--- title: "Happy Valley: Wednesday, 11 October 2023" description: HK Racing Preview - 11 October image: https://19643387.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hubfs/19643387/social-suggested-images/19643387.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.nethubfs19643387Imported_Blog_Mediawebsize-happy-valley.jpg --- [BET NOW](https://www.tab4racing.com/) Back Happy Valley ### Horse Racing # Happy Valley: Wednesday, 11 October 2023 ##### October 2023 *Luke Middlebrook* Four-year-old gelding LEAN HERO has a good chance to pick up a third career win in the Class 4 Handicap over 1650m (race 7). The David Hayes-trained galloper enters this week’s race second-up after resuming at Sha Tin over 1400m following a three-month break 24 days ago. Eased back early to settle near-last from barrier 5, LEAN HERO was an eye-catcher late into fifth, beaten 1.25 lengths, and was one of the runs of the race against the on-pace dominated race shape. The form since has also held up with second place- getter, Copartner Ambition, winning easily. LEAN HERO returns to his preferred track and distance this week, where his two career wins have occurred, while he has trialed impressively in between runs to suggest he is in good form. Under Hugh Bowman, he appears hard to hold out late. The speed map is interesting, however, as trainer Pierre Ng’s fast beginner Dragon Star loves to jump and run and has been gallant in defeat in two runs this campaign. Once again, he should find the front and vie to make all in the running. It remains to be seen if he is taken on by Fastpass, who led and weakened last run, or if he is allowed to dictate on his own terms. Elsewhere, six-year-old gelding AWESOME TREASURE has conditions that suit his chances of scoring an overdue win in the Class 4 Handicap over 1200m (race 6). With only one win from 19 starts, AWESOME TREASURE is not a world beater, but his first-up run into second place at this track and distance two weeks ago had plenty to like about it. The Charm Spirit gelding vied to lead throughout that night and was only overtaken late, finishing a head behind on the wire, with a healthy gap of two lengths back to third. Stepping away from barrier 1 this week, AWESOME TREASURE will map with every chance as leading jockey Zac Purton takes over the reins. Track Spy Video Replay Stars Race 4 – 6 WOOD ON FIRE First-up for a new trainer at this track and distance three weeks ago, he checked in third place, beaten a half-length, but did have some excuses in the straight after he was held up from the 200m until switching off heels at the 100m and closing off strongly thereafter. He remains a well-rated horse on his current mark and trainer Michael Chang seems to have him going as well as eve. Race 6 – 5 TRAVEL GOLF Overlook his last run down the 1000m straight at Sha Tin as he was held up from the 400m until passing the 200m which diminished his chances. Instead, go on his third-place fi nish at this track and distance two starts ago, where he was only beaten by a head. Though he remains a maiden in Hong Kong, he looks well placed in Class 4 where he should be good enough to land a win soon. Sectional Time Stars Race 2 – 2 COPARTNER ERA His first-up fourth-place finish was a pass mark in a slowly-run race where he came home the quickest in the event from second-last in the run in the small fi eld of seven. Fitter-now, he should run a better race. Race 7 – 1 ROYAL PRIDE He looks an interesting runner on the quick back up as he was midfield in a fast run race as the favourite and was only fair late. But, on prior form, he can let down strongly under the right race shape, and has to be respected as he returns to Class 4 this week. Luke Middlebrook’s Selections R1. 5-4-1-9 R2. 3-2-6-7 R3. 4-5-8-1 R4. 6-5-2-4 R5. 4-7-8-5 R6. 4-7-6-11 R7. 2-10-1-6 R8. 5-3-7-4 Betting Strategy: R4 #6 Win R6 #4 Win R7 #2 Win Race-by-Race Previews Race 1: Tronic Mighty more than capable of winning again in this race after an impressive last-start track and distance win. He has been a genuine improver since joining Jamie Richards’ yard. Theta Hedge looks overdue for a win and enters this race in good form. From barrier 4, he gets favours. Good Boy down in class in this race and should perform better. Stable in great form, so respect here. Six Best Friends showed improvement at a recent trial and could run a race from the low gate. Diamond Soars showed good speed to lead last start and gave a good sight. Race 2: Happy Jai Jai every chance last start but still ran a good race for third over 1800m. Back to 1650m suits his chances to a tee here and