Aurora Lady for Happy Valley success

He Jiong

Hong Kong racing returns to Happy Valley on Wednesday for an exciting nine-race fixture with highly competitive action expected throughout the evening.

In-form four-year-old Aurora Lady is primed to extend his strong run in the Class 2 Handicap over 1000m.

Aurora Lady has been in excellent form this season, with four wins and three placings from 11 starts. Two outings ago, the Star Witness gelding scored a comfortable victory in Class 3, before producing another eye-catching effort in his most recent race, stepping up to Class 2. After jumping awkwardly, he settled off the pace and finished strongly, missing out on the win by just 1.25 lengths over 1200m.

With the best recent form among the field, Aurora Lady, with Zac Purton up, looks set to deliver another strong performance and will be tough to beat.

Four-year-old gelding Lo Pan Spirit looks primed to return to the winner’s enclosure in the Class 3 Handicap over 1200m.

Recently, Lo Pan Spirit has shown signs of regaining his form, finishing third in his last two starts at Sha Tin. Despite drawing wide on both occasions, he was beaten by less than three lengths by quality horses such as Lifeline Express and Geneva.

Making his Happy Valley debut this week, Lo Pan Spirit shapes as a strong contender. His main rivals are likely to be Happy Fat Cat, Spicy Gold and Golden Empire, all of whom have performed well at the city circuit recently.

Race-by-Race Previews

Race 1: Cervin can bounce back anytime in this class, and with Purton taking the reins, he shapes as a strong contender. Foremost Teddy has tactical speed and can finally break through with a well-timed ride, especially dropping to Class 5. Sky Prophet showed improvement last start and should run well if he handles the rise to 1650m. California Moxie had betting support last start and where there is smoke there is fire. He should run a big race with a better-judged ride. Fire Ball could cause an upset on his day and is worth considering if his odds offer value.

Race 2: A wide-open contest where several contenders have winning claims. Dragon Star his recent runs have been encouraging and he appears overdue for another win. The Azure found the line well late last time out, though favoured by a fast pace. He should deliver a strong performance with Purton aboard. Atomic Beauty with a lightweight on his back, he looks capable of securing a Top 3 finish. Top Time broke through in this class last start and remains a strong chance. Satirical Fan produced an honest effort first-up, and further improvement is expected with added fitness.

Race 3: Aurora Lady has been in career-best form this season and looks set to continue his strong run. Colourful King having come off a double in Class 3, he is well weighted on his Class 2 debut and must be respected. Red Elegance resumes off a nice trial and looks ready to pick up where he left off before the break. Whizz Kid finished a solid third last start, and the drop in distance will further enhance his winning chances. Glory Elite likes to race on the speed and could be hard to catch if allowed a soft lead.

Race 4: Happy Trio boasting the strongest recent form in this field, he must be considered a leading contender. Nebraskan a dangerous frontrunner, he has regained his form lately, making another strong showing imminent. Yee Cheong Spirit with a more conservative racing style, he needs a fast pace to produce a strong finish. Everstar let down well despite a wide trip last start. With better luck in running, he could make amends. Lucky Archangel is well below his last winning mark and looks capable of scoring anytime in Class 4.

Race 5: Prestige Good raced on pace to finish a close third despite a frantic tempo last time out. With a better-timed ride, he could finally break through for his first local win. Mission Strike will find this field easier to handle compared to his last start at Sha Tin. Viva Graciousness overlook his last start where something appeared amiss, and instead focus on his solid efforts previously. Soaring Bronco his recent encouraging efforts suggest that another win is just around the corner. Harmony Galaxy comes off a strong win in this class, but the wide draw raises concerns this time.

Race 6: My Intelligent an underrated type, he travelled just off the speed to finish third in a fast run race last start and appears well weighted to deliver this time. Giddy Up produced an improved effort last start and must be included among the better chances. Loving Vibes looks overdue for his maiden win, and with Purton staying aboard, he gets the final push that he needs. Perfect General has shown consistent form in Class 4 and should not be overlooked. Never Too Soon from an inside draw, he should settle closer to the speed and could prove to be a value choice.

Race 7: Lo Pan Spirit has raced well at Sha Tin and could have an edge over his rivals on his Happy Valley debut, despite the wide draw. Storm Rider was narrowly beaten last start and should get every chance to go one better from a decent draw. Spicy Gold the drop in distance and return to Happy Valley are both positives, making him an intriguing runner to watch. Happy Fat Cat a frontrunner in great form, he should run well if he can cross early from a wide draw. Galaxy Witness has the ability and could prove to be a knockout chance against more fancied runners.

Race 8: Beauty Crescent with most of his main rivals drawn wide, he could surprise at odds if he makes full use of the inside draw. Sky Heart should be highly suited by the drop back in distance and will find this easier compared to his recent starts at Sha Tin. Flying Fortress scored an easy win in this class last start but will need some luck from a wide draw this time. Hameron caught the eye running home well last start, despite being held up for the final 50m. Definitive a strong frontrunner, he could be hard to run down if the race unfolds in his favour.

Race 9: Kaholo Angel looks well placed with the apprentice claim, giving him a good chance of replicating his strong win two starts ago. Golden Rise has raced well in both starts since stepping up to Class 3 and should be highly competitive. Eternal Fortune is better than his recent form suggests and could cause an upset. Dragon Four Seas has struck a purple patch of form and now aims to complete a hattrick, despite rising to Class 3. Storming Dragon his recent efforts have been fair, and a Top 3 finish wouldn’t be surprising.