Horse Racing Trader’s Tips: Happy Valley – Wednesday 6th May
Published:
Our trader Christopher Neale looks ahead to Wednesday’s meeting in Hong Kong
There’s action from across the globe all day, withmeetings in Australia, Japan, Scandinavia and America. But out expert has had alook at the nine-race card from Happy Valley starting at 11:45.
A treble from Zac Purton at the Sha Tin track onSunday means he’s only one win behind closest rival Joao Moreira in theJockey’s Championship.
Both riders have secured a full book of nine rides each atHappy Valley on Wednesday as the battle rages on. Purton’s superior record of43 wins to Moreira’s 30 at the downtown track this season shows good form.He’ll be hoping he can draw level or surpass his rival after the day’s nineraces.
Zac Purton Booked Rides: Loriz (11:45), Rich AndLucky (12:15), Bright Kid (12:45), Eptiwins (13:15), Momentum Galaxy (13:45),Be Ready (14:15), Reel Bizzy (14:45), Island Shine (15:15), Dances With Dragons(15:50)
Joao Moreira Booked Rides: Monkey Jewellery (11:45),Royal Racer (12:15), Yee Cheong Pegasus (12:45), Lightning Speed (13:15),Harmony N Home (13:45), Special Stars (14:15), Best Alliance (14:45), WhiskeyNeat (15:15), Enrichment (15:50)
Race by Race Previews
Loriz was on the front end of a furious pace over 7fat Sha Tin last time out, understandably fading in the final furlong. Thefour-year-old gelding has leading claims here dropping back to 6f with ZacPurton on board for the first time.
Super Lucky is a course and distance winner and is inadmirably consistent form of late. The six-year-old gelding could be battlingit out at the finish if the outside draw doesn’t prove to be too much of aninconvenience.
Royal Racer is winless this season but has producedsome encouraging performances and could make amends for that here with afavourable draw under the guidance of ‘Magic Man’ Moreira.
King’s Man was beaten by a head over this trip lasttime out but is posting some eye-catching closing sectionals and could be worthconsidering again here.
Yee Cheong Pegasus hasn’t finished outside of the toptwo since joining Tony Millard’s yard, and could be a cut above again in thisfield.
Bright Kid is starting for the first time undertrainer Chris So, but could be one to watch with Purton riding.
Lightning Steed is always quick out of the stalls andcould be very tricky to peg back out of gate two if he manages to secure anearly lead.
Methane had some issues with the traffic on thecourse last time out, but still managed to finish in a respectable third, halfa length behind the winner. If he’s granted a clear run here, it’ll be nosurprise to see him back in the winner’s circle.
Destine Jewellery was an impressive winner last timeout, staying on well at the finish for a comfortable victory of little over alength. There’s every chance here that a second career win could be on thecards if they’re able to maintain the same vein of form.
Jazz Steed is returning from a five-month break butput in a highly encouraging barrier trial recently and could be one to spring asurprise here at a price.
Flying Genius is drawn well in stall two and a boldbid from the front under the talented Karis Teetan looks inevitable. Thethree-year-old is a two-time winner over course and distance, so may well bethe ride to be on.
Larson is a consistent sort who will give the mainselection a run for their money. He’ll need to be at the very top of his gameto win with the outside draw.
In such an open looking handicap, it’s hard to discountanyone from the field but Such A Happiness is much improved sincejoining Tony Millard last month and could be a good pick.
Finishing fourth last time out with a fast finish, runningin behind the winner at little under a length, the extra half-furlong herecould suit.
Alpha Hedge was a disappointing favourite last timein a race that wasn’t run to suit. A much-improved showing should be expectedthis time around.
California Rad was a comfortable winner in his lastrun over 6f and should take this step up in class in his stride with furtherimprovement expected.
The penny dropped late on in Superb Daddy’s last racein his first run with blinkers, but despite making up good ground, it wasn’tenough to secure the win. The blinkers remain here and warrants considerationwith jockey Victor Wong claiming 5lbs.
Private Secretary has been beaten by several runnersin this field but won three times in the UK when under trainer John Gosden’seye before winning his debut run at Happy Valley in December.
It could be worth keeping the faith in this classy type withthe drop back in trip sure to suit the run better.
Enrichment has been the bridesmaid in his last threeoutings but has obvious claims for victory in his current form. With Moreira inthe saddle, he’ll be hoping for a big run.
All odds and markets are correct as of date ofpublication.
