Hong Kong racing returns to Happy Valley

Luke Middlebrook

Four-year-old gelding DENFIELD can put a luckless last-start defeat behind him and bounce back to
his winning ways in the Class 4 Handicap (1200m) coming up in race 6.
The Danny Shum-trained sprinter resumed at this track and distance 21 days ago, first-up after a
three-month break following an impressive 2.75-length victory here in late June.

DENFIELD was heavily backed into the $1.5 market elect for his first-up run, but things went awry
from the start as he was awkwardly away and then badly crowded for room between two runners.
On the back foot and with a lot of ground to make up, DENFIELD faced an uphill task. Even though
he didn’t win, his fast-finishing run into third place, beaten by a length, showed merit.
DENFIELD has since been back to the trials and looked well, as usual. With Zac Purton taking over the reins and facing a weaker field this week, DENFIELD should atone.

Two races earlier, last-start winner, JUNE PLANET, chases back-to-back victories in the Class 4
Handicap over 1650m.

The five-year-old has been consistent in his 11-start career so far, but his negative racing pattern is
the reason it took him 10 starts to secure his first win at this track and distance two weeks ago. He
often leaves his run too late but has managed to pick up five placings along the way. The Caspar
Fownes trainee does possess upside, and he looks the standout. But Hugh Bowman will need to
ensure he doesn’t stand too much ground early.

Out to spoil the party is Douglas Whyte-trained Durham Star, who will be ridden by Zac Purton from
barrier 2. It’s a little over a year since he last won a race, and he has yet to win over the extended
mile, however he is rarely beaten far and is more than capable.

Trainer Dennis Yip’s entrant, YEABOI, piques plenty of interest first-up after a strong trial win, and he
was an all-the-way winner at the track and distance two starts ago. With 7lb apprentice Angus
Chung in the plate, he should be fast away and in control of the pace in the early stages.

Track Spy

Video Replay Stars

Race 4 – 11 BEAUTY MISSION

His first-up sixth-place fi nish, beaten 1.75 lengths, was better than it reads as after he improved into
a narrow run near the 200m, he raced tight between runners over the final 150m and was unable to
be fully tested over concluding stages. Though he remains a local maiden from 24 starts, he is on a
career-low mark and finds himself in a weak race where he has what it takes to be in the money.

Race 6 – 4 COMPASSION SUPER

He is on his second start back in Class 4 after an excusable 10th-place fi nish at this track and
distance in early July. He drew wide in barrier 11 and knuckled on jumping, while racing wide and
without cover throughout spelled his demise. He was also eased when crowded for room at the 75m – a complete forgive run. He is always one to consider at this level and it won’t come as a surprise to
see a return to form

Sectional Time Stars

Race 3 – 2 EXPLOSIVE WITNESS

He is suited back to Happy Valley, where three of his four local wins have occurred, while his second-
up fifth-place fi nish had merit to it as he was held up from the 300m until passing the 100m but still
closing off the third-quickest in the race.

Race 7 – 1 RIGHTEOUS ARION

Drawn widest in gate 12 on his last assignment, he was eased back early to find cover and faced an
uphill task. In an on-pace dominated race, he defied the race shape to check in a fast-finishing
fourth, closing off the quickest in the race. The run had even more merit to it as he was noted to pull
up lame.

Luke Middlebrook’s Selections

R1. 3-1-7-8
R2. 8-3-2-5
R3. 4-6-2-1
R4. 2-3-6-11
R5. 3-6-8-1
R6. 1-7-4-10
R7. 1-3-4-2
R8. 9-6-5-12

Betting Strategy:

R4 #2 Win
R6 #1 Win
R7 #1 Each-Way

Race-by-Race Previews

Race 1: Yee Cheong Warrior caught the eye last start when running home well. From barrier 1, and
with Bowman in the saddle, he looks hardest to beat. Sunny Baby looks overdue for a win and enters
this race in good form. He should be there when the whips are cracking. Viva A La video replay
showed last run was very good as he had plenty of excuses in the run. Tsuen Wan Glory ran the third
fastest sectional time last start for a nice, closing effort. M M Nebula good effort last start leading all
the way to win, this looks tougher however.

Race 2: Miracles had excuses last start when racing wide without cover, but that shouldn’t be the
case stepping away from barrier 1 here. He is ready to break his duck. Vamos looks overdue for a
win and enters this race in good form. Every chance to break through from barrier 3. My Intelligent
change of trainer recently and can improve on the class drop. Fighting Star has ability and is always
dangerous in this grade, genuine each-way chances. Valhalla well supported last start and won
accordingly. He should run well again.

Race 3: Plenty of chances here, despite the small field. Heroic Master every chance last start but still
ran a good race into third place and he should be much fitter now second-up. Humble Star good
performance when storming home for a nice second last start and a repeat performance should see
him go close. Explosive Witness looked unlucky when being held up at a crucial stage last start (read
“Track Spy” for more information). Harmony N Blessed last start winner who retains good form and
can run well again. Majestic Knight a fast beginner who can run well if he finds an easy lead.

Race 4: June Planet more than capable of winning again in this race, but Bowman won’t want to give
away too much of a head start to those on-pace. Durham Star always finishes close up and must be
rated a chance at this level as Purton takes the ride. Yeaboi go on the win two starts ago and give a
chance here on the back of an impressive trial win. Beauty Mission last run was better than it reads
and do not dismiss (read “Track Spy” for more information). Legion Of Merit appears to be very well
suited by the track and distance of this race and could surprise for a place.

Race 5: Allgreektome recent runs have been encouraging and can run well. With Purton back in the
saddle, he should be afforded every opportunity to bounce back. Euro Rocks looks a solid good
chance based on last start, and the stable is simply flying. Red Elegance resuming from a break and
recent trial was good. He should be winning in this grade soon. Excellent Peers can upset some more
fancied rivals on best form. Maps a winning chance from barrier 2 under Bowman. Beauty Glory has
been placed last two starts and deserves a win soon.

Race 6: Denfield had genuine excuses last start as a beaten short-priced favourite and consider
again. Purton takes over from Teetan, his trial in between runs was good and this is a winnable race.
High Percentage has been steadily improving and do not dismiss from a low draw. Compassion Super
has ability and is always dangerous in this grade (read “Track Spy” for more information). Flaming
Eagle stable is in great form of late and so respect here. Prime Mortar has a chance based on past
form in this class of race, start to follow again.

Race 7: Righteous Arion had genuine excuses last start and consider again. So long as Vincent Ho
makes use of the low draw, he looks hard to hold out (read “Track Spy” for more information).
Watch Buddy more than capable of winning again in this race after he led all the wat here on his
final run of last season. Copartner Ambition placed last start and looks a chance to run well again
with blinkers back on and Purton in the saddle. Joy Coming winner of last two starts and looks a top
chance, but barrier 12 is awkward. Melbourne Hall old-timer who is always capable of surprising.
Race 8: Eighteen Palms faded late last start, chance to improve under right race shape. Fitter now
second-up and he should get a world-perfect run from barrier 2. Romantic Laos change of trainer
recently and can improve. However, barrier 12 looks mighty tricky. Purton could overcome it
however. Silver Sonic last start winner who remains in the same grade and should have upside to
come. Royal Pride finished powerfully with fastest sectional time ranking last start. Zone D generally
gets back in the running but dashes strongly home. Could need the run first-up, but should be
closing off well.