Free betting tips for Happy Valley
Homegrown heroes sweep the board as Zac opts to stick around
It felt just like old times as springtime finally showed its face in post-Covid HK last week.
The Happy Valley Beer Garden was hopping on Wednesday, while FWD Champions Day produced glorious Sunday sunshine at Sha Tin and three genuine G1 aces in Lucky Sweynesse, Golden Sixty and Romantic Warrior.
William Haggas settled for bronze with Dubai Honour but is determined to return and strike gold with the right horse; and, having admitted to having “one foot out of the door and the other one nearly with it,” champion jockey Zac Purton ended months of speculation about his future by revealing that he will remain in the city for the 2023-24 season.
It wouldn’t pay to hold your breath waiting for three-time Champions Mile hero Golden Sixty to head overseas in the twilight of an epic career but runaway Chairman’s Sprint Prize winner Lucky Sweynesse could take his show on the road Australia for the Everest.
And, though a lot can happen between now and October, Danny Shum seems right up for sending his emphatic QEII Cup hero Romantic Warrior to Tokyo in October for a potential blockbuster clash with the mighty Equinox in the Tenno Sho (Autumn).
United poised to climb the table
Wednesday’s nine-race Happy Valley card has little to compare with Sunday’s extravaganza but there could be mileage in using the effects of the draw as a way into the 1200m races.
Stalls 11 and 12 are 4-98 and 0-92 respectively with the rail in the A position and that’s problematic for leading form contenders Savvy Chic and Modest Gentleman in the 1.15. Denfield is another drawn high (10) after a recent good effort but HAPPY UNITED could be the win and place value.
This Jamie Richards-trained gelding caught the eye in traffic two starts ago and can be forgiven for failing to justify favouritism last time as Purton got sucked into chasing an overly strong pace. The fact that the champ sticks with the Kiwi import is notable and, ridden with more restraint, he should be ready to show improvement.
Hoss can be boss from perfect draw
Purton’s decision to keep his family in HK has been influenced by greater travel flexibility but the prize money doesn’t hurt – he’s trousered his share of around £21m already this season – and fellow Richards runner HOSS can add more swag to the Aussie’s bag in the 2.45.
Former Mill Reef winner Wings of War is among the opposition for this £170,000 dash and Victory Scholars is up in class after a Class 4 win but Hoss looks highly progressive after rounding Class 4 rivals up twice before a fine second on his Class 3 bow.
Hoss had to come a little wider than ideal off the bend that night but battled on tenaciously to be short headed by the useful Winning Icey. The third horse has gone in since, so the form is solid, and a 3lb rise leaves the son of Melbourne Cup winner Fiorente with a great shout from a perfect draw in gate 2.
Angel worth one more chance
Almost two years have passed since Richard Hannon saddled a useful prospect called River Alwen to land a handicap on the 2000 Guineas undercard at Newmarket.
The Dark Angel gelding has frustrated new connections since being reinvented as HAPPY ANGEL in HK – failing to score in 19 attempts – but the five-year-old is worth one more chance to show he’s ready to score in the 12.45.
One Heart One and Royal Pride are dangers in this winnable Class 4 but Happy Angel has been knocking at the Valley door for a while, including when only giving best late two weeks ago. Stall ten isn’t ideal over 1650m but proven front runners are thin on the ground, so Happy Angel ought to go very close if Alexis Badel can get him across to dictate.
Bowman seeking a Dream
The two good handicaps that close the Valley card are a little too tough to be going in hard but the gutsy course and distance winner Helene Feeling – formerly Indian Dream when showing useful form for Michael Bell – gives Purton another strong chance in the 3.15.
Nordic Dream won’t be missed in the market for the finale at 3.50 after his revival success under Hugh Bowman here two weeks ago, especially if favourites have been going well, but there was enough authority in that performance to suggest he’s going to be a leading player again despite a 7lb hike.
Wednesday’s Valley Views
- 12.45: Happy Angel
- 1.15: Happy United (EW)
- 2.45: Hoss
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