Hong Kong Racing
Happy Valley Preview - 28th January 2026
Brett Davis provides exclusive Preview of Happy Valley races.
Rail - C Position
Race 1
#2 SPICY SPANGLE was a two time winner in class 4 last season both here at Happy Valley over 1000m, and also at Sha Tin over the longer trip of 1200m.Results from the first five runs this campaign haven't quite measure up, however its only been through the final furlong that he's ultimately been worn down.He has the draw, speed and credentials to win now he's made it into class 5 for the first time, and with an all the way trial victory here at Happy Valley recently witnessed, he must be strongly considered.
#1 ISLAND BREEZES has delivered two fabulous finishing bursts at his first two attempts in the lowest grade and it might be third time lucky with Luke Ferraris remaining aboard.On both occasions, he's literally walked out of the starting stalls and settled near last before barging his way through the field during the later stages to just miss.With barrier one to exit from, he only needs to stay semi-in-touch through the early part to score, but, as we know class 5 can often ended up complicated.
#4 SAVVY TWINKLE draws ideally in gate 4 for Zac Purton and should get the lovely trail in running all the way to the home turn.From there, hell have to dig deep if he's to cut down the Helter skelter speedsters but he should've conserved plenty of energy to that point.A drop into class 5 for the first time may end up being the defining factor but it's worth remembering, they don't chase to hard in class 5.
#7 SKY SONG was a down grader in early October after braking his maiden status over 1200m here at Happy Valley last season.He's been competitive at most assignments this campaign with the couple conducted in class 4.He didn't blend that well with apprentice Ellis Wong, or recently with Lyle Hewitson, but with Hugh Bowman back aboard the pair should blast along near the top for a long time.
#3 HAPPY BOYS often finds himself in tight situations and limited space when looking to make his finishing run because he doesn't possesses any gate speed.That'll be the worrying factor again over the Happy Valley 1000m, although the frantic pace early can potentially assist his strengths. Zac Purton jumps off after two second consecutive thirds so the chance of an elevated price is high.
Selections : 2,1,4,7,3
R2 - 4,11,3,1,5
R3 - 7,3,5,2,6
Race 4
"HK FOOTBALL CLUB CENTENARY CUP"
(Class 4 - 1000m - Hcp)
#6 BEAUTY THUNDER provides Zac Purton with a great opportunity to score in the feature cup race of the evening where the pace should be hot. The champion jockey has enjoyed the benefit of taking him for a spin at his past couple and it's fair to say they didn't appreciated the all weather as much last start. He should soak up the initial pressure whilst racing handy, before applying his excellent turn of foot.
#3 SUPER SIXTY can also absorb the initial race speed now he's drawn gate 1 and should continue to hold his position all the way to the home straight.He certainly gives the impression he'll be competitive at the bottom of class 3, but to get there he'll need to win another race soon.He regularly breaks the 23.00 barrier for his closing 400m dash and the booking of 5lb claiming rider, Elis Wong, is certainly in his favour.
#5 BUNTA BABY arrived in Hong Kong undefeated from Australia so you'd fancy there's upside still remaining in the tank.He's certainly found form and remains difficult to oppose following a dashing win over BEAUTY THUNDER and company, last start.He rises 5lb, and a new jockey gets aboard, but he's a huge animal with plenty of scope and therefore difficult to oppose.A trip to Sha Tin could soon be on the horizon.
#11 STAR PERFORMER produced a career best under Hollie Doyle on International Jockey's night in December and has since worked particularly well.He struggled with racing last season, after arriving from South Africa, but has noticeably improved under the guidance of trainer Mark Newnham.The middle draw could make things tricky, however, a recent all the way trial win by 4 lengths suggests he must be kept very safe.
#1 FUN ELITE has taken two runs this preparation to find his way back in to class 4 which is where he excels and makes the majority of his money.In form rider Derek Leung took him for a spin at the trials in the lead up and the pair chugged along unfazed right down to the final meters.Its been two months since he's had a run, which may be telling, so if he doesn't go well, then follow.
Selections : 6,3,5,11,1
R5 - 11,5,12,10,1
R6 - 11,5,1,6,10
R7 - 6,5,12,3,2
R8 - 12,6,4,3,1
R9 - 11,10,8,12,5
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