Luke Middlebrook’s Happy Valley
Wednesday, September 25, 2024

Race 1: #1 Joyful Prosperity, #7 Sunny Baby, #3 Arthur’s Kingdom, #4 Fruit Warrior
Race 2: #7 Gallant Goody, #6 Speedy Chariot, #2 Dan Attack, #8 Beau Gosse
Race 3: #7 Sight Happy, #10 Talents Supremo, #2 Aeroinvincible, #5 Nebraskan
Race 4: #8 Foremost Teddy, #9 Gale Saga, #2 Snowalot, #4 Turin Warrior
Race 5: #6 Chain Of Gold, #12 I Can, #3 Samarkand, #4 Noble Pursuit
Race 6: #4 Matsu Victor, #8 Super Unicorn, #5 Brave Witness, #10 Gallant Crown
Race 7: #1 Prime Mortar, #2 Aurora Lady, #6 New Power, #7 Spicy Gold
Race 8: #3 Midori Glory, #1 Youthful Spirits, #4 O’Liner, #7 Healthy Healthy

Race 1 – WAN CHAI HANDICAP
#1 Joyful Prosperity faced a challenge from a wide gate first-up but made an eye-catching late charge to finish third. With a much-improved draw this week and a recent stable switch to Danny Shum appearing beneficial, his chances look promising. #7 Sunny Baby finished strongly into the runner-up position first-up over a mile at Sha Tin. He reunites with Zac Purton, who has been aboard for all three of his career wins, and the step up to 1800m should suit him well. #3 Arthur’s Kingdom ended his last campaign in fine form, culminating in an all-the-way victory. He looks poised to start this season on a high note. #4 Fruit Warrior had just one run in Class 5 last term, where he performed respectably despite racing wide mid-race. Expect to see improvement here.

Race 2 – QUARRY BAY HANDICAP
#7 Gallant Goody returns to the races and was eye-catching in his lead-up trial, following his best performance in his final run last season. He appears poised to make further progress this preparation. #6 Speedy Chariot finished nicely into fourth first-up, marking his initial attempt in Class 5. He can continue to improve second-up. #2 Dan Attack makes his debut in Class 5 here. He has been a tricky horse to catch, but this type of race should present a more manageable challenge. #8 Beau Gosse joined Francis Lui’s stable at the end of last season and resumed this preparation with a solid fourth-place finish, despite overdoing things on the lead.

Race 3 – NORTH POINT HANDICAP
#7 Sight Happy has potential. He over-raced fresh, but expect better things to come from him with more racing under his belt. He has drawn nicely low, which should give him every chance. #10 Talents Supremo comes out of a strong form race, finishing fifth to Packing Hermod. He needs to jump well to maximise his chances, though. #2 Aeroinvincible raced too keenly and was checked when beaten as a short-priced favourite first-up; he deserves another opportunity, although the wide draw isn’t ideal. #5 Nebraskan began to find his form towards the end of last season after a class drop, hinting at improvement to come.

Race 4 – KWUN TONG HANDICAP
#8 Foremost Teddy can be sided with here, especially with Purton on board from barrier 1. He was a solid third at this course and distance last time out, and he’s on an upward trend this preparation. #9 Gale Saga is lightly raced; despite breaking through in Class 5 last time, the rise to Class 4 should suit him well. He has more to come. #2 Snowalot will benefit from a rise in distance second-up, and reuniting with Lyle Hewitson is a positive. Barrier 2 ensures he gets the right run. #4 Turin Warrior may not be a prolific winner, but with Hugh Bowman in the saddle and having trialled strongly for his return, he should get his chance.

Race 5 – CENTRAL HANDICAP
#6 Chain Of Gold looked progressive last season, culminating in a big first local win, and he should have more to offer this campaign. #12 I Can was ridden conservatively from a wide draw first-up but finished strongly into third at this course and distance. Again drawing wide, he might find a handier position since there isn’t much speed on paper. #3 Samarkand resumed nicely with a narrow second to Helene Warrior. With Purton taking over the reins, he’s a strong contender to be right in the mix. #4 Noble Pursuit is a talent with three wins from ten starts; while he may need further, he can still perform well fresh.

Race 6 – KWUN TONG HANDICAP
#4 Matsu Victor looks one to stick with after winning his first race at this course and distance in fine style last start, despite racing wide from barrier 10. He’ll benefit from stepping away from barrier 1 here, which should ensure a perfect run in transit. #8 Super Unicorn was edging closer to a win before the season ended, and with Purton riding from barrier 2, he should be in the mix. #5 Brave Witness can be followed up on after his maiden win at the end of last season. #10 Gallant Crown raced wide without cover first-up but wasn’t beaten by far; drawing barrier 4 should bring him better luck in the run.

Race 7 – NORTH POINT HANDICAP
#1 Prime Mortar made inroads after transferring to Tony Cruz last season. He was runner-up in his last two races to horses like Packing Hermod, which reads well for a race like this. #2 Aurora Lady ran a promising third behind up-and-comer Packing Power first-up, setting him up well for his second-up run in a race where many are resuming. #6 New Power put together two consecutive wins last season and seems to thrive at this course and distance; barrier 1 will give him every chance. #7 Spicy Gold concluded his season with a solid maiden win, and he may still have points in hand.

Race 8 – CAUSEWAY BAY HANDICAP
#3 Midori Glory burst onto the local scene with an impressive victory at this course and distance in late May. Although he failed to deliver second-up, he looks poised to return in good order after a break and an encouraging trial performance. #1 Youthful Spirits always rates a chance in races like this; his early speed ensures a favourable position, and Purton remaining in the saddle is a plus. #4 O’Liner resumes for a new trainer, Jamie Richards, and benefits from drawing barrier 1; his recent trial win was encouraging. #7 Healthy Healthy is an interesting runner returning on a quick seven-day turnaround; a bit of match fitness could give him an edge, though the wide draw could prove tricky.