The feeling is for Helene at Happy Valley

Luke Middlebrook

Promising three-year-old Helene Feeling looks all set to bounce back to his winning ways on Wednesday when he returns to Happy Valley in Race 7, the Class 2 Handicap over 1650m. Helene Feeling has done little wrong in his seven-start local career, amassing three wins and as many placings since making his Hong Kong debut in mid-March. Interestingly, Helene Feeling has never drawn lower than barrier No 7, while in his last four starts he has come up with gate No 11, which never makes the jockey's job any easier. 

Helene Feeling stepped up to 1800m at Sha Tin for the first time in his career the last time he raced, which was his second-up run for the season after an impressive first-up victory over 1650m at Happy Valley - so far, his most proven track and distance. Finishing eighth, it was still an okay run, and there was mention in the steward's report by rider Karis Teetan that the horse may benefit from the addition of sheepskin cheek pieces.

Helene Feeling has trialled well in the gear in between runs, suggesting it could do the trick for a return to the winner's list this week. In-form trainer Pierre’ Ng’s runner, Taj Dragon, will be fancied after his impressive last-start win, but this is a tougher race up in class and barrier No 8 could prove awkward for Zac Purton. 

Caspar Fownes’ entrant, Galaxy Witness will hold his fair share of the market percentage from barrier 1 but he does need to make use of it early – that’s if he can. 

Elsewhere, improved five-year-old Happy Day can score back-to-back wins for trainer Jamie Richards when he returns to Happy Valley in the Class 4 Handicap over 1200m. 

Happy Day was formerly trained by Chris So, for whom he raced 15 times resulting in one win and three placings while reaching a mark 62 in Class 3, but transferred Richards’ yard in the off-season and resumed at this track over 1000m mid-last month. Although the minimum trip cast doubts over his chances, the application of blinkers first time worked wonders as

Happy Day came with a barnstorming late run to score by a neck. 

Happy Day has since trialled well and the rise to 1200m second-up suits. Drawn nicely low in barrier No 2 under returning jockey Vincent Ho, the rejuvenated gelding is a good chance to keep the ball rolling for Richards.

Race-by-Race Previews

Race 1: August Moon good performance when returning to form last start when third at the course and distance. Maps to get a good run from gate 4 and his strong Class 5 record bodes well. Valhalla every chance last start but still ran a good race when runner-up. Barrier 1 ensures all favours. H Z Tourbillon drops down in grade and start following. Very well rated now and has to be a chance. Hercules making Class 5 debut and must be respected. Noir Rider was slow to begin last start but made good ground late. Can run a race with a clean jump.

Race 2: Humble Star looks overdue for a win and enters this race in good form. Hard to ignore Ng’s runners at the moment. Harmony N Blessed had vet excuses last start and forget the run. He can bounce back in good health. Explosive Witness generally gets back in the running but dashes strongly home. Fortune Warrior backing up quickly from a good last stary effort, leading all the way to win in Class 4, and can run well again. Super Commander has been knocking on the door and win won’t surprise anyone. Another in-form Ng runner.

Race 3: Dragon Star should begin fast and will be trying to lead all the way. Comes into barrier 4 from gate 11, which should make a world of difference. Yee Cheong Warrior rising in class and meets better quality horses but can measure up. Gets a sweet from barrier 1 and could be too strong late. Kasa Papa recent runs have been encouraging and can run well. A low gate for once should prove key to his chances. Snowalot had betting support last start and where there is smoke there is fire. Prince Alex go on solid previous efforts where form looked okay.

Race 4: Open race where and not much separates the top few. Joy Coming had genuine excuses last start and can improve in this race as he comes into a lower gate. Won well first-up from a low draw but has drawn wide in two subsequent runs. Sight Hero form is good and is getting close to another victory. Barrier 1 ensures every hope. Prime Mortar caught the eye last start running home powerfully but he can make use of a lower draw. Talents Supremo was eased early before catching the eye late. Tattenham stable is in great form of late and so respect.

Race 5: Happy Day scored a big win last start and it will pay to keep following. The rise to 1200m suits and he should be mapping well from barrier 4 under returning jockey, Vincent Ho. Happy Golf drops down in grade and start following, he can bounce back anytime at this level. Champion Instinct remains a maiden galloper but clearly gets a chance to win here after turning in several encouraging runs recently. Lucky Planet placed last start and looks a chance to run well again. Young Life Forever form is good and is getting close to another victory.

Race 6: Act Of Faith blinkers added first time and should be considered. He can bounce back anytime in Class 4 and have to respect the Purton and Size combo. Healthy Healthy well supported last start and won accordingly, he should run well again. Golden Luck every chance last start but still ran a good race. Give him another chance as he won’t be odds on again and will provide better value than last time. Judy’s Great newcomer who looks a winning chance in this race. Colonel should begin fast and will be trying to lead all the way. He can give a sight.

Race 7: Helene Feeling last run was better than it reads. Back to his preferred track and distance and with addition of cheek pieces, he can return to winning form. Taj Dragon nice four-year-old with a good chance here despite the rise in grade. However, it is his toughest test to date. Meaningful Star looks a chance if you go on previous consistent form. He can show early speed and give a sight. Hameron go on previous solid form and give a chance to improve back to Happy Valley. Telecom Fighters has a better chance on this track and should run well from a low draw. Begins fast and will give a sight.

Race 8: Tomodachi Kokoroe scored a big win last start and it will pay to keep following. However, he is up 10 points from that win but will get every chance from barrier 1 under Purton. Wonder Kit every chance last start but still ran a good race. Third-up now, no excuses. Capital Delight eased early before going on to make late ground. Copartner Ambition winner of last two starts and looks a top chance again. Hoss holding form with recent trial and can run well on an each-way basis.

Race 9: Chill Chibi scored a big win last start and it will pay to keep following. He is a smart four-year-old on the up and appears to have plenty of upside. Romantic Laos changed stables recently and has improved. Every chance last run but still performed well. No excuses from gate 1 here. Splendid Living was an easy last start winner and must be respected. Escape Route good performance when storming home for a nice second last start and he can go on with it. Sixth Generation rises in distance and will be suited based on his prior good form.