Yesterday’s Review

0.75pt e/way Grabajabba (95) – Unfortunately, connections of Studious and Hale End looked at the pace angle like most punters and decided to change their usual tactics by forcing the pace. This did not suit the selection and played into the hands of the favourite who was the form and figure horse. The selection broke sluggishly from the stalls and never travelled throughout the contest. He plodded into sixth place but looks like he needs to drop back to seven furlongs and would appreciate the cheekpieces again.

Today’s Advice

STRAIGHT TO GLORY (6f Hcap) – The (2.15) Happy Valley sees the lightly raced Greater Bae installed as the short price favourite with Zac Purton booked to ride. He won a maiden in Australia before only coming good on his third start in Hong Kong last time out. I awarded him a (105) timefigure for that contest which has seen eight horses reappear with just one place between them. He raced from a midfield position on the day and had to loop the field before coming home 1.25 lengths clear at the line. These would not be tactics that will hold him in good stead in the long run and the fact that the handicapper has put him up 9lbs are enough negatives to make me look for an alternative.

The selection showed a real liking for today’s venue when switched from racing mainly at Sha Tin. He has won his last two races over course and distance and although now 13lbs higher than the first of those wins both races have seen plenty of winners come out of them. His first win came from a prominent position as he finished 1.5 lengths clear of Honest Witness in a Class 4 with future winners Flying Wrote and Victor the Rapid in behind. I awarded him a (106) timefigure for winning that contest and he carries 7lb less in today’s race. A similar performance last time out saw him get the better of Superb King by a head while recording a (104) timefigure while carrying 13lbs more than he will today. The fourth place finisher Gor Gor has since come out and won.

A decent draw in stall two today should help his cause and with a decent break and regular pilot Keith Leung aboard everything looks in place for another solid performance.

1pt e/way Straight To Glory (15/2 Betvictor, Betfred, 7/1 William Hill) 2.15 Happy Valley (4 places Paddy Power and Skybet for those who can avail of that)