Two do battle in Happy Valley Handicap
The Class 3 Handicap over 1200m at Happy Valley on Wednesday features two leading contenders, and it is difficult to separate them on paper given their strong recent form at different tracks.
Happy Index, who will be ridden by Hugh Bowman, arrives at the city circuit off a series of encouraging performances at Sha Tin. The son of I Am Invincible defeated the talented Rising Force in this grade three starts ago before finishing a solid second to Jubilant Winner, who won a quality race at Happy Valley last week. Last time out, his chances were hindered by a wide draw, but he still produced a gallant third after showing good early speed.
Meanwhile, Giant Ballon shapes as the main danger, having completed a dominant double over this track and distance, albeit in Class 4. On both occasions, he led from start to finish by a clear margin, suggesting he has the ability to handle the rise in class this week.
Three-year-old gelding Crossborderdude looks well placed to secure his second career win when he lines up in the Class 4 Handicap over 1200m.
Crossborderdude has been remarkably consistent, finishing in the placings at each of his last five starts, including a breakthrough win at Sha Tin four runs back despite a wide draw. Following a narrow third two starts ago, he was hindered by a slow start on his Happy Valley debut last time out. Despite that setback, the son of El Roca finished strongly to be beaten just 1.25 lengths into third over this track and distance.
While he carries top weight this week, Crossborderdude appears to have found a suitable race, and his consistency should be rewarded, with further improvement likely as a three-year-old.
Race-by-Race Previews
Race 1: Perfect Pairing finished strongly last start despite an awkward jump, and with a clean getaway, he could make amends. Celestial Harmony his recent efforts on the AWT have been encouraging, and the return to turf, where he is a two-time winner, should pose no problem. Dashing Maurison with blinkers applied for the first time, he is expected to settle closer to the speed and produce an improved effort. Kasa Papa can bounce back anytime in this grade, but the wide draw could prove tricky. Family Fortune comes off a narrow last-start win and remains a strong contender.
Race 2: The Perfect Match eased in the ratings and looks to have found a winnable race, with many rivals out of form. Honest Wit- ness made all to break through last start, and with Purton staying aboard, a double is within reach. King Glorioso the inside draw suits his positive racing style and should see him prominent on the pace. Very Grateful likes to get back and charge home late, and can surprise at odds under the right race shape. Everstar suited by the return to Happy Valley, where his best form lies, and he shapes as a value pick.
Race 3: Star Brose has been knocking on the door and the booking of Purton could be exactly what he needs. Noble Pursuit showed improvement with a solid fourth last start and looks one to follow as Bowman takes the reins. Smart City boasts consistent recent form and is well weighted in this marathon contest. Double Win caught the eye flashing home late last start and is now near his last winning mark. Romantic Fantasy has yet to miss the frame from his last five starts and must be respected despite the wide draw.
Race 4: Crossborderdude has raced well at Sha Tin and comes off a slashing third on his Happy Valley debut three weeks ago. Find My Love on a dangerous mark, he should enjoy a smooth trip from a low draw, and the booking of Bowman is another positive. Ace Power has posted the fastest final sectionals in his last two starts and should figure in the finish. Heroic Master may adopt more positive tactics with the rise in distance, though he’s not prolific over 1200m. Bright Day finished a close second with heavy market support last start, but the awkward draw poses a challenge.
Race 5: Gameplayer Elite has been in career-best form and looks poised to go one better from a favourable draw. Thunder Prince capitalised on a low draw to break through in style last week and could repeat the dose if he gets a perfect run again. Superb King with Britney Wong’s 7lb claim, he is expected to deliver a strong on-pace showing and could be hard to catch. Legend Star has never been consistent but looks capable of causing an upset on his day. Vigor Elleegant the low draw and light weight are both positives, and he should run well if the roaring issue doesn’t recur.
Race 6: Vivacious Win appears overdue for a win after finishing second three times from his last five starts, and should play a key role in this lineup. Romantic Laos well below his last winning mark, he could bounce back at any time in Class 4 if things fall his way. Mighty Steed finished a solid second last start and is always a threat in Class 4, especially with Purton aboard. Beauty Viva failed to muster early speed last start but deserves another chance given his strong win two runs back. Excellent Boy has ability and looks a value pick despite a less favourable jockey booking.
Race 7: Bottomuptogether a dangerous frontrunner, he set a frantic tempo at Sha Tin last start and could make amends with a better-timed ride. Colourful King is suited by the return to Happy Valley, where he boasts a reliable record. Stellar Express will relish both the drop in class and distance, and could hang in there all day under the right race shape. Magic Control his last run was better than it ap- pears and he could surprise at value. Brave Star has been in consistent form of late but is more of a place chance in Class 2.
Race 8: Happy Index boasts strong Sha Tin form around talented types, and shapes as a leading chance on his Happy Valley debut despite the wide draw. Giant Ballon has won his last two starts in emphatic fashion and remains a strong chance stepping up to Class 3. Mid Winter Wind will make his presence felt with a genuine tempo and should not be overlooked. Meowth must be included in exotics after four consecutive placings. Spirit Of Peace with a more conservative racing style, he will need a strong tempo to unleash a late burst.
Race 9: Armor Golden Eagle badly held up but still finished third last time, and with Purton aboard, he looks poised to atone. Withallmyfaith has tactical speed and could be hard to catch if allowed to dictate with a soft lead. Solid Win found the line well late in a slowly run race last start and deserves another chance with Bowman aboard. Viva Graciousness from pole position, he could sneak into the placings at long odds with the apprentice claim. Keefy has regained his form recently and must be respected despite the awkward draw.