Luke Middlebrook
Fresh off a double at the city circuit last week, trainer Caspar Fownes returns thriving four-year-old Jumbo Legend to Happy Valley in Race 6, the Class 3 1200m Handicap on Wednesday, as he vies for a hat-trick of wins.
Jumbo Legend had shown plenty of ability in his first season of racing as a three-year-old last term but had a lot of excuses in the run at times, mostly due to his get back, run on pattern. However, this season, he has returned in top form, winning his past two races in fine style - the penny well and truly dropping.
Two starts ago when second-up, he smashed his maiden tag out of the park with an effortless three-length score before proving it no fluke last time out with another impressive victory. The rise in class should pose no problem for the in-form sprinter this week while with just nine other runners to go up against, it helps his chances.
Elsewhere, trainer John Size’s runners are starting to warm up and five-year-old gelding Zone D looks on track to bounce back to winning ways for his yard when he contests Race 8, the Class 3 1650m Handicap.
Zone D is fourth-up for the season and enters this week's race off the back of strong run into second place at this track and distance 24 days ago. Eased back early to last in the run from barrier No 10, jockey Zac Purton sat 7.50 lengths off the lead speed at the 1200m but made a mid-race move from the 750m and was sharing the lead by the 450m.
The horse stayed on bravely, but the mid-race exertion probably took its toll late and he was beaten by 1.75 lengths. Zone D has since trialled well, comes into this with a better draw and will prove competitive.
Another who should relish a better barrier is the Tony Cruz-trained frontrunner Yo Beauty in Race 4, the other Class 3 1200m Handicap.
The five-year-old returns to the races after a solid run into second place at this track and distance 35 days ago, forced to work early from the widest stall to take up the lead and only beaten late on the line by the in-form Gallant Waking.
Prior, he was a first-up winner over Excellent Peers, who subsequently won two on the trot. Coming into barrier No 1 under apprentice Angus Chung's claim, it looks like a recipe for success.
Race-by-Race Previews
Race 1: Speedy Fortune ran out of condition last start and will be fitter now second-up and trialling nicely in between runs. Amazing Rocky can upset some more fancied rivals on best form and good health. Handsome Rebel caught wide last start and still ran well, he can improve more with better luck in the run. Trust Me old-timer who is always capable of surprising, keep safe. Circuit Seven had excuses last start when racing wide without cover, that shouldn’t happen from a low gate here.
Race 2: Medic Elite last run suggested a win was very near and he looks a big chance to score with SDS in the saddle. Circuit Spiritanto was an easy last start winner and must be respected to be a winning chance again, it will depend on how much pressure is applied up front this time round. Flash Famous will win in this grade very soon and will relish a true run race. Common Room down in class here and can surprise, expect him to go forward with the apprentice riding. Amazing News remains a maiden galloper but clearly gets a chance to win here.
Race 3: Sparky Star generally gets back in the running but dashes strongly home. Red Brick Fighter video replay showed last run was very good as he was unable to be fully tested, chance to improve here. Big Two has shown ability and gets his chance to win on best form. He should be fit now third-up. Lucky Gold drops down in grade and start following. Baebae Tsoi should begin fast and will be trying to lead all the way, but he’ll have to spend some tickets early from a wide gate.
Race 4: Yo Beauty had to overcome a wide draw last start but he comes into barrier 1 and should begin fast and will be trying to lead all the way under Chung’s 10lb claim. Beauty Tycoon well-placed and looks a chance to cause the upset if Chung overcooks it on the lead. Nicconi County video replay showed last run was very good and he will thrive under a true run race. Classic Posh clearly has a better chance over this distance and expect a better run. Igniting looks a chance if you go on previous consistent form.
Race 5: Right As Rain video replay showed last run was very good. Turin Warrior last run suggested a win was very near, a good steer from barrier 10 will see him right in it. Win Win Fighter drops down in grade and start following, he’ll be a big improver here. Viva Popcorn had excuses last start and forget the run, expect good second-up improvement. Sunny Delight remains a maiden galloper but is never beaten far and he’ll be finishing close up again.
Race 6: Jumbo Legend winner of last two starts and is a big chance here despite the rise in class. He looks to have points in hand and can land his hat-trick of wins. Power Koepp had genuine excuses last start when badly held up at a crucial stage in the race. Bundle Of Charm never far away from the winner and could sneak a place, he brings solid Sha Tin form to Happy Valley. Solid Impact ran out of condition last start and will be fitter now second-up and can go close. Star Brite last start winner who remains in the same grade.
Race 7: E Rainbow last run suggested a win was very near and from the low draw, he should map to be in with every winning chance. Killer Instinct had genuine excuses last start, when first-up returning to Class 4, consider again. Shining Fortune last start placing was full of merit, nice effort. Brave Star holding form with recent good trial and looks well, he’s a genuine chance. Nordic Dragon has trialled well for debut and should be rated a chance, but the betting could be telling.
Race 8: Zone D good performance when storming home for a nice second last start after he made a mid-race move. Coming into a lower draw here could see him map softer and be too strong late. En Pointe showed good speed to lead last start and gave a good sight, he can do the same here and improve into the Top 3. Storm Legend has placed last two starts and deserves a win soon, overdue for a win. Dynamic Spirit finished powerfully with fastest sectional time ranking last start for an improved effort. Spirited Express down in class in this race and should perform better.