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The Class 2 Handicap over 1200m at Happy Valley on Sunday shapes as a highly competitive affair, with several runners holding genuine winning claims.
Topping the market is likely to be the Tony Cruz-trained Superb Capatalist, who resumed with an impressive win in Class 3 before backing it up with a solid third in this grade last time out. Promising four-year-old Masterofmyuniverse may have needed his first-up run, where he was beaten just two lengths by subsequent Group 2 winner Tomodachi Kokoroe. He’s expected to strip fitter this time and should be right in the mix.
A four-time winner over 1200m, Gustosisimo looks better suited dropping back in trip after finishing sixth over 1400m at Sha Tin. The return to Happy Valley — the scene of two of his three local wins — also plays in his favour.
Six-year-old gelding Denfield will be out to atone for his last-start defeat in the Class 4 Handicap over 1200m at Happy Valley.
The Deep Field gelding had found the line strongly in his first two runs this season before things went awry last time out. Drawn wide that night, he was pushed early in an attempt to cross but was caught three wide just off the pace throughout. Forced to cover extra ground, he faded late to finish 11th — a result that hardly reflects his true ability.
With a better draw and a more patient ride this week, Denfield should enjoy a smoother passage, and a return to form looks on the cards. Now racing below his last winning mark, he appears well placed to strike.
Race-by-Race Previews
Race 1: Run Run Timing finished a solid second on his Class 5 debut last start, and with Vincent Ho aboard, he looks one to follow. Speedy Smartie has been in career-best form of late, and his positive racing style holds him in good stead to continue the strong run. Ragnarr his recent runs have been encouraging, though the wide draw remains a concern this time. Sonic Boom appears well weighted to go one better after a fast-finishing second last time out. Colonel a natural frontrunner, he has dropped in the rating and a win wouldn’t surprise.
Race 2: Denfield had excuses last start (raced wide), and with better luck in running, he could make amends with Bowman staying aboard. All’s Well caused an upset two starts ago and backed It up with a fast-finishing third last time out. He must be rated a strong contender from a low draw. With A Smile a handy type resuming from a break, the betting market will tell the story. Quick Contribution back from a break, and he may find the field more manageable on his Happy Valley debut. Good Fortune had betting support last start and where there is smoke there is fire.
Race 3: Amazing Award showed little from a wide draw first-up, but his previous efforts suggest he could improve with a better gate and added fitness second-up. Thesis boasts a 50% Top 3 strike rate fresh, making him one to watch first-up. Samarkand has tactical speed and will give them something to chase if he can cross early from a wide draw. Sterling Wongchoy in consistent form recently, he could prove to be a lightweight chance. Fantastic Fun won well from an inside gate last start, but the wide draw could make things tricky this time.
Race 4: Healthy Healthy will relish the drop in class, and from pole position, he should enjoy a smooth trip and be highly competitive. Lean Master with Britney Wong’s 7lb claim, he is expected to deliver a strong on-pace showing. Day Day Victory has attacked the line well in his last two starts, making him a strong contender in this field. Heroic Master goes well first-up and could run an improved race with Purton aboard. Lucky Twenty endured a wide trip first-up, and an inside gate could spark improvement second-up.
Race 5: Argento Ocean finished a meritorious fourth despite a wide trip last start, and with a smoother run, he could finally break through. Autumn Vibes should be highly suited by the drop back in distance and is worth considering despite the wide draw. Everstar should produce an improved effort after dropping to Class 4, where his best form lies. Exceed The Wish possesses an explosive turn of foot and will make a strong late surge under the right race shape. Brownneedsfurther showed improvement last start and has trialled well for his return. From a good draw, he should be right in the mix.
Race 6: A wide-open field with several winning chances, where Mission Strike looks suited by the return to Happy Valley and could prove to be a value pick. Firefoot was narrowly beaten at Sha Tin last start, and another encouraging performance looks on the cards. Hakka Radiance completed a double in Class 5 recently and remains a chance, despite the rise in class. Frantanck has good early speed and could sneak into the placings at long odds if allowed to dictate the pace. Can’t Go Wong has not been beaten far in recent outings and shouldn’t be overlooked.
Race 7: Eternal Fortune has trialled well for his return and looks ideally placed in a field with several frontrunners. Candlelight Dinner has been in great form of late and shapes as a leading contender from an inside draw. Harmony N Blessed a proven performance in this class, he looks capable of causing an upset with Purton aboard. Looking Bright finished strongly into third last start, though aided by a fast tempo. He should run well fresh as his recent trials suggest. Parents’ Love scored an easy win in Class 4 last time out, but his Class 3 stats suggest he’s more a place chance here.
Race 8: Romantic Son badly held up last start and, now below his last winning mark, could surprise at value with a cleaner run. Lucky Planet showed significant improvement on his return to Happy valley last start, and with the apprentice claim, another bold showing looks likely. Golden Empire will find this field more manageable and is expected to show improvement from a favourable gate. Aurora Patch scored a facile win in Class 4 last start and remains a lightweight chance despite the rise in class. Refusetobeenglish showed improvement in a recent trial, and watch for betting support with Purton aboard.
Race 9: Masterofmyuniverse a promising 4YO who may have needed his first-up run — sharp improvement is expected from a favourable draw. Gustosisimo suited by the drop in distance, and his strong Sha Tin form suggests a win wouldn’t surprise in this field. Colourful King has shown consistent form since day one and must be included among the better chances. Superb Capitalist his recent form is commendable, but the awkward draw poses a challenge. Aurora Lady will appreciate the extra distance, and with added fitness, could finish in the money second-up.
Race 10: Keen Molly raced on the speed and stuck on well for second despite a fast tempo last start. With Purton aboard, he could prove hard to run down. King Lotus his recent runs have been encouraging and he should continue the strong run, if he sees out the extended mile. Viva Graciousness secured successive wins last start and a hat-trick looks within reach. Spirit Of Peace will make his presence felt if they go too hard up front, and is worth considering as a value choice. Star Mac caught the eye flashing home late last start, and with a lightweight on his back, he looks capable of causing an upset.