Hong Kong Racing
Happy Valley Preview - 11th March 2026
Brett Davis provides exclusive Preview of Happy Valley races.
Rail - C+3 Course
Race 1
#10 MODEST GENTLEMAN is adept to racing at both venues, and on both surfaces, but has achieved most prize-money earnings here at Happy Valley over the 1000m. With clear galloping room at vital point two starts back he'd have won for sure before a bump at the 300m last start haulted his momentum. His style, of settling well off speed does mean he needs everything to go right but a nice low draw here creates another opportunity to win. Furthermore, jockey Mathew Chadwick hasn't picked up a win in 106 rides, so you can be assured he'll be hungary for victory.
#5 SPICY SPANGLE was a two time winner in class 4 last season with the first achieved here at Happy Valley over 1000m, the second at Sha Tin over the longer trip of 1200m. Results so far this campaign haven't quite measure up, however, its only been through the final furlong of each event that he's been worn down. Tonight, he has the right draw, speed and credentials to cross the field and find the running rail first before testing the depth of opposition in class 5.
#3 ISLAND BREEZES has delivered a fabulous finishing burst at all four attempts in the lowest grade and tonight receives a small claim via local inform jockey Jerry Chau. On many occasions, he literally walks out of the starting stalls, which has cost him wins, before barging his way through the field later stages to just miss. With barrier three to exit from, he only needs to step reasonably well from the gates and he becomes a genuine winning chance.
#9 MACANESE MASTER is a difficult runner to overlook despite the fact he draws wide and rises another 7lb at the weights. He's won two of his past three, which highlights his well-being, and furthermore possesses the early gate speed required to successfully attempt the early cross. His confidence is up, he's racing with great fluency and endeavour and most importantly, has an established repour with Jockey Angus Chung. He's also won another trial in the lead up.
#4 NABRASKAN pulled up with blood in the trachea following a third place in class 4 earlier in the season but has scoped clean in three subsequent runs. A tongue tie has been added since his arrival in class 5 and this is the grade where he'll be picking up a first career win. The low draw helps in finding the economical path and with most of the notable speed drawing out extremely wide, he'll have his chance.
Selections : 10,5,3,9,4
R2 - 2,9,4,8,3
R3 - 5,6,2,12,3
R4 - 4,10,7,12,11
R5 - 3,4,10,5,7
R6 - 1,4,8,3,9
Race 7
#5 THOUSAND SPIRIT has been a solid contributor on most occasions at Sha Tin this season with two of those efforts over the longer 1400m. With fitness therefore at its peak, the decision to change venues to a slightly easier Happy Valley comes in to play at the right time with multiple recent minor placings under his belt. He should position on speed, if not lead, without burning any excess which should allow him to find the line with strength when they dash for home in the stretch.
#2 NORTHERN FIRE BALL got back into the winners list here last start courtesy of a superb front running ride from local jockey Derek Leung. With all three victories recorded in this class, and over this exact course and trip, he's going to provide resistance after drawing the inside alley. The 7lb increase at the weights throws him into unknown territory because he's yet to win of a rating of higher than 57 points, but he remains somewhat progressive.
#7 WINNING MONEY holds the most consistent form of any runner contesting this event and was able to win last time after drawing the outside gate. The handicapper gave him a conservative five point hike because of the small margin recently but the win was full of merit all considered. Another wide barrier to exit from accompanies a 3lbs rise at the weights but he should be right in the thick of it once again.
#6 TEAM TEAM FOLKS won a race similar to this in exciting fashion back in November 2025 and in the process defeated a handy galloper in ROBOT LUCKY STAR. His following two outings at Sha Tin were honest in defeat with excuses justifiably offered. There's been gaps between some of his races this campaign but he's done plenty of work leading in on the treadmill. However, market movements are the most accurate guide because he may still be finding his peak.
#12 ICONICAL was the subject of late betting interest here at Happy Valley recently and ran a solid race after covering additional ground. The blinkers were applied for the first time leading in to that event and they had the desired effect. With a good run in transit anticipated this time around he's a competitor to include in all discussions.
Selections : 5,2,7,6,12
R8 - 7,3,9,5,1
R9 - 11,7,2,8,6
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