Luke Middlebrook
Progressive four-year-old Simply Maverick, with Zac Purton in the irons, will relish a return to his happy hunting ground in Wednesday's Class 3 event over 1650m at Happy Valley.
Having failed to feature in the finish in his first four race starts, Simply Maverick cruised to a 4.75-length victory at this track and distance in December. He then encountered some setbacks when he finished third later that month but rallied with consecutive victories in January, stamping his affinity with the city circuit’s mile course, now boasting three wins from five attempts.
Simply Maverick's last two starts have been over 1800m at Sha Tin, including a last-start 12th-place finish in the Classic Cup, which spelled the end of his bid for a Derby start. Freshened since then and allowed to get over that run, he has trialled well in between runs.
Elsewhere, In-form four-year-old Copartner Prance can be followed up on his latest win as he appears poised to win his way out of Class 4 in the 1200m race.
Lightly raced Copartner Prance will step out for his sixth career start this week and is close to a month in between runs, where he smashed his maiden in fine style after a series of promising runs from wide draws.
On that occasion, he justified solid market support with a facile 1.25-length victory over Valhalla, who has since gone on to run well. Meeting no tougher task this week, Copartner Prance will take some beating.
Race-by-Race Previews
Race 1: Wide open race. Golden Fairy looked unlucky when being held up at a crucial stage last start. Has won at the trip and gets his chance on the light weight. Colourful Baron always worth considering in a race like this and include in your chances. Superb Daddy caught the eye last start when running home well. The distance is the query but he should be strong late. Loyal Ambition well-placed and looks a chance in race like this. Green Laser was eased early before catching the eye late last start. Each-way claims at a price here.
Race 2: Easy Snip turned in a nice effort last run when finishing strongly into second behind Sports Legend. Drawn well low in barrier 2 from where he should get one of the runs of the race. Street Conqueror has ability and should not be underestimated in this grade. Barrier 11 won’t be easy, but a good steer should see him in the finish late. Happy Golf consistent performer of late and worth considering. Super Eagle another who has consistent form lately and can score here. Double Bingo having first start and watch the betting odds. Trialled well but quietly and could surprise.
Race 3: Mr Ascendency winner of last two starts and looks a top chance to keep the ball rolling. Drawn well in four from where he should map close to speed and will be able pounce late. Telecom Fighters should begin fast and will be trying to lead all the way from barrier 1. He could easily pinch this from the front under Hewitson. Moments In Time well supported last start and won accordingly. Galaxy Witness never far away from the winner and could sneak a place. Rising From Ashes has a better chance on this track and should run well with a jockey upgrade, with Teetan taking over from Dylan Mo.
Race 4: Copartner Prance more than capable of winning again in this race after breaking through in fine style last start. He meets no tougher task and should have better than Class 4 ability. Hard to beat. Sky Song turned in a very nice debut run and looks to have good ability. Joyful Life faded late last start, chance to improve under right race shape. Drawn wide and will need luck but each-way claims at a price here. Speedy Smartie recent runs have been encouraging and can run well. Tattenham never far away from the winner and could sneak a place.
Race 5: Devas Twelve consistent performer of late. His last-start third was better than it reads as he copped a check. His win prior was full of promise. Atomic Beauty caught wide last start and still ran well. He comes into barrier 2, so should map softly, and the Avdulla/Cruz combination is on fire. Keen Unity good performance when storming home for a nice second last start. Sturdy Ruby has been knocking on the door and win won’t surprise, but he is becoming costly. However, his SP will be much greater here. Sure Joyful well-placed and looks a chance in race like this.
Race 6: Winning Heart well supported last start and won accordingly. Drawn well low in barrier 4, he appears to get enough favours to win again. Mr Valiant changed stables recently and has improved after his easy last-start win. Bled in a trial since, however, hence why he is first-up here. Savvy Chic can bounce back a winner anytime in this class and he showed improvement in a recent trial. Golden Link looks a solid good chance based on last start when returning to form. Great Achiever recent runs have been encouraging and can run well coming into a low gate.
Race 7: Joyful Prosperity looks overdue for a win and enters this race in good form after he stormed home late into third behind Californiatotality last start, which is strong form. Gallant Valour every chance last start but still ran a good race. Drawn well low in barrier 1 and perhaps the gear change can spark improvement. D Star good performance when storming home for third place last start and he should relish a lower draw here. Capital Legend narrowly beaten last start and goes close here. Master Tornado could sneak a place in a race like this at an each-way price.
Race 8: Simply Maverick will find this easier than last start when he failed to show up in the Classic Cup for 4YOs and can run well returning to his happy hunting ground. Noble Pursuit had plenty of excuses last start and forget the run. He will be better back at this track and distance and expect a big run. Winning Dragon last start placing was full of merit, nice effort and he will give this a shake. Lovero ultra-consistent galloper and who can play a part in the finish with luck in the run from stall 11. Show Respect winner of last two starts and looks a top chance to go on with it.
Race 9: Healthy Healthy good performance when storming home for third place last start. Barrier 4 should ensure he gains the right run in transit. Sweet Briar looks overdue for a win and enters this race in good form. He will secure the right run from barrier 1 and get his chance if strong enough late. Sports Legend was an easy last start winner when blinkers went on as he dropped into Class 4 and must be respected. Colourful Emperor winner of last two starts and looks a top chance. Astrologer has a great record in this class and must be respected.