Happpy Valley race-by-race guide

Luke Middlebrook

Race 1:

Speed Force gave a solid performance when storming home for a nice second last start but he can map handier from a lower draw here. Hardest to beat with Purton in the saddle. Diamond Star generally gets back in the running but dashes strongly home - he’ll be making a late bid. Owners’ Star caught the eye last start when running home well but he can also make better use of a lower draw. Smiling Face looks overdue for a win and enters this race in good form. Flash Famous is having a second start in this grade after dropping in class and could improve.

Race 2:

Royal Pride is backing up quickly from Saturday. When in the market and running well, he looks well-placed against a moderate bunch here. Copartner Era generally gets back in the running but dashes home strongly. Expect improvement from a low draw. Our Creed - big jockey change with Purton taking the ride and expect improvement. Jade Phoenix was well supported last start and won accordingly - questions remain if he can repeat the dose. Methane is better than recent form indicates and can improve with Moreira picking the ride.

Race 3:

Namjong Sings' recent barrier trial was impressive, suggesting a good run can be expected from barrier 1. It’s an even race and he looks ripe and ready for a return to form. Meridian Genius looked unlucky when being held up at a crucial stage last start, he has to be given a chance to improve. You’remyeverything goes well first-up from a break and should be respected. Never Too Soon resuming from a break and not tested in recent trial, looked well. Triple Triple last start winner who rises in class but is drawn to get an ideal run in transit.

Race 4:

Peak To Peak had multiple genuine excuses last start and can improve in this race and he should be getting the run of the race for Purton from gate 2. Oversubscribed has been knocking on the door and a win won’t surprise anyone. Barrier 1 can see him go close. Super Mission looks overdue for a win and enters this race in good form. Durham Star is more than capable of winning again in this race if he can overcome a wide alley. Whiskey Neat has the booking of a top jockey but the fact remains that he’s a long-standing maiden.

Race 5:

Lucky Gor had genuine excuses last start as a well-backed even-money favourite - consider again. Faribault had excuses last start when he lost ground at the start. Forget the run, he can improve with a clean getaway. Vamos has been placed last two starts and deserves a win soon. Gorgeous Vitality last run was better than it reads - do not dismiss. Purton takes the ride and expect a bold showing. Pretty Queen Prawn had genuine excuses last start when caught wide, but again he has the same stall to overcome.

Race 6:

Rise Brethren is more than capable of winning again in this race after shedding his local maiden tag in fine style over 2000m last start. He looks a promising stayer on the rise and will be hardest to beat. Blastoise will be suited by the rise in distance and can run well with Moreira in the saddle. Superbella placed last start and looks like a chance to run well again for Shinn from gate 3. Vincy should be highly suited by the rise in distance - longshot chance in this race. Super Oasis turned in a nice effort last run when finishing strongly and he seems to have taken improvement from a recent stable change.

Race 7:

Scotch Tycoon nice three-year-old with a good chance to land his hat-trick of wins here after defying the rise in Class and his first 1200m test at this track and distance last start. Magic Phoenix had genuine excuses last start, when failing to handle the yielding going, and can improve in this race with Purton in the saddle. Smart Idea last start winner who retains good form and can run well again. Exuberant resuming from a break and trialled well recently, he can return to form. Yo Beauty has a better chance on this surface - look for improvement.

Race 8:

Big Two has been placed last two starts and deserves a win soon. Whyte calls upon Purton to get the job done and the horse is ready to win. Packing Famous was an easy last start winner and must be respected if he handles the step back in trip. Blissful Star video replay showed last run was very good. Lucky Missile good effort last start leading all the way to win, he may still remain competitive despite Moreria jumping ship. Dragon Pride racing in career-best form and must be rated a good chance.

Race 9:

Packing Award looks the one to beat based on current form after winning his last two races in fine style. From barrier 3, he should endure a world-perfect run and be hard to hold out. Dr Winning well-placed and looks a chance in race like this, especially with Purton taking the ride for the first time. Total Power narrowly beaten last start and goes close here under Moreira. Red Majesty winner of last two starts and is a big chance here, he’ll give a sight but may face more pressure here. Loyal Baby every chance last start but still ran a good race and he appears a great each-way play here.