Maverick stands out at Happy Valley

Luke Middlebrook

Progressive four-year-old Simply Maverick appears poised to take the next step by aiming for back-to-back victories in the Class 3 race over 1650m in the curtain closer at Happy Valley in Hong Kong on Wednesday.

Since relocating from Sha Tin to this track and distance this season, Simply Maverick has quickly found form. In his first attempt over the extended mile at the city circuit, he finished a close fifth, setting the stage for a convincing 4.50-length maiden triumph in the subsequent race. Despite facing challenges in his pursuit of a double, Simply Maverick secured a meritorious third, followed by another effortless victory in the last start, where he was the heavily supported $1.3 market elect.

While stepping up to tougher competition, Simply Maverick 's commanding wins suggest he is well-suited for Class 3. With tactical speed, he can position himself favourably early in the race, providing every opportunity for success.

Having won from barrier No 11 in his last start, in-form four-year-old Super Fast Dragon will have to navigate barrier No 12 as he seeks two consecutive wins in Race 4, the Class 4 race over 1000m.

The Jamie Richards-trained gelding has found his form with more racing this season, breaking through stylishly last start after a series of excusable runs. Making a barnstorming late run, he rounded up those in front in the concluding stages to win convincingly by a length.

There are no signs of Super Fast Dragon’s form tapering off, evident from his latest trial win. Statistically speaking, barrier No 12 might not be all that detrimental for the sprinter. It boasts the highest strike rate of winners at 20%, 4% more than barrier No 4 and 7% more than barrier No 1 over the 1000m distance on the ‘A’ Course since the 2021/22 season.

Race-by-Race Previews

Race 1: Diamond Winner good performance when storming home for a nice second last start. This is a wide-open 2200m contest but he should map with every chance from the low draw and enters the race in-form. Fortune Triple has a good record over this track and distance and rates a good chance. Green Laser last start winner who retains good form and can run well again, given his handy record over the distance. Vincy drops down in grade and start following. Loves the distance and is more than capable. M M Nebula has a chance based on past form in this class of race but is an unknown at the trip.

Race 2: Handy Class 5 race with some interesting class-droppers. Wind Speeder good performance when storming home for a nice second last start in his second run in the grade. If the rider can make use of barrier 3, he appears hard to hold out. Colonel has ability and is always dangerous in this grade. He has drawn barrier 10 under Purton but will begin fast and try to lead all the way. Timestorm down in class in this race and should perform better. He can win a race soon. Hercules will win in this grade very soon. H Z Tourbillon video replay showed last run was very good and is nearing a win in this class.

Race 3: Gallant Valour consistent performer of late and worth considering. He gets his chance to turn the tables on Lyrical Motion here with Purton in the saddle and a better barrier draw. Lyrical Motion changed stables recently and has improved, winning his last two races easily. The apprentice will need to be on point from barrier 10. Exuberant is capable of running a fast final 400m sectional time and he will map ideally from gate 3. High Percentage is better than recent form indicates and can improve. Flying Romantic place chance at value in a race like this from barrier 1.

Race 4: Super Fast Dragon scored a big win last start and it will pay to keep following. He has trialled well since and looks to have more to come. Barrier 12 appears awkward on paper but there is a ton of speed on and historically, gate 12 boasts the highest winning strike rate over this distance on the ‘A’ Course. Beauty Destiny form is good and is getting close to a win. Sergeant Pepper looks clear that they will try and lead all the way from barrier 1 under the 10lb apprentice claim. Harmony Fire can bounce back a winner anytime in this class. Life Is Good go on the win two starts ago and give a chance here.

Race 5: Noble Pursuit resuming from a break and the recent trial was okay. He had vet excuses last start, has been rested and should run a race first-up. Turin Warrior still a maiden galloper but gets his chance to win. He had no chance last start in a very slow-run race. He remains a winning chance on form here. Sure Joyful well supported last start and won accordingly. To Infinity go on solid previous efforts where form looked okay. Prince Alex had betting support last start and where there is smoke there is fire.

Race 6: Talents Supremo was eased early before catching the eye late from a wide draw last start. He comes into a much lower gate in barrier 9. Happy Golf recent barrier trial was decent, suggesting a good run can be expected. He has dropped enough in the ratings to bounce back anytime in Class 4. High Rise Soldier looks overdue for a win and enters this race in good form. Jumbo Legend last run suggested a win was very near but barrier 11 under the 10lb apprentice does look tricky. Lucky Symphony having second start and can improve with experience. Purton riding does pique plenty of interest.

Race 7: One For All handy type resuming from a break. Please note he is resuming off a bleeding attack in track work, not a race, in late September. Prior to that, he was favourite in a race of this nature, but led too quickly, only fading late. Nicconi County will be suited by the rise in distance and can run well. Celestial Colours last run suggested a win was very nearby. With any luck from barrier 10, he can go close. Harmony N Blessed has early speed and can always surprise with the right run. O’liner a fast beginner who can run well if he finds an easy lead.

Race 8: Beauty Waves narrowly beaten last start and goes close here. Purton takes over the reins from barrier 3, which should enhance his chances, and he is ready to win if the race shape is in his favour. Power Koepp caught the eye flashing home late, nice effort and appears to be back in form. Brave Star faded late last start, chance to improve under right race shape. A Americ Te Specso good performance when storming home for a nice second last start. Viva Chaleur turned in a nice effort last run when finishing strongly for fifth.

Race 9: Simply Maverick rising in class and meets better quality horses but can measure up after posting two big-margin wins in Class 4 recently. He can handle the class upgrade and looks to have plenty more to come. Romantic Laos overlook the last start effort as there were genuine excuses when racing wide. Lean Hero nice horse who is a model of consistency and looks a chance as usual. Gallant Waking nice effort last start when storming home for a brilliant win. Thesis has been knocking on the door and win won’t surprise anyone. With the right run, he will be thereabouts.