Four fine chances for Ferraris at Happy Valley

It will be a case of quality over quantity for Luke Ferraris on Wednesday when he lines up with just four rides at Happy Valley, with each of them having solid claims.

Ferraris’ book consists of Symbol Of Strength, Cloud Nine, Do Your Part and Fivefortwo, who bids for back-to-back wins in the Class Three Scrum Half Handicap over 1650m.

The South African jockey has built a strong association with the Francis Lui Kin-wai-trained galloper, having partnered him at both of his Hong Kong wins including a commanding victory last start by two lengths over Samarkand.

“The penny has dropped with him because the last run was really good with the way he put them away,” Ferraris said.

The son of Time Test will jump from barrier No 8 and should be aided by a strong tempo.

“The speed of the race should help him a bit. He’s going well, he’s got a decent enough draw for himself, he gets back a bit and if he can get the right tow into the race hopefully he can repeat what he’s been doing,” Ferraris said.

Fivefortwo was withdrawn the day before his last scheduled start due to a fever, but Ferraris said the four-year-old has bounced back quickly.

“I sat on him this morning – he put up a nice gallop, he’s moving well and his recovery was good, so I’m really happy with him going into it,” Ferraris said.

Frankie Lor Fu-chuen’s Symbol Of Strength will contest the Class Three Golden Point Handicap (1200m) and although he has drawn favourably in gate three, the lightly framed Kodiac galloper will once again be tasked with the top weight of 61.5kg.

“He’s a small, little horse. The biggest concern is the weight for me but in saying that, he does have the draw that’ll help him a lot,” Ferraris said.

“He’s going to need to get a soft run in order to produce his best late, but he’s got ability as his last win showed and if he can get in a nice run in transit, hopefully he can be featuring again.”

Cloud Nine will step out at Happy Valley for the first time in the Class Four Racing With Rugby Handicap (1200m) and while only lightly raced, the son of Tiger Heart has been consistent in his three starts.

The Mark Newnham-trained three-year-old trialled at the track recently and managed to get around the tight-turning circuit with ease.

“I thought he handled it well, he got around there good. His form has been good. I think as a horse he’s going to keep on improving the more races he gets,” Ferraris said.

While barrier No 9 will prove a challenge, there should be plenty of options available to Ferraris.

“He’s got a bit of a sticky barrier to overcome but he’s definitely a nice horse going the right way. It all depends on how much other speed’s around us, I’ll chat to Mark and see what he wants to do from there, but being the A track maybe gives us a bit more options as to what we can do,” Ferraris said.

Ever-honest Do Your Part has not missed a top-three placing in his last 11 starts and will be looking for his third Hong Kong victory in the Class Three Hong Kong China Rugby Cup (1650m).

The five-year-old has handled the step up to Class Three company this season with ease, however, still struggles to relax in the run.

“He needs to learn how to settle a bit better. I think last time he probably could have won if he just settled in the first part of the race a bit better,” Ferraris said.

“He tends to get his head up a bit and race a bit fiercely. But in saying that he’s very honest and always puts in a good effort.

“He’s got a nice enough barrier, he’s fairly versatile as to what you can do with him. He can hopefully get in a rhythm and repeat what he did last time.” - South China Morning Post

Race-by-Race Previews

Race 1: Spicy Spangle has trialled well since his excusable last start and must be considered as a leading contender. Macanese Master an in-form frontrunner, he finished a meritorious second from a wide draw last start and looks well placed to go one better from pole position. Lucky Generations has mixed form in Class 5 but the booking of Moreira is a significant positive. Always My Folks eased in the ratings and could cause an upset if things fall his way. Country Dancer encountered traffic last start and is expected to show improvement at his second attempt back in Class 5.

Race 2: Family Fortune caught the eye flashing home late last start, and reuniting with Moreira piques interest. Dragon Sunrise finished strongly for a close third last start, and with Purton staying aboard, he could finally break through. Floof drops into Class 5 with a good draw and should show improvement against easier opposition. Courier Magic suited by the switch back to the turf track, where he generally performs well, and looks capable of securing a spot in the Top 3. Perfecto Moments gets in well at the weights and could surprise at odds if allowed to dictate from a wide draw.

Race 3: Run Run Timing led too slow last start, turning it into a sit-and-sprint which didn’t suit; with a better-judged ride, he can make amends. Take Action from a good draw, he looks well placed to go one better after a fast-finishing second last start. Frantanck produced a fair on-pace performance last start, and with the apprentice claim, he is worth considering. Fantastic Fun was narrowly beaten last start but carrying top weight remains a concern. To Infinity nearing his last winning mark, he could cause an upset if they overcook it up front.

Race 4: Noble Pursuit has dropped in the ratings and looks ready to run an improved race with Moreira aboard from a low draw. Smart City finished a solid third when racing on the speed from a wide draw last start, and with a better gate, he should play a key role. Enthralled will relish the drop in class and is expected to show improvement on his Class 4 debut. Harmony Galaxy stormed home for third last start and looks one to follow from a good draw. Kingly Demeanor possesses tactical speed and will give them something to catch.

Race 5: Do Your Part has been in consistent form and comes off a close second in a race with franked form last start. Beauty Alliance his recent efforts have been encouraging, making him one to follow with Purton aboard. Wrote A New Page a proven performer in this class, he should map well from a low draw and go close. King Lotus raced one-paced in a slowly run race last start and could surprise at odds under more favourable conditions. Win Method has secured a Class 4 double and remains a chance despite stepping up to Class 3.

Race 6: Storming Dragon looks primed to deliver a strong performance on his Class 4 debut despite the wide draw, after a couple of fast-finishing thirds in Class 3. Prestige Hall boasts strong Sha Tin form and shapes as a leading contender on his return to Happy Valley. Northern Fire Ball suited by the switch back to the city circuit, where he made all easily three starts ago. Golden Empire eased in the ratings and could sneak into the placings from a low gate. Cloud Nine has trialled well for his return and is expected to run a big race first-up

Race 7: Rainbow Seven finished a close second last start, and the form has since been franked with the winner going on to secure a double. Master Lucky had genuine excuses last start and could make amends with a smoother run in transit. Genius Baby has been knocking on the door and must be included among the better chances. The Heir was narrowly beaten last start and Moreira could be the last piece he needs. Argento Ocean drops back into Class 4, where his best form lies, and should run well despite carrying top weight.

Race 8: Fivefortwo stormed home to win in style last start and looks poised to secure back-to-back victories in Class 3. Keefy has regained his form recently and must be included in exotics. I Can capable but unpredictable, he could cause an upset on his day and is worth considering as a value pick. Jumbo Legend a proven performer in Class 3, he should run well if his roaring issue doesn’t recur. Armor Golden Eagle scored a tenacious win in Class 4 last start and remains a chance stepping back up to Class 3.

Race 9: Bienvenue had genuine excuses last start (blood in the trachea) and deserves another chance, given his strong previous form. Straight To Glory ran his best race in Class 3 last start and looks one to follow. Sports Legend has turned in an impressive trial win ahead of this week’s race and commands respect with Bowman aboard. Somelovefromabove comes off a facile double in Class 4 and should remain competitive with Moreira aboard stepping up to Class 3. Matters Most was used up early in a fast run race last start, and with a kinder trip, he could place at value. - iRace Media