11/05/22 Happy Valley Tips & best bets for today
- Author: Luke HovhanesianMay 11, 2022 04:48 PM
- Photo: Getty
Hong Kong Racing Best Bets
Hong Kong racing is back to Happy Valley with a 9 race card over the “A” course.
We are expecting stormy weather in Hong Kong and the ground may be softer than usual.
After tonight, leading jockey Joao Moreira will be suspended for the next two meetings.
He will be looking to rack up championship points before he takes a break.
Zac Purton has not scored any winners in the last 2 race days, but he is likely to break the ice today with 7 good rides.
These include the unbeaten Lucky Sweynesse in Race 9.
Happy Valley Race 3 #5 Baby $6.50
Baby is a 3-time 1200m winner. Yet over his career, he has shown versatility by running well up to 1650m.
As he matures trainer K Ting, believes this is his ideal distance.
At his last 2 starts over this trip, Baby has run on strongly to finish 3rd on both occasions.
He is now at peak fitness and is ready to win, off his current low rating of 53.
He breaks from gate 3 today under Antoine Hamelin and can stay in a good position behind the leaders.
This is not a strong field and he looks like the pick of the bunch, to break through for a deserving victory.
Happy Valley Race 4 #4 Starry Night $3.40
Starry Night is set to make his Happy Valley debut after producing two great runs at Sha Tin.
Last time out, he overcame a wide draw and led at a fast pace.
He did plenty wrong in the run, but finished 2nd behind the talented Enchanting Ibis.
This up-and-coming 3YO had an impressive barrier trial at the city circuit on the 30th of April.
There are no natural front-runners in this race, so if he jumps well under Zac Purton, he can get to the rail easily.
The tight turning track at the Valley is also suitable for him to break his maiden.
He is progressing well and is now ready to win.
Happy Valley Race R1 #5 Jolly Forever $5.50
It's not often I go to a Class 5 race for my best bet but Jolly Forever looks brilliantly placed in the opener.
The 5YO joined the Chris So stable last season and is a consistent performer.
He won four starts back and saves his best efforts for this course and distance.
If we ignore the last start failure over the unsuited distance of 1800m, his penultimate run was a blinder.
He was narrowly beaten by Sky Gem and will look to go one better.
Returning to 2200m he can win for the second time this campaign.
Happy Valley Race R6 #9 Happy Gathering $11.00
This is a wide-open race but I'll take Happy Gathering to secure his second win of the campaign.
The Manfred Man 5YO won 5 starts back but hasn't kicked on as I thought he would.
I'm expecting better today with the booking of João Moreira for the first time.
The 'Magic Man' is in tremendous form after 3 wins at Happy Valley, including success on Red Elysees for this trainer.
The topweight, Bingo Bingo, and Shadow Runner are the biggest dangers to him..