Luke Middlebrook
Four-year-old gelding Kaholo Angel could be rewarded for his consistency when he returns to Happy Valley on Wednesday for the Class 3 race over 1200m.
Kaholo Angel boasts a handy record of two wins and three placings from nine attempts, and he was last seen two months ago finishing 3.75 lengths back in sixth place to Global Harmony when stepping up to 1400m. However, two starts ago, he put the writing on the wall at this track and distance with a narrow defeat to Tomodachi Kokoroe, which is strong form to bring to the table this week.
Kaholo Angel should get one of the runs of the race under 4kg claiming rider Ellis Wong, starting from barrier No 1. Additionally, trainer Caspar Fownes' stable seems to be hitting a purple patch of form, having picked up three wins and four placings from 17 starters in the past two meetings.
Elsewhere, unlucky last-start third-place finisher Red Hare King gets his chance to bounce back for a win as he contests the Class 3 race over 1650m.
Red Hare King has been ultra-consistent this season, boasting a win and five placings from nine starts. He returns two weeks after narrowly missing out on victory, finishing third in a tight three-way battle with stablemates Winning Dragon and Lovero.
However, due to hanging out at the turn in that race, he lost ground at a crucial stage, arguably costing him the win.
Starting from barrier No 4 this week, Red Hare King should find himself in an ideal position. If he proves to be good enough when the pressure mounts, he has what it takes to secure his first Class 3 victory.
Race-by-Race Previews
Race 1: Colonel has ability and is always dangerous in this grade. From barrier 3, he will give a big sight. Whether or not he can hang on for the win depends on what unravels early. Rattan World form is good and must be rated a solid chance. If the pace if on, he will prove too strong late. Viva A La good performance when storming home for a nice second last start. Nordic Combined should be highly suited by the drop back in distance. He is another who will appreciate some speed on. Sonic Boom second start in this grade after dropping in class and could improve.
Race 2: Big Two good performance when storming home for third place last start. With a clean jump from barrier 1 and should he map close enough to the speed, he has what it takes to win in Class 5 now. Stormtrouper looked unlucky when being held up at a crucial stage last start. Purton jumps on, which is key to his chances, but the horse is not the most reliable prospect. Medic Elite was an easy last start winner and must be respected again. Charming Steed never far away from the winner and is always a chance at this level. Jazz Club down in class in this race and should perform better.
Race 3: Darci Joy narrowly beaten last start and goes close here back to a winning distance. Wide-open race here but he has what it takes to win here as he should get favours from the low draw. Kyrus Unicorn form is good and is getting close to another victory. Blinkers go back on and barrier 3 suits his chances. Serangoon last start winner who retains good form and can run well again but he will need luck from barrier 11. Absolute Sunshine down in class here and can surprise. Bowman takes the ride, so improvement looks likely. Amazing Teens generally gets back in the running but dashes strongly home.
Race 4: Just a small field but competitive race here. Harmony N Blessed a fast beginner who can run well if he finds an easy lead, which he should as he steps away from barrier 2. Colourful Emperor should begin fast and will be trying to lead all the way with a clean start from barrier 7. Lightning Bolt had excuses last start and forget the run. He could be an improver as he comes into barrier 4. Lucky Archangel can upset some more fancied rivals on best form, while last run was better than it reads. Beauty Glory had genuine excuses last start and consider again.
Race 5: Red Hare King last start placing was full of merit after he hung out at the turn and lost ground, nice effort and he is poised for a break through win in Class 3 if the stars align for him in the run. Quantum Patch has a better chance on this track and should run well. Purton rides but Ng’s win strike rate is starting to level out. All Beauty recent runs have been encouraging and can run well from barrier 2, which should see him map much closer to the speed. Gallant Waking generally gets back in the running but dashes strongly home. Rocket Spade has proven costly to supporters but could surprise from barrier 3.
Race 6: Ace Power newcomer who has trialled well for debut on numerous occasions and will get his chance from barrier 2. Country Dancer looks overdue for a win and enters this race in good form. Just needs a bit of luck from barrier 10 but is good enough to win with the right run. Yoda’s Choice recent barrier trial was good suggesting a good run can be expected. Super Eagle last start winner who remains in the same grade. Solar Partner down in class in this race and should perform better. Bowman knows him well and expect improvement.
Race 7: Kaholo Angel fresh up from a break and should run well back in distance as well as returning to this track. From barrier 1, he should be in the right position to win. Watch Buddy winner of last two starts and is a big chance here but he will need luck from barrier 9. Golden Empire was an easy last start winner and must be respected if he can show up in the same form. Celestial Colours had excuses last start and forget the run. Golden Long rising in class and meets better quality horses but can measure up. On the light weight from barrier 4, he could surprise.
Race 8: Sure Joyful form is good and must be rated a solid winning chance in an open race. Starship Eighty consistent form lately and can score here. He should map with the right run to suit his style from barrier 4. Cordyceps One well supported last start and won accordingly and could repeat the dose, watch the betting again. Strongest Boy remains a maiden galloper but clearly gets a chance to win here as he continues to run well. D Star down in class in this race and should perform better.
Race 9: Flying Phantom holding form with recent good trial and looks well place to break through for this first win. Lyrical Motion consistent form lately and can score here. Bowman takes over the reins from the 10lm apprentice, which could make a world of difference to his chances. Lucky Planet form is good and is getting close to a win. Happy Golf well supported last start and won accordingly and remains well rated at the top of Class 4. Happy Soul never far away from the winner and could sneak a place from the low draw.