Yesterday’s Review
1pt e/way Lady Mariko (104) – A strong race on the clock with the selection just failing to overcome her wide draw by a half length from the winner Al Waseela (105). Unfortunately, she couldn’t slide into a better position early on as she was stuck out wide and was a bit further back than preferred. She showed very good battling qualities down the home straight to try and reel in the winner who had the dream trip throughout, tracking the leaders from her low draw in stall two. An unlucky performance, but another step forward in the form book for the filly. Result 2nd 9/2 adv…5/2 SP.
Today’s Advice
HAPPY TRIO (6f Hcap) – The (1.10) Happy Valley doesn’t appear to have the usual strength in depth that most Hong Kong handicaps usually do. As usual there is a short price favourite in Nebraskan, and if he is on a going day, he looks a worthy favourite judging by his recent form. He did finish ahead of the selection last time out over course and distance by a length and three quarters when receiving five pounds at the weights. However, the Doug White trained six-year-old had a wide draw in stall eleven that day while the favourite was nicely berthed in stall six. Today, the draw is somewhat reversed with Harry Bentley’s mount drawn in stall two and the favourite drawn wide in stall nine. While Hugh Bowman’s mount races more prominently it might just make things a bit more interesting today with the favourite only receiving three pounds. I am happy to side with the selection at three and a half times the price.
KAHOLO ANGEL (6f Hcap) – This five-year-old was mightily impressive when last seen over this course and distance at the start of the month. On that occasion he travelled very nicely into the business end of the race before getting the job done on the line recording a career best (106) speed figure at the weights. He stepped up to a Class 2 last time out at Sha Tin, and while he could only manage fifth place two and a half lengths behind Gustosisimo it was still a solid effort on the clock. He is back down to a Class 3 now and trainer Caspar Fownes has been quick to avail of Ellis Wong’s seven pound claim to offset the recent six pound hike in the weights. Ellis has had three nice winners since March with Sky Cap, Solid Shalaa and Super Sixty doing the business. Ellis has ridden the son of Havana Grey many times before, and won on him twice in the past.
The favourite Golden Rise has been a little bit below his recent winning form the last two times, and looks to have a bit of a think about putting his best hoof forward when asked for maximum effort, and if he is a little off his best that could give the selection every chance.
0.75pt e/way Happy Trio (11-2, 5/1 general) 1.10 Happy Valley
0.75pt e/way Kaholo Angel (5-1 William Hill, 9-2 General) 3.50 Happy Valley