from barrier 2, Purton looks to get the run of the race. Copartner Era has ability and should not be underestimated in this grade (read “Track Spy” for more information). Medic Elite was an easy last start winner and must be respected. Barrier 10 is awkward, however. Eagle Run best run to date was last start and appears to be improving. Chiron go on solid previous efforts where form looked okay. He can improve from barrier 1. Race 3: Capital Legend placed last start and looks a chance to run well again. Fownes’ stable is in great form, so respect here. Star Contact looks overdue for a win and enters this race in good form. Fitter now second-up and can be in the finish again. Ivy League has been steadily improving and do not dismiss. He could be the each-way value. Winning Dragon video replay showed last run was very good. From barrier 4 under the apprentice, he should gain the right run. Comet Splendido caught the eye last start when running home well but has drawn wide here. Another flashing light run looks likely. Race 4: Wood On Fire looks a solid good chance based on last start, in which he had excuses in the home stretch (read “Track Spy” for more information). Golden Luck showed good speed to lead last start and gave a good sight, running out of condition late. He should come on well for that run. Kokushi Musou has been placed last two starts and deserves a win soon but barrier 10 is awkward here. Happy Fat Cat has early speed and can always surprise with the right run. Shinkansen finished powerfully with fastest sectional time ranking last start and is improving all the time. Race 5: A wide-open race here. King Eccellente looks overdue for a win and enters this race in good form. He should get the race run to suit his chances. King Invincible resuming from a break and won a recent trial well enough. He is a noted roarer, which is the query, but have to respect Purton and Lor combining here. Kowloon East Star was an easy last start winner and must be respected if he has held his form. Sergeant Pepper faded late last start, chance to improve under right race shape. Savvy Delight looks a chance if you go on previous consistent form. He was in need of the run first-up. Race 6: Awesome Treasure narrowly beaten last start and goes close here. From barrier 1 under Purton, he won’t have many excuses. Exuberant has been knocking on the door and win won’t surprise anyone. He will be closing off hard and fast late. Cosmo Navigator best run to date was last start and appears to be improving. Have to consider under Bowman. Super Eagle has been placed last three starts, deserves a win soon. Travel Golf looked unlucky when being held up at a crucial stage last start. He’s a much better chance back at Happy Valley (read “Track Spy” for more information). Race 7: Lean Hero turned in a nice effort last run when finishing strongly late into fifth over 1400m at Sha Tin. Chances improve big time back to this track and distance and he looks hard to hold out under Bowman. Dragon Star has been placed last two starts and deserves a win soon. Teetan taking the ride ticks boxes and he could get the race run to suit on the lead. Royal Pride backing up quickly from last week, can run well (read “Track Spy” for more information). Prince Alex comes out of a strong form race and looks suited here. Turin Warrior change of trainer recently and can improve. Race 8: Lightning Bolt last start winner who remains in the same grade and from barrier 1, he looks hard to oppose. He maps as the winner. Gallant Waking appears to be very well suited by the track and distance of this race, but Vincent Ho needs to make use of the low gate. Sugar Sugar narrowly beaten last start and goes close here with the right run from barrier 9. Jolly Ruler bled last start and has been rested. Not tested in his recent trials, but looked well. Not Usual Star has shown ability and gets his chance to win here from a low draw and an okay-looking trial for his return. Recent posts like this ### ADJUSTED RACING CONDITIONS - UPDATE 4Racing wishes to inform stakeholders that following a two-month trial period of the adjusted racing conditions, we ... [Read more](https://news.4racing.com/adjusted-racing-conditions-update) ### TURFFONTEIN 25 April 2026 moved to Tuesday, 28 April Please note: The race meeting scheduled for Saturday, 25 April 2026 at ... [Read more](https://news.4racing.com/turffontein-25-april-2026-moved-to-tuesday-28-april) ### TAB WEEKEND RACING HIGHLIGHTS: 24 - 26 APRIL CHAMPIONSHIPS FINALE POSTPONED TO TUESDAY [Read more](https://news.4racing.com/tab-weekend-racing-highlights-24-26-april)