Follow Lunar Dash, Storm Runner at Happy Valley

He Jiong

Progressive four-year-old Lunar Dash looks primed to notch back-to-back wins in the Class 4 Handicap over 1200m at Happy Valley on Wednesday.

After showing above-average ability in two runs last season, Lunar Dash returned from a three-month break to score stylishly first-up four weeks ago. Adopting a more conservative racing pattern than before, the Street Boss gelding settled midfield and quickened smartly in the straight to win by 0.50 lengths over this track and distance.

Lunar Dash faces a similar assignment this week as he remains in Class 4, and despite a minor weight rise, he looks well placed to go on with it against a field, where many of his rivals have been out of form lately.

Four-year-old Storm Runner looks poised to land a well-deserved victory in the Class 5 Handicap over 2200m.

Trained by Pierre Ng, the son of Microphone has been a model of consistency, finishing in the money in four of his past five runs. From a wide draw last start, he was eased back to settle well off the speed before unleashing a strong late surge to finish second over 1800m, beaten only a neck. Considering the slow early tempo, his closing effort was particularly eye-catching.

Having shown versatility in his racing pattern, Storm Runner appears well placed in this small field of seven. With even luck in running, he looks ready to break through for that overdue win. - iRACE Magazine

Race-by-Race Previews

Race 1: Storm Runner narrowly beaten last start, and from pole position, he should map well and finally shed his maiden tag with Purton aboard. Mr Aladdin found the line well late in a slowly run race last start and must be respected. Wah May Wai Wai has tactical speed and could be hard to run down if allowed to dictate the pace in this small field. Romantic Fantasy making his Class 5 debut, he could finish in the money against a weaker field. Leather Master his 50% strike rate over this distance attracts attention and he could prove to be a value pick.

Race 2: Always My Folks has gone close in Class 4 and shapes as the leading contender dropping to Class 5, especially from a low gate. Speedy Smartie has been in career-best form of late and should continue his strong run, despite the wide draw. Happy Horse suited by the drop in distance and could surprise at odds with a 7lb claimer aboard. Modest Gentleman has finally drawn a good gate and looks primed to deliver a strong performance. Ever Smart will make a strong late surge if the pace suits his racing style.

Race 3: Von Baer from a low draw, he should map closer to the speed and appears well weighted with the apprentice claim. Tourbillon Golfer with three placings from four starts, he is edging closer to a win, though the wide draw remains a concern. Grand Nova stormed home to finish third in a slowly run race last time out, and could make amends with a more genuine tempo. Roman Crown will find the field more manageable on his Happy Valley debut and must be considered a strong contender. California Deeply caught the eye flashing home late last start and looks capable of securing a spot in the Top 3.

Race 4: Conspiracy Witness outperformed market expectations to finish second last start and looks one to follow. Chain Of Gold ran on sharply to claim second last time out, though favoured by a fast tempo. With a good draw, he should be highly competitive. Corleone showed promise last season and has trialled well for his return. The betting market will provide the best guide. Absolute Honour raced just off the speed and stuck on for fifth in a fast run race last start. He could place at long odds. Smart City may have needed his first-up run and could show improvement with added fitness.

Race 5: Lunar Dash an easy last-start winner, he looks to have plenty of upside and is poised to secure back-to-back victories in Class 4. Fun Together always a threat in Class 4 and should be highly competitive with Bowman aboard. The Revolution will relish the drop to Class 4 and should produce a much-improved effort. Yee Cheong Spirit has shown signs of regaining form recently and looks one to watch. Golden Dream well prepared with several trials leading into his debut, and with an unfavourable jockey booking, he could represent value.

Race 6: A wide-open field and the winner could be anyone’s guess. Fortune Star looks the form choice on paper but the wide draw could pose a challenge. Ace War showed significant improvement last start, and with a favourable gate, he should go close if that performance wasn’t a fluke. California Moxie the rise in trip and the return to Happy Valley are both positives, making him one to watch. Sunday’s Serenade with the apprentice claim, he should settle closer to the speed and could cause an upset. Fortunate Son has dropped in the rating, and it wouldn’t surprise to see him finish in the Top 3.

Race 7: Thunder Prince would likely have won his last start had he secured a clean run. With a smoother trip, he should make amends. Golden Darci attacked the line strongly late in a slowly run race first-up. From a better draw, he looks ready to show improvement. Charming Babe his recent runs have been encouraging, and given a low draw, a win looks within reach. Rewarding Buddy narrowly missed last start, but needs some luck to go one better from a wide draw. Bits Superstar Britney Wong’s 7lb claim and the inside draw are both positives, making him an intriguing runner to watch.

Race 8: Bienvenue finished a close second on his Class 3 debut last start, and with Purton staying aboard, he’s poised to break through in this class. Regal Gem has been in great form and is primed for a double in Class 3, despite carrying top weight. Spicy Gold was not beaten far last start after enduring a wide trip. He could spring a surprise with a smoother run. Never Too Soon finished a close second under Purton first-up and should be a major player, though Purton opts for another ride in this field. Wonderstar a natural frontrunner, he could give them something to catch under the right race shape.

Race 9: Silvery Breeze boasting strong Sha Tin form, he’s primed to return to the winner’s list on his Happy Valley debut, especially given a favourable draw. Embraces has posted fast final 400m sectionals in recent starts and must be rated a strong contender. A Americ Te Specso let down well to finish second last start and will make his presence felt if the pace suits. Uranus Star had betting support last start and where there is smoke there is fire. Cambridge held up at crucial stage last start, and could finish in the money with a smooth trip.