What a week last week was in Hong Kong with Silvestre De Sousa and Tom Marquand taking out the International Jockey’s Championship on Wednesday night before a host of exciting horses saluted in various Group 1s on Sunday. The Aussie jockeys dominated with Damian Lane, Zac Purton and James McDonald all grabbing a group 1.
Wednesday night presents a 9-race card at Happy Valley for us to find some winners and keep the winners flowing after a few successful recent meetings.
Blake Lalor brings you his preview and Happy Valley racing tips for Wednesday night. Check out his best bets of the card below!
Happy Valley Racing Tips: Wednesday, December 14th
Race 1
(1) Superb Daddy is the best chance in this race. He beat Sky Gem who is 2nd favourite by almost 3 lengths last time and although he goes up 3.5kg, he’s a better price than Sky Gem who was double his price the last time they met. Zac Purton remains aboard and can win this race.
(5) Sky Gem is the clear danger to Superb Daddy after running 2nd to him last time and receiving a 3.5kg pull in the weights this time around. Can threaten the top selection.
(4) Jubilation rounds out a clear top 3 in this race as he finally gets a good gate after drawing 14, 10 and 10 in his last 3 starts. He’s done well considering the gates having won and then run 3rd in his last 2 attempts when caught 3 wide the entire trip. Maybe a softer run this time can see him win.
(1) Superb Daddy Each-Way
$4.40/$1.95 (1 Unit)
Race 3
(7) Melbourne Hall won impressively 2 starts ago and was runner up to a promising debutant in his latest, both over this trip. Drawn well tonight and can take advantage of the 4.5kg claim from Angus Chung. Each-way odds available is a steal.
(1) Exuberant didn’t seem like he wanted to finish off last time over 1650m. Drops back to 1200m here and can impact this race, only concern is that the horse lacks conviction and can get himself into tricky positions mid race.
(5) Yellowfin steps up in trip to 1200m after going alright over 1000m last time. He’s consistently been around the mark this preparation and that should continue here even if he’s not the top chance in the race.
(7) Melbourne Hall Each-Way
$5.50/$2 (1 Unit)
Race 4
(1) Durham Star won 1st up this preparation before missing the kick and being caught 3 wide in his next 2 starts. Ran respectably given the bad luck he’s had in those 2 runs and expect him to improve this time provided he does everything right from the good draw.
(12) E Brother has been good in his last 2 runs and can run well here again. Silvestre De Sousa takes over which is a big factor from gate 5. Expect this horse to be right in the finish.
(3) Above All mixed his form but has run some very nice races on occasion. Claim by Angus Chung will be a big help here and if the horse can find a nice enough position from gate 7 he can impact this race.
(1) Durham Star Win
$3.60 (2 Units)
Race 5
(1) Savvy Chic will get a lovely run from gate 1 either leading or holding Hero Star’s back. From there he should be extremely hard to beat on what he showed 2nd up at big odds. Promising horse and expecting big things going forward.
(8) Island Shine gets a nice run from gate 2 here and went well enough I thought last time behind High Rise Soldier. Can impact this race if he gets the right luck in running but may have to improve too much to beat this favourite.
(2) Harmony N Home isn’t drawn very well which has me slightly concerned. If Angus Chung can overcome that tricky barrier, this horse becomes a definite winning chance. Given my lack of trust in apprentice jockeys making correct and advantageous racing decisions, I’d say this horse is only a place hope.
(1) Savvy Chic Win
$2.50 (2 Units)
