Hong Kong Racing
Happy Valley Preview - 4th February 2026
Brett Davis provides exclusive Preview of Happy Valley races.
Rail - C+3 Course
Race 1
#8 RAINBOW SEVEN defeated subsequent winner THUNDER BLINK in a Conghua trial mid-January in what could only be considered a dominant and untested gallop.Trainer Francis Lui has freshen him up following two testing runs at Sha tin from outside barriers and it appears to have worked a treat.Furthermore, his runs prior to the aforementioned outings were competitive against a higher standard of galloper so if he copes with the Happy Valley debut well enough, he goes close.
#1 GOOD LUCK HAPPY has been competitive in both outings so far and can't be overlooked as a winning prospect despite the tricky draw.He showed solid acceleration on debut to close in later stages before appearing to race flat through the final 400m last start.He maps to settle wide, but Zac Purton can off-set those predicaments most days of the week.
#7 SOMELOVEFROMABOVE notched up a win over this course and trip in November and it came courtesy of the gun run from barrier one.Outings since have been solid over longer distances which has continued building back end strength.In form Australian rider James Orman receives a nice opportunity here to capitalise on the coveted inside alley, and they should end up settling leaders back.
#2 GREAT SPIRIT enjoyed a prosperous season winning twice last campaign and continues to race with the same level of enthusiasm.He'll probably be beaten for early speed, which see's him settle in traffic on the fence, but his closing splits have been super consistent throughout this campaign.Andrea Atzeni would also be dirty he didn't get the money last start after being pushed wide turning in.
#3 PACKING KING enjoyed a solid foundation of work leading into his career debut back in December but ultimately the 1400m tested his stamina.A follow up effort over 1200m at Happy Valley again displayed signs of talent but stamina was once again the subject of concern.An all the way trial win on the all weather leading in under Zac Purton has since been witnessed, but, interestingly he doesn't take the ride.
Selections : 8,1,7,2,3
R2 - 7,1,4,2,6
R3 - 3,2,8,5,6
R4 - 3,7,1,2,4
R5 - 7,4,8,3,10
R6 - 3,6,5,11,10
R7 - 8,9,5,12,1
R8 - 7,2,6,4,8
Race 9
#5 CORLEONE has been a slow maturing proposition for connections from day one but over the past few months finally worked his way into form.Trainer Casper Fownes made the decision to put him away for six months in late January 2025 and it's starting to pay regular dividends.Two solid trials, before back to back wins in class 4 at the commencement of this campaign quickly elevated him into class 3, and with the 5lbs claim now being utilised, he looks ready to win at the level.
#4 SUPER UNICORN rated through the roof when he won last season over this exact course and trip and has since won again twice this term.A change of environment to the Mark Newnham stable was undertaken in April 2025 and with almost immediate effect a spritely pick-up was noticed.An outside draw on the unsuited all weather track last start put him completely out of play, but I anticipate a bounce back scenario tonight with the run he's likely to secure.
#6 FORTUNATE SON brought up a career best in victory last start at the top of class 4.It's a decent leap going from class 4 to class 3 but the majority taking the challenge, off the back of a win, generally finish top four provided they remain at the same track and trip.With that statistic in play, particularly from the inside gate, he's another hoping to claim a sizable "Private Purchase" win bonus.
#8 VIVA GRACIOUSNESS would be difficult to beat on his 4th place behind MAX CUE lasts start after receiving interference and losing ground shortly after the jump.He was previously renowned for mixing output levels but recently become more consistent in that area.The low draw and re-booking of jockey Alexis Badel creates an opportunity to settle handy, whilst likely obtaining a comfortable run and rhythm throughout.
#11 ALL CASH had dropped along way in the ratings before winning at Happy Valley in November so he remains in discussion coming back to the scene of the crime.Three efforts on the all weather surface that followed were honest efforts without success and a small claim here for local rider Angus Chung looks a plus.The pair should travel comfortably from barrier 5 throughout the affair which'll then give them a crack at landing the HKD $1.5 million Private Purchase bonus.
Selections : 5,4,6,8,11
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