Sunday at Shatin where, as predicted here, it was pretty much a favourite’s day. Still, those in Hong Kong who wait for days like this and bet smart unlike some in other countries who expect to get rich by taking a quaddie for 20 percent, walked away with a financial windfall and a new spring in their step.
So did those who follow the Magic Man army who, like the dish that ran away with the spoon, brought home six winners on the day. It was another phenomenal performance by Joao Moreira.
Today at Happy Valley’s night meeting, expect the unexpected.
For example, last start winner California Rad (7) backs up quickly and was installed a pretty hot overnight favourite.
Not to say that the talented galloper won’t win again, but it IS racing up a class and faces some strong opposition in the shape of Waldorf (3), Amazing Star (2), Massive Pocket (4) and as outsiders, especially in quartet bets, Golden Dash (10) and Team Spirit.
Elsewhere on the card, it’s odd to see Zac Purton with no rides in two of the eight races. He must be chilling out before coming out with all guns blazing on Sunday and when he’ll be reunited with Beauty Generation.
If new trainer David Hayes hasn’t worked the oracle and got the Champion galloper back to somewhere close to his glory days, the Kwok family really should do the right thing and retire Beauty Generation. It’s never pleasant to watch champions on the way down, especially those who have made squillions for their owners. Right?
Getting back to tonight at Happy Valley, it’s a trappy looking card.
The first two races hold zero interest whereas the third race- the first leg of the 6up- rarely sees the favourite salute. So follow the smart money that’s sure to flood the tote late in the innings. We’re tempted to back one of these: Farm Bumper (9) and Ardenode (11)- IF at good odds.
Elsewhere, leaving the obvious favourites out, of interest are Faithful Trinity (8) and Lucky Missile (9) in Race six whereas red lights are flashing all over the place looking at the race after that.
Take away the rides of Purton and Moreira and another of those “Beauty” horses- Beauty Spark (4)- and it’s a wide open market.
Interesting is Vincent Ho taking over the reins for the first time on sprinter Very Sweet Orange (11) in the 1200 metre race. The galloper will definitely lead from his good barrier and be hard to run down. Amazing Kiwi (12) is another runner that can’t be ignored.
Having said all this and the unpredictability of the weather gods, who knows what might be in store?
May your horses be with you.
Nanu Nanu.
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