Witness to give an honest answer at Happy Valley
Rapidly improving Honest Witness looks poised to complete a hat-trick of wins in Wednesday’s Class 3 Handicap over 1200m at Happy Valley.
Honest Witness shed his maiden status with a narrow victory in Class 4 two starts ago before producing an even more impressive display last time out to make it back-to-back wins in emphatic fashion.
Jumping straight to the front and setting a strong tempo, the son of Written By turned the race into a one-horse affair from the 400m, powering away to score by 4.75 lengths over this distance and stopping the clock at a slick 1:09.48 on a rain-affected track.
Despite stepping up to Class 3 this week, Honest Witness appears to have further upside and may still have rating points in hand. With just 53.5kg on his back, he should give another bold front-running display under champion jockey Zac Purton and could prove difficult to catch once again.
In-form galloper Armor Golden Eagle looks well placed to continue his rich vein of form in the Class 3 Handicap over 1650m.
Since shedding his maiden status in local company in Class 4 three starts ago, Armor Golden Eagle has remained highly competitive despite stepping back up to Class 3. Two runs ago, the son of Ace High was held up at a crucial stage before finishing a creditable third, but he made amends in emphatic fashion last time out, surging clear in the straight to score by an impressive 3.75 lengths over this track and distance.
With only 10 runners engaged, Armor Golden Eagle’s tactical versatility should again prove a major asset. Even with the 10-point rise following his dominant last-start victory, he appears capable of securing back-to-back wins. – iRACE Magazine
Race-by-Race Previews
Race 1: Exceed The Wish suited by the drop back in distance and should play a key role from a low draw, particularly with Purton aboard. Brave Win his recent efforts at the bottom of Class 4 have been honest, and the drop to Class 5 looks a significant positive. Solar River should relish the drop in class and produce a strong on-pace showing. Winning Diamond eased in the ratings and could surprise, though he is yet to place in 11 starts. Von Baer caught the eye flashing home late on the AWT last start and the switch back to turf works in his favour.
Race 2: Rosewood Fleetfoot on a winnable mark and looks poised to build on his eye-catching last-start effort. Management Folks his last-start effort on the AWT is best overlooked, and he is suited by the return to turf, where his best form lies. Perfect Pairing well rated in this field and can make his presence felt late if the pace suits. Kasa Papa has not been beaten far in recent starts and could cause an upset if things fall his way. Splendid Force ran on well to claim second last start but will need some luck from the wide draw.
Race 3: Withallmyfaith making his Class 4 debut, he rates a leading contender on the strength of his solid Class 3 form, and the booking of Purton enhances his claims. Prestige Ricky let down well from a wide draw last start, and with a better gate, he could secure a spot in the Top 3. Legend Winner possesses good early speed and is expected to show sharp improvement dropping to Class 4. Mr Cool has been in consistent form but the awkward draw remains a concern. Audacious Pursuit travelled wide throughout last start, and with better luck in running, he could finish in the money.
Race 4: The Perfect Match stormed home for third last start and looks to have found a highly winnable race. Bright Day from a low draw, he looks well placed to make amends after a fast-finishing fourth last start. Find My Love comes off a narrow but impressive win in this class but carrying top weight could prove tricky. Country Pride turned in a solid debut performance, and as a three-year-old, he is open to further improvement second-up. Golden Friendship the light weight will help, but he looks more of a place chance in Class 4.
Race 5: Armor Golden Eagle scored an impressive win in this class last start, and from a favourable draw, he’s primed to secure back-to-back victories with Purton retaining the ride. Embraces could find this field more manageable on his return to the city circuit and must be respected. All Round Winner his recent runs have been encouraging, and he remains well weighted to continue his strong form. Fantastic Fun has ability but his Class 3 record suggests he is more of a place chance. A Americ Te Specso nearing his last winning mark, he could surprise at value if they overcook it up front.
Race 6: Elegant Life has performed well in his last two starts, and with the form from both runs working out well, he looks one to follow. Rainbow Seven looks capable of bouncing back at any time in this class and the inside draw gives him a good chance to do so. World Hero an in-form frontrunner, he looks primed to produce another strong on-pace effort from a good draw. Crossborderdude boasts consistent form but the wide draw and top weight pose a challenge. Tourbillon Golfer produced a fair effort last time out and should be right in the mix, given his solid Class 4 record.
Race 7: Lucky Mcqueen has been hindered by wide draws recently, and from a better gate, he could make amends with Moreira aboard. Spirit Of Peace will relish the drop back to Class 4, where he is a two-time winner, and should play a key role. Jolly Companion posted a fast final 400m sectional last start and can make a strong late surge under the right race shape. Happy Shooter has shown consistent form in Class 4 and must be respected. Gameplayer Elite made the most of an inside draw to score last time out, but this looks a tougher task from a wide gate.
Race 8: Horsepower has been knocking on the door and rates highly with Purton remaining aboard, despite meeting a strong field. Candlelight Dinner a track/distance specialist, he should run a big race from pole position. Mr Desira has trialled well ahead of his first-up assignment and looks one to watch. Casa Of Honor overcame a wide trip to score at long odds last start, but whether he can repeat that performance is the query. Together We Value found the line well late last start and is worth considering if his odds offer value.
Race 9: Honest Witness made all to score by 4.75 lengths in Class 4 last start and remains a strong chance despite stepping up to Class 3. Son Pak Fu showed marked improvement dropping back to Class 3 last start, and with the apprentice claim, he could go one better. Robot Lucky Star may have needed his first-up run and, with added fitness, is expected to produce an improved effort. Sky Cap was far from distanced last time out and could finish in the money with a better draw. Gummy Gummy charged home strongly to finish third last start and commands respect.