Quantum Patch for Happy Valley success

Luke Middlebrook

Pierre Ng-trained four-year-old Quantum Patch has the opportunity to bounce back from a recent defeat in the Class 3 Handicap over 1650m at Happy Valley in Hong Kong on Friday.

The Irish-bred horse took some time to find his stride in Hong Kong, but he impressively secured his first local win at this track and distance two starts ago, finishing 2.25 lengths clear of his closest rival.

Though favoured to replicate that performance in the third leg of the International Jockeys’ Championship, Quantum Patch finished second.

Nevertheless, it was a commendable run. Under Mickael Barzalona and starting from a wide draw, Quantum Patch faced an uphill task from the rear in a slow-paced race, while winner Silver Sonic, ridden by Zac Purton, was closer to the lead speed.

This week the two will go at it again. However, with a more experienced rider to guide Quantum Patch around Happy Valley, as well as a much lower draw, it's expected he'll be able to reverse the outcome against Silver Sonic.

Benefiting from barrier No 1, in-form six-year-old Ernest Feeling has an opportunity to secure a breakthrough victory in Race 6 over 1200m.

Ernest Feeling appears to have significantly improved following a stable change from Richard Gibson to Jamie Richards. This improvement was evident in his impressive first-up win at the top of Class 5 two starts ago. Subsequently rising to Class 4, he turned in another eye-catching performance, narrowly missing out on victory by a head to Healthy Healthy, who went on to win again after moving up to Class 3.

Historically, when the rail is positioned widest in the “C+3” Course, starting from barrier No 1 has been advantageous for the 1200m journey. It boasts the highest number of winners with a win strike rate of 22% and a place-rate of 45%.

Race-by-Race Previews

Race 1: Happy Hero had excuses last start when racing wide without cover on-pace in a fast-run race. Gets his chance to rebound with Bowman on from barrier 1. Diamond Winner has been placed last two starts and a win is nearby. J-mac and a low draw gives him hope. Boom Alliance backing up quickly from a good last start effort and can run well again. Ai One video replay showed last run was very good. Her will relish the class drop. Golden Fairy had betting support last start and where there is smoke there is fire.

Race 2: Hercules will win in this grade very soon and he won’t have many excuses from barrier 3 here. Valhalla looks a chance if you go on previous consistent form when ridden quieter. Bowman on from barrier 2 should seem him return to form. Happily Friends placed last start and looks a chance to run well again with Purton in the plate. Easy Two looks a solid good chance based on last start. Double Show last start winner who remains in the same grade, can run well again but the wide draw is tricky.

Race 3: Turin Warrior remains a maiden galloper but clearly gets a chance to win here with Purton remaining in the saddle from barrier 1. Snowalot finished powerfully with fastest sectional time ranking last start for an eye-catching sixth place. He should make use of barrier 2 and will go close. Beau Gosse had no luck last start but keep following. Beauty Mission has been running on well and could surprise here coming into a better draw. Mr Aladdin form is good and is getting close to a win. Improving with race experience.

Race 4: This is a wide-open contest with many chances. The speed should be genuine. Daily Trophy had genuine excuses last start and consider again. He needs to handle the rise in distance, but taking a punt that he sees it out. Yee Cheong Warrior should be finishing fast with an expected fast early speed. He should make use of barrier 1. Happy Angel a fast beginner who can run well if he finds an easy lead. Satirical Glory showed good speed to lead last start and gave a good sight. Right Honourable well-placed and looks a chance here with the race run to suit his style.

Race 5: Lyrical Motion remains a maiden galloper but clearly gets a chance to win here after turning in several good runs after a stable change. No excuses from barrier 1. Gorgeous Vitality had genuine excuses last start when badly held up at a crucial stage in the race. 1200m is the query, but he has what it takes. See U Again has been placed last two starts and deserves a win soon. High Rise Soldier can bounce back anytime in this class. Barrier 11 is far from ideal however. Kilindini will win in this grade very soon. Has early speed and can give a sight.

Race 6: Ernest Feeling racing consistently of late and expect another big run. This is his chance to break through in Class 4 with the aid of barrier 1 and looking to have improved after a stable change. Cheong Fat change of trainer recently and watch betting. Trials have been quiet but good. Togepi changed stables recently and has improved, evidenced by his solid last-start win. Lucky Quality is back in good form and must be considered a chance. Party Warrior had genuine excuses last start and consider again. He is nearing another win.

Race 7: A Americ Te Specso nice horse who is a model of consistency and looks a chance put two placings in this grade behind him and get his nose in front when it matters. Watch Buddy rising in class and meets better quality horses but can measure up after an impressive last-start win in Class 4. Armour Eagle has a better chance on this track and should run well. Denfield nice 4YO with a good chance here. Has ability, but is proving hard to catch. Viva Chaleur good performance when returning to form last start.

Race 8: Quantum Patch last start placing was full of merit, nice effort and gets his chance to bounce back for a win coming into barrier 3 – the lowest draw he has had all season. Silver Sonic scored a big win last start and it will pay to keep following. Should get the gun run from barrier 2 under Purton. Tourbillon Prince more than capable of winning again in this race but he will need all the favours early from barrier 9. All Beauty has been knocking on the door and win won’t surprise anyone. Eighteen Palms recent form is better than it reads and could sneak a place at odds.