Racing this Wednesday sees an epic eight-race programme at Happy Valley Racecourse with a host of top quality racing on offer. The best bet and value bet should be followed closely.
VALUE BET – LIGHTNING STEED
BEST BET – CALIFORNIA RAD
|
Race |
Time |
Conditions |
1st |
2nd |
3rd |
4th |
5th |
|
1 |
13:15 |
1000m – |
2 |
10 |
5 |
8 |
1 |
|
2 |
13:45 |
1650m – |
3 |
7 |
4 |
5 |
12 |
|
3 |
14:15 |
1000m – |
1 |
3 |
7 |
2 |
5 |
|
4 |
14:45 |
1200m – |
6 |
5 |
12 |
8 |
2 |
|
5 |
15:15 |
1200m – Class 4 Handicap |
6 |
4 |
12 |
5 |
1 |
|
6 |
15:45 |
1650m – |
10 |
4 |
1 |
5 |
9 |
|
7 |
16:15 |
1200m – |
1 |
10 |
2 |
8 |
3 |
|
8 |
16:50 |
1200m – |
1 |
5 |
8 |
10 |
9 |
RACE 1
YEE CHEONG LUCKY returns from a break today. He was only beaten by just under a length last time out on this track and if repeating that type of strong finish then he should be right there at the business end of affairs. SHOW MISSION finished close-up behind Oversubscribed in his comeback effort and he should strip a much fitter horse. The New-Zealand bred GOUTEN OF GARO was only beaten by two lengths last time out and if putting his best foot forward then he may be able to the trouble the top selection.
RACE 2
UNIVERSAL GO GO has finished runner-up in his last two outings on this track and looks difficult to oppose on paper. He is likely to settle off the pace and do his best work in the closing stages of this contest. ELECTRIC LIGHTNING is held by INDIGENOUS STAR on his last run but the break may have done him the world of good and if recapturing his best form then he can pose a threat. The Irish-bred BIG BANG BONG is held by the top selection on his last start but he needs to be considered with Karis Teetan jumping into the saddle.
RACE 3
NEXTMODEL shoulders top weight and jump from an outside barrier position but the manner in which he won his last start before the break was encouraging. He set the pace on that occasion and drew off comfortably in the closing stages under Zac Purton. FORZA ANGEL has placed in his last two outings, travels well for Karis Teetan and looks the obvious danger to the top selection. WILD WEST WING had no luck in running last time out. He had to check severely at the 650m mark and also got cramped for room with a final furlong to go. With better luck in the race, he can challenge for top honours.
RACE 4
BULLISH BROTHER got up where it matters most last time out to beat Sprint Forward in the shadow of the post. He has won twice under Vincent Ho and the pair merit healthy respect in this Class 4 Handicap. MOMENTUM HAPPY dictated matters well in his last outing when he found extra to win by a length at the wire. He may opt similar tactics today and could be difficult to peg back in the closing stages. THE ABRAXAS hasn’t finished far off the winner in his last five outings and he must be considered with only 50kgs on his back.
RACE 5
HERE COMES TED has performed well in his last two outings over this distance for Karis Teetan. He was no match for the winner last time out but if reproducing his penultimate effort then he can find himself in the winner’s enclosure. JAZZ STEED is in smart form for Chad Schoefiled. He was his own worst enemy last time out when he hung inwards in the straight but still finished his race off positively. He will benefit from a good pace and looks the biggest threat to the top selection. VICTORIOUS LEADER placed in his last run before the break and looks-fairly handicapped in this contest.
RACE 6
LIGHTNING STEED represents decent each-way value for racing pundits. He looks well placed in Class 3 having already won two races in this division. He was only beaten a length last time out by Golden Spectrum and he can make amends from his inside barrier position. FLYING SWORD likes to race on the speed and he is running well since changing stables to the Tony Cruz camp. He will be staying on strongly at the finish and looks a serious threat to the top selection. ALPHA HEDGE is in form for Zac Purton and a win in this contest could see him step up to Class 2. He deservedly shoulders top weight but may be too good for this field.
RACE 7
CALIFORNIA RAD looks the best bet on today’s card. He has racked up three wins for Karis Teetan and we haven’t yet seen the best of him. He still looks to be ahead of his current rating and will take a power of beating in a contest of this nature. TRIPLE TRIPLE is drawn wide but the manner in which he races suggests that he will be dropped out off the pace and asked to do his best work in the latter stages of this contest. He won under Magic Moreira in December of last year and the pair merit healthy respect. The Aussie-bred LITTLE BIRD was only beaten half a length by Wind N Grass and if repeating that type of effort then he can run into the places again.
RACE 8
FANTASY has the run of the race from pole position. He may be able to get to the front with ease and if doing so then he will be tough to get past. His last run is best ignored as he had some abnormal respiratory issues. GUY DRAGON wasn’t disgraced last time out when he was beaten one and half lengths by Private Rocket. He is fairly consistent in this grade and can run into the money. LORIZ has reeled off a win on this track before using front-running tactics and it will be no surprise to see him adopt similar tactics today. He may be hard to catch in the run down to the wire.
