Hong Kong Racing
Happy Valley Preview - 23rd December 2025
Brett Davis provides exclusive Preview of Happy Valley races.
Rail - C position
Race 1
#6 SKY SONG is a recent down grader who broke his maiden status over the 1200m here at Happy Valley last season in this grade. He's been competitive at all six outings this campaign with the first two of those efforts conducted in the higher grade of class 4. He didn't blend well with apprentice Ellis Wong early before Hugh Bowman extracted better results over the insufficient distance of 1000m, 3rd and 4th up. With Lyle Hewitson now back atop over 1200m this appears his best chance of the campaign.
#5 HAPPY BOYS often finds himself in tight situations and limited space when making his finishing run because he possesses no initial natural speed. That'll be the worrying factor again over the Happy Valley 1200m although the wide draw can help to alleviate some of that anguish. You'll have to take skinny odds with Zac Purton now aboard but output levels at both performances recently in class 5 say he's ready to win.
#3 NABRASKAN pulled up with blood in the trachea following his third place in class 4 recently but has galloped well at the trials and training track since. A tongue tie is added, the low draw is perfect and the drop into class 5 for the first time is precisely what he's been chasing. The big weight of 135lbs is acknowledged, because he's only little in stature, but this does appears one of his best chance to win.
#11 SONIC BOOM draws off the track but can't be completely overlooked after making light work of the outside barrier draw last start to cross and lead. The start prior, he did a terrific job to get through and finish third after being involved in a bumping dual for a large portion of the home straight. He's generally consistent, races forward and certainly on the brink of a win but this tricky contest won't be easily conquered.
#12 EVER SMART is the lowest rated competitor in the event but wouldn't be the first to break his maiden status under such circumstance. Hollie Doyle again takes the reigns and she's had a good feel of him over the past three starts. With the visor now off it's hoped he'll race more tractably throughout, and if so, he could certainly make up the required amount of ground.
Selections : 6,5,3,11,12
R2 - 4,6,1,7,12
R3 - 6,3,10,2,4
R4 - 8,4,2,1,10
R5 - 11,3,12,7,2
Race 6
#12 THE AUSPICIOUS can be right amongst the finish again following another hearty effort in defeat last start over the 1800m at Sha Tin. He's got rating points in hand judged on his class 4 wins over the 1400/1600m and should thrive on the opportunity, with no weight, to go 2200m. Connections gave him a run here at Happy Valley first up over the 1650m and he handled the track seemingly well enough.
#3 LIVEANDLETLIVE is edging closer to winning one of these class 3 events at Happy Valley and it could well end up being tonight. All three runs this preparation have been strong on speed performances and the fitness gained from those outings should allow him to cope with 2200m. Furthermore, with the rail out, front runners are often able to skip away approaching the home turn but it'll take a perfectly calculated ride to get it done.
#6 ENTHRALLED never looked in the race after easing back early then settling wide last start but to his credit found the line with a fair amount of force. Were still learning about this former English galloper who won twice prior to importation but I'm confident he'll run out the distance, whilst handling the Happy Valley circuit with Zac Purton aboard. With the inside alley to exit from and a lovely trailing run in transit seemingly secured he should be treated with genuine respect.
#4 SNOWFIELD is well handicapped after arriving to Hong Kong a dual G1 winner from Brazil and can be entertained on recent runs. He's caught the eye at four of his five runs this campaign and it appears only a matter of time before he strikes the winners list. Whether that win comes tonight during his first visit to the city circuit we'll have to wait and see, but stick strong if it doesn't because its going to arrive soon.
#8 CHARITY GAIN ran well first up to finish a closing third before dumping the rider on the way to the gates at his next intended start. Consequently, he was scratched after running free for a reasonable amount of time before finishing an even fifth here on International Jockeys' night over 1800m. Missing that run no doubt put him behind the eight ball, but, keep him in the mix because he's pretty much proven over this course and trip.
Selections : 12,3,6,4,8
R7 - 9,4,12,8,2
R8 - 2,4,10,3,11
R9 - 3,7,1,4,11
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