Happy Valley: Storming Dragon the best bet in a nine-race Valley slate

All race times AEDT (Sydney time). Races 6–9 are after midnight on Thursday, 5 November.

Race 1 — Cleveland Handicap

9:40pm · 1000m · Class 5

Loving Vibes drops into Class 5 for the first time after finishing just over two lengths away in stronger company at Sha Tin. The quick back-up, valuable apprentice claim and proven Happy Valley form make him a major contender. Always My Folks has endured wide runs at both starts this preparation and should get a much better passage from barrier four. Mapogo also has claims after another competitive effort.

Race 2 — Cannon Handicap

10:10pm · 1650m · Class 5

Lucky Blessing returns from a break after finishing a close third over this course and distance and should be able to control the tempo from barrier one. Lovely Miles has been caught wide at both starts this campaign and produced his best effort when finishing strongly into fourth at Sha Tin last time. The drop into Class 5 makes him a genuine threat, while Telecom Power brings consistent course-and-distance form.

Race 3 — Gloucester Handicap

10:40pm · 1200m · Class 4

Dan Attack has finished second at his past three starts and gets an excellent opportunity to break through from barrier one. He was narrowly beaten over this course and distance last time and should enjoy every chance in a moderate Class 4 contest. Brownneedsfurther won first-up before finishing a close fourth after an imperfect run, and Zac Purton returns to the saddle. Master Champion is another serious contender stepping up in distance.

Race 4 — East Point Handicap

11:10pm · 1650m · Class 4

Prestige Ricky has been building towards a victory, finishing fifth, then second in his three starts this preparation. He was beaten only a neck last time and now draws barrier one carrying just 53kg. Quick Contribution continues to knock on the door, finishing in the placings at his past five starts, while Well Enough is improving since dropping into Class 4.

Race 5 — Ant Digital Technologies Cup

11:40pm · 1200m · Class 4

Packing Smart makes his debut after a series of encouraging barrier trials for David Hayes. The expensive New Zealand purchase has shown natural speed, draws barrier two and gets Zac Purton aboard, giving him every opportunity to make an immediate impression. Unstoppaple resumed with a narrow second from a wide draw and now jumps from barrier one. Solid Car is consistent and should also be competitive.

Race 6 — Gloucester Handicap

12:10am · 1200m · Class 4

Storming Dragon drops back into Class 4 after finding stronger opposition beyond him in recent starts. Zac Purton takes the ride from barrier three, the blinkers and tongue tie return, and a recent trial victory suggests he is ready to produce his best. Friends Of Shajing has been racing consistently without winning and gets a better draw after three difficult barriers this preparation. Kwai Chung Talents is another threat after breaking through last start.

Race 7 — Jaffe Handicap

12:45am · 1650m · Class 3

Flow Water Flow returns to Happy Valley, where he has finished second on both previous visits, after finding the tempo unsuitable at Sha Tin last time. The drop back to 1650m and Zac Purton booking are significant positives for a lightly raced galloper with further improvement to come. Do Your Part has been too aggressive in front at both starts this campaign but now draws barrier two and could produce a much better performance with a more measured ride.

Race 8 — Causeway Bay Handicap

1:15am · 1200m · Class 3

Live Wire produced a strong performance when second in Class 3 last start after winning in the grade below. He now draws barrier one and reunites with Zac Purton, who should be able to secure an economical run. Flashing Fighter was impressive winning first-up and has the upside to measure up in stronger company. Four Stars Align is another promising runner who looks close to breaking through.

Race 9 — Causeway Bay Handicap

1:50am · 1200m · Class 3

Ace Champion has been outstanding this preparation, winning both starts at Happy Valley and overcoming a wide draw to score impressively last time. He now draws barrier five and looks capable of completing the hat-trick despite carrying topweight. Quantum Cloud produced his best Hong Kong performance when third over this course and distance last time and should enjoy an ideal run from barrier one. All Out For Six remains a threat after finishing second to Ace Champion.

Best bets

Best bet – R6 – 12:10am – 1 Storming Dragon — Drops into a much more suitable grade, gets Zac Purton aboard from barrier three and has trialled impressively with the blinkers and tongue tie returning. An excellent opportunity to return to winning form.

Next best – R9 – 1:50am – 1 Ace Champion — Chasing three consecutive victories after two impressive performances at Happy Valley. His latest win was particularly strong given the wide run, and the improved barrier should make him difficult to beat again.

Best value – R1 – 9:40pm – 7 Always My Folks — Has been caught wide at both runs this preparation and now draws barrier four. Third-up fitness and a more economical run could produce a significant turnaround.

Other strong chance – R3 – 10:40pm – 5 Dan Attack — Three consecutive seconds and barrier one give him a genuine opportunity to finally break through.