Happy Valley: Wednesday, 11 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.