Horse Racing
Divano looks divine at Happy Valley
October 2024
Hong Kong racing continues at Happy Valley on Wednesday with an exciting eight-race fixture and highly competitive action expected throughout the evening.
Promising four-year-old Divano is poised to return to the winner’s circle in the Class 3 Handicap over 1200m.
To date, Divano has achieved two wins from five starts, along with three placings, demonstrating his competitive edge. His recent performances indicate he’s in excellent form. In his last outing, the son of Brave Smash finished a solid third in a Class 3 race at Sha Tin, carrying 58kg and just 0.50 lengths behind the winner. Prior to that, he showed resilience by finishing second to the talented Bottomuptogether.
With Francis Lui at the helm, Divano is a strong contender, particularly given his consistent form and ability to handle the 1200m distance. While several capable rivals will be in the mix, his recent efforts suggest that another victory is on the horizon.
Quality five-year-old gelding Super Unicorn is set to continue his strong run in the Class 3 Handicap over 1650m.
Trained by Frankie Lor, Super Unicorn enters this week’s race in peak form, coming off an impressive 5.75-length victory over this track and distance. Demonstrating an incredible turn of foot that night, the son of Savabeel simply demolished a Class 4 field, suggesting he has more ratings up his sleeve.
Despite the rise in class this week, SUPER UNICORN is well weighted to extend his purple patch of form and remains a strong contender in this open event.
Race-by-Race Previews
Race 1: Mighty Steed coming off a strong form race in Class3, he should be highly competitive dropping to Class 4 for the first time. Can’t Go Wong let down well to finish third despite being held up in the straight, and could make amends with better luck in running. Flying Silver has ability but is inconsistent, consider if his odds present value. Escape Route a proven performer at this level and rates in the better chances with the drop in class. Dragon Delight scored a tenacious win in Class 5 last time out and could sneak into the placings rising to Class 4.
Race 2: Super Wise Dragon showed significant improvement with a slashing third after dropping to Class 5 last start. With Purton jumping on board, he is primed to break through. Manythanks Forever has not been beaten far in his recent starts and could surprise at value with Vincent Ho taking the reins. Kasa Papa was narrowly beaten last start and remains a strong contender in this race. Charmander has been racing in great form lately and expect another good run. Medic Elite suited by returning to Happy Valley where all three of his career wins have occurred.
Race 3: Circuit Duffy a newcomer from Frankie Lor’s stable, he has trialled well for his debut and must be rated a big winning chance in this below-par Class 4 field, especially with Purton aboard. High Percentage raced well before a bleeding attack two starts ago and can improve second-up after a much-needed first-up run. Top Scorer has placed six times from 10 starts, and a field like this gives him a good chance to break through. Exuberant the switch to Happy Valley and drop in trip are both positive factors. Worth considering. Crystal Powerful back from a break, it’s wise to follow the tote movement.
Race 4: Speedy Fortune he is edging closer to another win, and from pole position, he is ideally placed to return to the winner’s enclosure. Parents’ Love another galloper who looks overdue for a win after being placed in his last two outings. E Glory finished a close second last start and looks ready to break through in this moderate field. Dan Attack did not disgrace at his last run, and the drop to the minimum trip may spark a surprise. Circuit Ten recorded the second fastest final 400m sectional time last start in Class 4 and could improve into the money on his Class 5 debut.
Race 5: Strongest Boy ran on well to finish third in a quality race, with the form validated by the second placegetter Charity Gain last weekend. Enjoy Golf based on his racing pattern, he should be suited by stepping up to the extended mile trip for the first time. Sixth Generation racing well with good sectional time rankings recently, and could cause an upset if the pace suits. Turin Warrior with Purton aboard, he should deliver an improved performance from a good draw. Ninja Derby appears well placed at the weights and can be in the finish.
Race 6: Glory Cloud finally gets a good draw after being haunted by wide barriers in recent starts, and looks primed to shed his maiden tag. Triumphant More a newcomer who has trialled well for his debut, he should be a strong contender in a field that lacks depth. Talents Supremo his recent runs have been encouraging, but he needs to cope with a wide draw this time. Glory B looked unlucky when being held up at a crucial stage last start and could make amend with a smoother run. Golden Rise possesses a strong turn of foot, but he needs a genuine pace to suit his racing style after drawing wide again.
Race 7: Super Unicorn scored a huge win in Class 4 last time out and is ideally weighted to continue his strong form despite rising to Class 3. I Can racing in consistent form, he is coming off a narrow but impressive win in this class. Samarkand a proven performer at this level and rates in the better chances. Soleil Fighter had betting support last start and where there is smoke there is fire. Helene Warrior a last start winner who remains in the same grade, but the wide draw and top weight raise concerns.
Race 8: Divano a promising type with consistent form since day one, he looks hard to oppose, especially as he may find the rivals more manageable on his Happy Valley debut. Sugar Sugar can upset some more fancied rivals on his best form with Bowman aboard. Scotch Tycoon a dangerous frontrunner, he has been in great form lately and could be hard to run down from pole position. Swift Ascend despite rising in class and meeting better-quality horses, he looks capable of handling it following an easy win in Class 4. Gustosisimo showed good improvement last start and appears to be a chance.