another chance with the switch back to turf. King Lotus posted the fastest final sectional last start and could surprise at value. Flying Wrote may have reached his rating ceiling but could finish in the money. The Heir scored an easy win last start but the barrier shift from 1 to 12 poses a significant challenge.