Luke Middlebrook
Hong Kong racing continues for a nine-race fixture at Happy Valley on Wednesday, the final meeting at the city circuit for the 2021/22 racing season and second-last for the entire season.
Consistent five-year-old Durham Star finally has luck on his side and he appears all set for a return to winning ways when he steps out in Race 6, a Class 4 1200m Handicap.
Durham Star has been a big improver this season after transferring from Paul O’Sullivan to Douglas Whyte’s yard in late January. Since then, his worst run has been a two-length defeat into sixth place while he has yet to miss the frame on six occasions from eight runs.
The biggest thorn in Durham Star’s side is he has been plagued by wide barriers in seven of his eight starts for Whyte’s yard. However, this time he will step away from his lowest draw yet for the stable in stall No 3.
That should prove all the difference for Durham Star, to be ridden by in-form Lyle Hewitson, to bounce back for a win. Last time out he finished second, beaten one length.
Joao Moreira’s mount, Timestorm, is on the seven-day back-up after turning in his best run yet when fourth over 1000m last week. This will be his fourth career run and from barrier No 1, he should be well placed to have a chance.
Zac Purton’s mount, Wood On Fire, has claims as he returns to Class 4, but drawn widest in barrier No 12 is awkward. Hero Star will give a sight but will need soft enough splits to hang on late, while lightly raced three-year-old Gallant Waking is first-up after gelding and can surprise as he won impressively on course debut four starts back so does possess ability.
Elsewhere, in-form four-year-old Excellent Peers is out in search for a hat-trick of wins in Race 8, the Class 3 1200m Handicap for likely champion trainer Frankie Lor.
Excellent Peers has been a solid campaigner for Lor’s stable this season by winning two races and placing a further three times from his nine career starts. The son of Jimmy Choux’s winning streak began two starts when he won comfortably at this track and distance before proving it no fluke to get the job done again at his most recent start on 8 June.
Despite the yielding track that night, a well-timed ride from Joao Moreira ensured every possible chance and the gelding held off a fast-finishing Sugar Sugar while he put a healthy 3.50 lengths on the third placed runner.
The rise in class is the query for Excellent Peers, however, barrier No 2 means he is guaranteed to place well as in recent wins.
Race-by-Race Previews
Race 1: Whiskey Neat had excuses last start when racing wide without cover when making his Class 5 debut. He can relish an inside draw. Sunny And Gold was an easy last start winner and must be respected from barrier 2. Raging Blaze looked unlucky when being held up at a crucial stage last start and can improve with clear air under Purton. Chunghwa Jingshen drops down in grade and start following, he’ll try to lead all the way based on past wins here. Carry The Diamond has dropped in the ratings and appears better suited this class.
Race 2: An open 2200m Handicap with many chances here. Victorious Seeker has ability and is always dangerous in this grade with one win and five placings from eight starts. Purton rides and he can go close. Amazing Boy faded late last start, chance to improve under right race shape with Moreira riding. Sky Gem has a good record over this race distance and can always surprise on best form. Great Times remains a maiden galloper but clearly gets a chance to win here after recent encouraging efforts.
Race 3: Vamos overlook the last start effort as there were genuine excuses. Yellowfin go on solid previous efforts where form looked okay, he can improve stepping away from barrier 1. Sergeant Pepper form is good and must be rated a solid chance on the quick back up after a narrow defeat last week. Nextmodel good performance when returning to form last start. Fabulous Eight backing up quickly from a good last start effort and can run well again with some luck from the wide draw.
Race 4: August Moon fresh up from a break and should run well off a quiet but likeable trial while stepping away from gate 1 under an in-form Derek Leung should ensure all favours. Triple Triple ran the fourth fastest sectional time in his race last week but he can improve coming into a lower barrier here. Sugar Sugar last run suggested a win was very near when storming home late into second. Pleasant Endeavor go on the win two starts ago and give a chance here. Dragon Kingdom more than capable of winning this race based on his win two starts ago but he has drawn nine and needs luck.
Race 5: Go For Tea rising in class and meets better quality horses but can measure up after a facile last-start win. From barrier 1 under Teetan, he can map to get all the favours in the run. Blissful Star looks overdue for a win, placing second in his last three runs, but the wide barrier may be against him here. Kyrus Unicorn looks a solid good chance based on last start and barrier 3 is good for him. Amigos Giggle video replay showed last run was very good as he reeled off the fastest final 400m. Jolly Honour finished powerfully with fastest sectional time ranking last start—he can surprise from barrier 2.
Race 7: Durham Star nice horse who is a model of consistency and looks a massive chance as he finally draws a low gate after being plagued by wide draws over and over. From barrier 3, he looks mighty hard to hold out. Timestorm finished powerfully with fastest sectional time ranking last start for his best effort yet and no surprises to see Moreira take the ride. He will run well from barrier 1. Hero Star should be- gin fast and will be trying to lead all the way. Wood On Fire has a chance based on past form in this class of race but barrier 12 is awkward. Gallant Waking gelded after last run, can improve.
Race 7: Win Win Fighter caught the eye last start when running home well but coming into a low draw should see him map closer to the speed and he can improve big time. Escape Route finished powerfully with fastest sectional time ranking last start. E Legend consistent performer of late and worth considering with Moreira engaged to ride. Looking Great an on-pace runner who could finish in the placings with some luck from barrier 12. Surrealism good effort when narrowly beaten last start and he is not without claims.
Race 8: Excellent Peers winner of last two starts and is a big chance to score a hat-trick here as he should be getting the run of the race from barrier 2 under Moreira. Yo Beauty looks overdue for a win and enters this race in good form and looks the one to put it to Excel- lent Peers. Stormtrouper good performance when returning to form last start, he can close if he’s maintained form. Ping Hai Galaxy backing up quickly from a good last start effort and can run well again. Our Lucky Glory finished powerfully with fastest sectional time ranking last start—he could surprise at odds here.
Race 9: A hot Class 2 with many proper winning chances for the curtain closer for Happy Valley this season. Packing Award racing consistently of late and expect another big run. He can do no wrong and his low draw looks advantageous here. Gorytus placed last start and looks a chance to run well again under Purton. Everyone’s Delight well supported last start and won accordingly and he should remain competitive from his low draw. Sunny Star gelded after last run and look for improvement here. Savaquin last run was better than it reads and do not dismiss.