Hong Kong Racing
Happy Valley Preview - 17th December 2025
Brett Davis provides exclusive Preview of Happy Valley races.
Rail - B Course
Race 1
#4 STAR BROSE has been a costly conveyance for punters but continually keeps finding the line with purpose and strength.The drop into class 5 was highly beneficial in early November and he's since gone close a couple of times to racking up his first win.Recent experience around Happy Valley, Hugh Bowman back aboard, a perfect draw in gate 4 and the rise in distance to 2200m all merge together nicely, and hopefully for a win.
#10 SUPER HONG KONG turned back the clock in dazzling fashion last start with a total dominant display over similar opposition.If he wasn't a rising 9yo, and noted inconsistent class 5 performer, you'd be tipping him to win with confidence after what he dished out early last month.With 8lb extra to shoulder he's going to be more vulnerable in the run home but pound for pound he should probably win again.
#1 PERFECT PAIRING was placed on two occasions in class 4 last season so he must be respected on that form alone.They didn't go fast enough for him during the first half of last start before finding bother in the home stretch when looking for room.With a good draw to exit from he'll posy up handy for James McDonald and the drop in grade only enhances his winning chance.
#2 STORM RUNNER covered plenty of extra ground first up before finishing a short margin adrift of the eventual winner.He then tried desperately hard to overhaul in form Hakka Radiance, with Zac Purton on board, but narrowly went under.Now fourth up following three second placings in a row he's another great chance , although, it's worth mentioning the two times time he raced over this course and distance, LEATHER MASTER and SUPER HONG KONG defeated him by a decent space.
#12 LEATHER MASTER thrashed a field similar to this last season over the Happy Valley 2200m so on credentials he's worthy of serious consideration.He then caught the eye at Sha Tin second up when making solid ground before finding traffic issues at Happy Valley two runs back.It's certainly debatable as to whether he's racing as strongly this campaign but he should be given every opportunity by Hollie Doyle from the ground saving draw.
Selections : 4,10,1,2,12
Race 2
#1 ISLAND BREEZE remains a maiden from twelve outings and once again finds his way into class 5.After running over 1650m two runs back he totally appreciated coming back to 1000m last outing by launched his way into fourth placing over the final 200m.That performance rated extremely high on the data and sectional meter so if he follows up with something similar, and stays in touch early, he'll win.
#8 MODEST GENTLEMAN is not dissimilar in the way he races as he appreciates finding his feet early on before launching down the home straight.He's adept to racing on all surfaces but has done most of his money earning here at Happy Valley over the short course of 1000m.With clear galloping room at vital point on the all weather last start he'd have won for sure, which is why Zac Purton now jumps on.
#2 SKY SONG was a down grader in early October who broke his maiden status over 1200m here at Happy Valley last season.He's been competitive at all five outings this campaign with the first two of those conducted in class 4.He didn't blend with apprentice Ellis Wong at his next to attempts, which were both contested in class 5, but he again reacquaints with Hugh Bowman who almost got him home last start.
#10 SUPER ELITE won his only race in good style over the 1200m at Sha Tin two season back when Hugh Bowman was behind the wheel.Unfortunately, since then he's been branded a one hit wonder with no additional successes to report.However, his reliable gate speed from this low draw, combined with the light weight of 117lbs, have him advantaged against many so he can be considered a ruff chance.
#4 HAPPY HORSE has only won twice in his career and both victories were recorded here at Happy Valley under similar circumstances.His three runs back this preparation have been solid in narrow defeats and suggest he's ready to peak now fourth up. With the blinkers going back on I expect him to be quick enough to cross, but if that fails he's going to be in traffic and caught off the track.
Selections : 1,8,2,10,4
R3 - 4,6,1,7,9
R4 - 1,2,6,11,9
R5 - 2,6,7,8,4
R6 - 2,10,8,12,7
R7 - 2,9,1,5,11
R8 - 7,6,4,5,2
R9 - 4,6,2,1,10
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