Sweet In Defeat

Happy Valley (M15) – Sunday, 28 October 2018


By Hutchi

08/11/2018

The only “day” meeting at Happy Valley for the season had a track presented in GOOD condition with the running rail in the true “A” position.

 


RACE 1: C5 - 2200m
Course: TURF "A"     Going: GOOD

The C5 2200m races are often a bit of a lottery but it was a nice win here by Clement Legend. The Joy Of Giving hit the line well and looks close to a win over a similar distance, but I’m not going to take a great deal from this event.

RACE 2: C4 - 1650m
Course: TURF "A"     Going: GOOD

It was a heady ride from Jack Wong to “take-off” on Starlit Knight when he passed the rock. This allowed him to pinch a winning break . The manner in which Marvel Success hit the line (race best final-200m of 12.36) was encouraging and he might be one to consider going forward. With a solid tempo, the race rated well and Universal Go Go was also noteworthy in running second. 

RACE 3: C4 - 1200M
Course: TURF "A"     Going: GOOD

This was the worst rating race of the day. The tempo was slow and those on-pace must be limited. London Master posted the sixth-best final-400m (23.00) of the meeting, and whilst he is racing well, he might have been flattered on this occasion. 

RACE 4: C4 - 1650M
Course: TURF "A"     Going: GOOD

The pace was very solid here for the first section, which told in the end for Chaparral Star who was close enough to the speed and also ran in to a “dead end” on the turn. You Have My Word makes the Sweet In Defeat (SID) file considering the move between the 1000m and the 400m, only to be collared late. True Grit hit the line strongly and he is ready to win, so makes the file also.

RACE 5: C4 - 1200M
Course: TURF "A"     Going: GOOD

The pace was relatively slow in this race that was won by Khaki. Overall the event didn’t rate that well but the closing splits of Dollar Reward were very good, including a meeting-best final-200m (11.23). He can make the SID file. 

RACE 6: C3 - 1200M
Course: TURF "A"     Going: GOOD

Once again, this race was not run at an overly quick tempo through the early stages and ultimately, it was on-pace dominated. From that perspective, Green Luck was encouraging on debut and he definitely leaves the impression that he will be suited over further. He makes the SID file. 

RACE 7: C2 - 1650M
Course: TURF "A"     Going: GOOD

The pace was quite brutal through the first half of this race, which eventually told with Turin Redstar. All those horses sitting on that pace early dropped out in the straight, so he is very close to a win. Why Turin Redstar didn’t take the box seat early in race when the pressure came, is bewildering. This was one of the great slaughters and once again, he is a smart galloper that is ready to win.

RACE 8: C3 - 1000M
Course: TURF "A"     Going: GOOD

Dragon Pioneer got a soft lead on this occasion and the first three on the post were in the first four in the run. Lucky Guy is eligible for a drop in grade and the manner in which he sustained a run over the final 800m, given the tempo was sound. He can make the SID file and would appreciate a step up to 1200m.

RACE 9: C3 - 1650M
Course: TURF "A"     Going: GOOD

The first section of this race was run quickly so My Ally, who was pressured early, has run quite well in a race that was set up for the swoopers overall. He can make the SID file and with a softer run early on next time could run well potentially at a price. Not much else made appeal, with Thunder Stomp a clear forgive as he was asked to do plenty of work when wide and making an early move.

RACE 10: C2 - 1200M
Course: TURF "A"     Going: GOOD

The eventual winner Almababy enjoyed a sweet run in the race and proved too good, but there was plenty to like about the run of Super Hoppy who was slowly away and posted the fifth-best final-200m (11.44) of the meeting. If he jumps on terms next time he can improve his finishing position, but his pattern overall is concerning. 


Sweet In Defeat "Black Bookers"


  • You Have My Word

  • True Grit

  • Dollar Reward

  • Green Luck

  • Dragon Pioneer

  • My Ally