Video Replay Stars
Race 8 Number 9 Happy Force
This speedy on pace runner comes to Happy Valley for the first time after a sound performance over 1400m last start. He had to work early from barrier 13 to find a forward position, and he continued to press forward thereafter to sit outside the leader, eventually peaking inside the 150m to finish fifth, beaten 1 ¾ lengths.
On paper, he looks to get an uncontested lead this week, which holds him in good stead to be hard to run down.
Race 3 Number 5 California Legend
He was given no chance on the lead last start given the hectic early splits he posted – a +4.8 lengths above average to the 800m, then increasing speed to the 400m with a +7.8 lengths above average – those splits eventually taking their toll as he faded to eighth, beaten 4.9 lengths.
He should be improving with racing as many of the ISGs do, but Karis Teetan needs to rate him better to give him a chance to be in the money.
Sectional Time Stars
Race 8 Number 7 Merrygowin
Last start he posted the fastest last 400m (23.66s) which ranked seventh best of the meeting, which, given the 4.2 length slowdown he endured from the 600m to the 400m, is quite credulous.
Race 5 Number 7 Le Terroir
It is only a matter of time before this three-year-old breaks through after a slew of get back, run on performances in which he has posted some of the best closing splits of the meeting. Given the nature of being a backmarker, he needs more luck than others and the race run to suit, but he’ll be closing in hard and fast as usual.
