Check out our race-by-race verdicts and nap selection for Wednesday's meeting at Happy Valley.
12.15
Tangmere has suddenly struck top form having been brought with a late run by Zac Purton to score here a month ago and he’s the subsequent winner of a barrier trial over 6f. He had earlier finished just over a length behind Dionysus Collin when that one was runner-up to California Legend but is in much better shape now and can turn the tables. He easily holds dual winner Flame Lily on that former run but EVERYONE’S ELITE, who is still a maiden after 11 starts and has finished runner-up in his last five, looks the one to beat. Joao Moreira has been on board the last twice and gone close on both occasions so his mount can finally get off the mark. Enjoyable Success, a dual winner in the UK, may prove best of the remainder though Play Wise is up to this class at his best.
12.45
Let’s Take It Easy is on a very long losing run but has been racing consistently in recent races and it wouldn’t be a surprise to see him add to his six career victories. HAPPY WARRIOR (NAP) was caught flat-footed when Best Alliance quickened at the turn last time and had too much ground to make up though he finished with a real flourish and can gain compensation. He had beaten today’s rival Charity Grand narrowly over the track and trip in November but the latter, who is slightly better off at the weights, has been subsequently racing over shorter trips so there shouldn’t be much in it again. Focus scored over 6f here in December and also won a barrier trial over that trip last month though he’s never raced over a trip this far. Fun Times looks best of the rest.
1.15
MASTER ALBERT is on a hat-trick and, though taking a step up in class, can produce the goods again. He sat close off a fast pace last time and quickened really well to land the spoils. Harmony N Home takes a drop in grade after just three outings and, with the champion jockey booked, should play a leading role. Super Alliances is a frustrating type but with an in-form trainer/jockey partnership can get into contention. Golden Glory is running well enough to be considered while Winner’s Heart, though still a maiden, has the form to get into contention in a tricky race.
1.45
Wood On Fire has yet to win but hasn’t been beaten far in recent races including behind AMAZING in February. The latter completely missed the break next time but still got within a couple of lengths of the winner and can get back to winning ways. Simply Fluke, having his first start for Dougie Whyte, has the form to get involved though a wide draw to overcome. Gunnar has a smart young rider on board using his claim so has to be respected while Destine Jewellery ran his best race to date over the track and trip last time.
2.15
GOOD FOR YOU completed a double over the track and trip earlier this year and his last two starts have been at Sha Tin. Back on his favourite track, he can score again. Diamond Brilliant, from a yard in top form, has been narrowly beaten under Moreira the last twice and wouldn’t be winning out of turn but Jumbo Happiness had dropped to a lowly mark when scoring here last month. Both Beauty Amigo and Seventh Sea are maidens but look certain to win soon and can’t be dismissed.
2.45
VERY SWEET ORANGE is on a four-timer but 16lb higher than when his winning run began. However, he’s likely to blast out again and his young rider’s claim can see him hang on. Be Ready is still a maiden after six starts but has been showing good pace over further so the drop in trip looks certain to suit. Explosive Witness had a cracking record in Australia before arriving here and wasn’t far behind the selection last time. He would have got the nod but for a wide draw while his former compatriot Amazing Kiwi will be winning soon judging by his latest effort.
3.15
John Gosden trained HOLY HEART to two victories at Kempton and though he hasn’t won here he’s gone very close on several occasions and this could be his day. Flash Famous is an obvious threat on his hat-trick bid. He’s won four times over the course and distance since October, though a 7lb rise makes this tougher. Smoothies takes a step up in trip after making all and staying on strongly over 7f at Sha Tin but should have no problems staying the extra on this much easier track. The maiden Green Reign has been staying on very strongly over 6f but this is a big step up in trip.
3.50
THIS IS CLASS goes for a hat-trick and looks to have been found another opportunity. Four-times a winner over 6f here in the past year, he shows such pace from the gates that he’ll take all the catching. Stronger gained an easy victory here in February from Hong Kong Win but couldn’t get close enough when stepped up in class at Sha Tin. The latter finished in front of him that day but the positions can be reversed on this track. Winner Supreme would probably win this if were run at Sha Tin as he’s a four-times winner there and has been in top form in recent barrier trials. Gentle Breeze is a five-times winner around here and can never be ruled out of contention.
