Fownes’ Cloud heads for Happy Valley glory

He Jiong

Six-year-old gelding Glory Cloud looks well placed to finally shed his maiden tag when he steps down in class for the Class 5 Handicap over 1200m on Wednesday.

Trained by Caspar Fownes, the son of Charm Spirit has been an honest performer in Class 4 company, placing four times from 16 starts and rarely finishing far from the winner. In each of his last three outings, he was beaten not more than 3.25 lengths, including a recent run over this track and distance where a slow tempo left him one-paced after attracting late market support.

Dropping into a moderate Class 5 field, Glory Cloud appears to have found a suitable opportunity. With a more positive ride, he should have the edge on his rivals and looks ready to break through.

Promising four-year-old Akashvani looks on track to make amends for his last-start defeat in the Class 3 Handicap over 1200m.

A one-time winner with three placings from seven starts, Akashvani resumed with an encouraging second in early September, prompting strong market support for his next outing. However, things didn’t go to plan that day — caught wide early from a tricky draw, he was forced to work hard to settle on the speed in a fast-run race.

That early effort told late, and he battled on bravely to finish fifth, beaten only 0.75 lengths over this distance.

The form from that race has since stacked up well, with Lucky Planet — who led and weakened on the turn — returning to run a solid third at his next start. With a kinder run in transit, Akashvani looks primed to notch his second career victory. – iRACE Magazine

Race-by-Race Previews

Race 1: Super Sixty showed improvement with a solid second last start and shapes as a leading contender in this below-par Class 4 field. Lean Master a three-time winner in this class, he has drawn well and looks capable of producing an improved effort. Happy Boys attacked the line strongly late last time out, and with a genuine pace, he could secure a Top 3 finish. Savvy Twinkle had excuses last start, and with Purton aboard, he could show improvement first-up, though the wide draw remains a concern. Beauty Thunder his form is patchy, yet capable of an upset when at his best.

Race 2: Glory Cloud has gone close in Class 4 and looks poised to run a big race on his Class 5 debut, especially with the apprentice claim. Talents Supremo finished strongly to find one better last start, and from a low draw, he could go one better. Run Run Timing will relish the drop in class and his recent eye-catching trial suggests a strong first-up performance looks imminent. Noble Deluxe has been in consistent form of late and should not be overlooked despite the wide draw. Winning Heart possesses a strong turn of foot and will make his presence felt in a genuinely run race.

Race 3: A wide-open race where Know At Heart has dropped in the ratings, and from a favourable draw, he should map well and be competitive. Mega Bonus the inside draw suits his front-running style and improvement is expected. Patch Of Watch with his tactical speed, he could be hard to run down if he crosses early from a wide draw. Written Casa could cause an upset in a race of this nature, and is worth considering if his odds present value. Gastronomique finished strongly late on debut, and with natural improvement, he could be right in the mix.

Race 4: Nebraskan ideally weighted and could be hard to run down in a field lacking speed. Denfield found the line well late in a slowly run race last start and looks one to follow, with Bowman aboard. California Deeply better than his recent form suggests and could run a cheeky race if things fall his way. Rising Phoenix recorded the second fastest final 400m last start and must be respected with Purton aboard. Star Figure resuming from a break, he has trialled well and should deliver a strong first-up performance.

Race 5: Take Action badly held up in the concluding stages last start, and with a smoother run, he could make amends. Quantum Patch looks overdue for a win and must be considered a leading contender. Super Sicario has performed well since adopting a positive racing style, and another bold showing looks on the cards. Super Unicorn should be suited by the switch back to turf and is likely to improve. California Bay having slid down the ratings, he will find this field more manageable on his Happy Valley debut, making him a value choice.

Race 6: Horsepower boasts an impressive first-up record and has trialled well; he looks poised for a big run. Aurora Lady possesses versatility in running and has shown a great liking for this track, making him hard to overlook. Superb Capitalist comes off an easy first-up win and remains a chance, despite the rise in class. Colourful King had genuine excuses last start, and with a smoother trip, he could secure a spot in the Top 3. Stellar Express overlook his last run, as the jockey indicated he was poorly placed on the track; he deserves another opportunity.

Race 7: Silver Spurs has shown significant improvement recently, and with a favourable draw, he is expected to produce another strong on-pace showing. Rewarding Twinkle has not been beaten far in recent starts and the form of his last outing has since held up well. Sight Happy on a seven-day back up, his recent form has been consistent, and a win wouldn’t surprise here. Ace Power a genuine closer, he will make a strong late surge if they go too hard up front. Golden Luck could sneak into the placings at long odds if he reverts to his positive racing style.

Race 8: South Star boasts strong Sha Tin form and was narrowly beaten last start. He looks to be the leading contender on his Happy Valley debut. Star Contact finished fifth gamely in a fast-run race last start; a kinder pace could see him run a big race. Rising From Ashes the return to Happy Valley and the switch back to turf are both positives, making him one to watch closely. Definitive has performed well in this class but carrying the top weight is a major concern. A Americ Te Specso finished strongly in a sprint race first-up, and could show further improvement with the step up in trip.

Race 9: Akashvani met strong competition at Sha Tin and ran well; looks capable of featuring on his Happy Valley debut. King Lotus appears to be a progressive type and remains a strong contender despite the rise in class. Sovereign Fund was far from disgraced in his last outing and could be a value choice against some more fancied rivals. Storming Dragon has been in career-best form and should play a key role. Bundle Of Charm almost made all last start, and with Bowman aboard, he should produce another encouraging effort.