Newnham to add spice at Happy Valley

Mark Newnham is hoping his ultra-consistent Spicy Gold can collect another cheque in the Class 3 Seine Handicap over 1200m at Happy Valley on Wednesday.

Alexis Badel has built up a brilliant partnership with Newnham’s So You Think galloper, who has won three of his nine starts this season.

After ending last campaign with a Class 4 course and distance win, Spicy Gold has gone from strength to strength this term, doubling up on return in the same grade. He completed a track and trip Class 4 hat-trick on his next start, lashing down the outside in taking style after a patient ride from Badel.

After two seconds in Class 3 company, he broke through at the fifth attempt, once again diving late after sitting on the shoulder of the leader throughout the journey.

Spicy Gold will arrive on the back of another good second and Newnham does not see any reason the good times will not keep rolling.

“He’s probably the most consistent horse in my stable – he hasn’t missed a cheque all season, winning four times since July,” said Newnham. “He’s finished second three times too and even when he didn’t place, he still collected some prize money.

“He’s been fantastic all season and for all that now he probably has found his right mark on 75. Three of his wins have been in Class 4 so to be on 75 and only winning in Class 3 once, he’s probably near the peak of his powers.

“He’s got some gate speed so he can put himself in a good position from a decent draw. He’s not showing me any signs that he won’t hold his form again and he’s in a nice race against horses similar to him.”

Newnham also runs Tactical Command in the Class Four Ciron Handicap over 1200m, who has snared a pair of wins this season over the track and trip.

He arrived fast and late to grab both of those wins, most recently when saluting at $12 with a strong late surge under Badel.

Things have not gone to plan since, with barriers No 11 at Sha Tin and No 12 at the Valley putting paid to his chances before the gates had even opened. Much to the relief of Newnham, his Charm Spirit gelding has drawn barrier No 4 this time, which is giving him plenty of cause for optimism.

“The draw makes a big difference. The statistics tell you that it’s nearly impossible to win from stall No 12 at the Valley so he was always up against it last time,” said Newnham.

“He’s won four races, with the draws being one, one, two and four for those, so that tells you how crucial the draw is for him.

“He doesn’t have enough pace to go forward from outside draws, but when he draws inside he can take up a nice position.

“The handicapper has him pegged pretty well with where he’s at - he’s certainly improved this season but has paid for his consistency.

“That said, he’s got a good chance because he’s holding his form well and has drawn in the perfect place – inside barriers are absolutely crucial to him.

“Alexis Badel’s strike rate for the stable has been excellent, he rides Happy Valley well and gets on well with him, so that helps too.” – South China Morning Post

Race-by-Race Previews

Race 1: Vigor Elleegant has produced some solid efforts at the bottom of Class 4 and looks ready to run a big race on his Class 5 debut. Ever Smart his last run suggests a win is near, and he gets another good chance to break through from a decent draw. Sky Prophet should be highly suited by the drop back in distance and improvement is expected. Winning Heart scored a strong win despite a wide trip last start, and remains a chance despite another awkward draw. Gallant Goody looked unlucky when held up at a crucial stage last start, and with a smoother run, he could cause an upset.

Race 2: Wood On Fire on a very winnable mark now, he is better than his recent starts suggest and could surprise at odds from a good draw. So Awesome has been in consistent form lately and must be considered a strong contender. Multidarling stormed home to finish second last start, and with a favourable draw, he’s poised to go one better. Ragnarr attacked the line strongly in his last two starts and will make his presence felt if the pace suits. Sweet Diamond the removal of blinkers is a significant positive, given all three of his career wins came without them.

Race 3: Perfect Pairing a facile last-start winner over this track and distance, he looks primed to secure back-to-back victories in Class 4. Management Folks has stuck a purple patch of form and has drawn well to continue the strong run. Hakka Radiance looks overdue for a win after being placed three times form his last five starts. Beauty Viva finished strongly into second despite being held up at a crucial stage last start. However, the wide draw remains a concern. Joyful Prosperity is already below his last winning mark and could prove to be a value choice.

Race 4: Thunder Prince a below-par Class 4 field gives him a golden chance to break through, especially from a low draw. Country Dancer posted the fastest final 400m in a slowly run race last time out and will make a strong late surge under the right race shape. O’liner boasting a strong second-up record, he could secure a Top 3 finish with added fitness. Bits Superstar showed improvement last start and should deliver another strong performance if he crosses early from a wide draw. Sweet Briar had genuine excuses last start (jumped awkwardly) and could improve with a clean getaway.

Race 5: Prestige Good a strong frontrunner in great form, he looks ideally placed in a field that lacks speed and can prove hard to run down. Comet Splendido may have needed his first-up run, and now fitter, he looks ready to make amends in his second run back in Class 4. Jubilant Winner ran on well off a slow pace last start and should not be ignored despite the wide draw. Sight Supreme resuming off a break, his 50% first-up strike rate suggests a bold showing is imminent. Jumbo Fortune not a prolific runner, but he could surprise at value with a lightweight on his back.

Race 6: Young Arrow has gone close to winning in Class 3 and looks all set to break through dropping to Class 4. Telecom Power scored an overdue win last start and looks capable of making it back-to-back in Class 4. California Deeply always a threat in this class, he should run well despite carrying top weight. Tactical Command likes to settle off the speed and charge home late, so he needs a genuine pace to suit his racing style. Team Happy showed good early speed from a wide draw last start. With a more economical run, likely from a low draw, he could place at long odds.

Race 7: Flying Fortress has been in career-best form and looks a standout despite the wide draw, following a close second last start. Aestheticism was not beaten far from a wide draw last start, and with a better gate, he could make amends. Lucky Touch charged home strongly into second despite being held up at a crucial stage last start. M Unicorn well placed with the apprentice claim, he could upset some more fancied rivals if he finds his best form. Hameron caught the eye flashing home late last time out. From a favourable draw, he should enjoy a smooth trip and be highly competitive.

Race 8: Sky Vino has tactical speed and could prove hard to run down with a seven-pound claimer aboard, especially from a good draw. Satirical Fan showed improvement with a close second last start and looks one to follow. Amazing Award stormed home for a brilliant win last start, and a double wouldn’t be surprising given his strong recent form. Iconical likes to race on the speed and will give them something to chase if allowed a soft lead. The Azure scored a tenacious win last start, but faces a tougher task this time from a wide draw and with top weight.

Race 9: Chateauneuf won comfortably in this class last time out, and if he can cross early from a wide draw, a double looks well within reach. Spicy Gold narrowly beaten last start, he looks ideally placed to go one better from a decent draw. Bundle Of Charm on a highly competitive mark, he is worth considering if his odds offer value. Sports Legend gets the key factors in his favour to cause an upset— well drawn and the apprentice claim. Goko Win appears well weighted on his return to Class 3, following a strong win in Class 4.