Best Bets | Happy Valley, 27 April 2022

Rewarding Together | (Happy Valley Race 7 No.1) / Sky Forever | (Happy Valley Race 7 No.8) / California Redwood | (Happy Valley Race 7 No.6)

Gone with a three-pronged attack here and I am confident we can get the chocolates. Rewarding Together has had a nice 60-day break since going down 1.25 lengths to Armour Eagle at this track and distance and has trialled well two times since. He generally goes well first-up, has an ideal draw, and his regular jockey aboard. He goes on top for me. Sky Forever goes into the numbers on the back of a tremendous draw out of barrier four. This will enable him to sit closer in the run and the last two times he got a draw like this he finished under a length in second both times. He is always thereabouts with decent draws, so I expect it to be no different tonight. California Redwood is an improving horse and gets a solid jockey booking here which indicates to me he should be ready to rock and roll. The draw is okay and should get adequate cover and he will be coming late. It does scare me that I have left out Star Brite with Purton aboard, but that’s the risk I am taking.

Suggested bet: 1.3 units @ $3.30 / 0.7 unit @ $6.00 / 0.5 unit @ $8.00

Other Bets

Xponential | (Happy Valley Race 6 No.1)

This bloke has been knocking on the door for some time this preparation and he finally gets a highly winnable race and the draw to boot. His run last time out was good despite copping bumps from Peak to Peak at the 250m and again at the 100m mark, which proved vital in my opinion. He is something to marvel at this horse, who has had seven starts this preparation and finished within a length and no further back than fourth. I think he is well weighted despite lumping the 60kg (based on handicap ratings) and the booking of Hewitson is good as he rides Happy Valley well and also is a good front riding jockey.

Suggested bet: 1.1 units @ $3.80

Viva Hunter | (Happy Valley Race 8 No.8)

I have been hanging for this guy to come back since his defeat to Packing Award. I loved his recent trial where he was well held throughout and I think he is ready for something big, it’s just a shame he has drawn the outside barrier, though in saying that the speed isn’t that great so he should get across no worries. Joao sticks and he remains down in weight.

Suggested bet: 0.8 unit @ $5.00

Total Units Used: 7 Units

Rest of the Card

Race 1 No.1 Whizz Kid – No Bet @ $1.65

Race 2 No.7 Day Day Rich – No Bet @ $7.00

Race 3 No.6 Winning Volatility – No Bet @ $4.20

Race 4 No.10 Go For Tea – No Bet @ $6.00

Race 5 No.3 Happy Forever – No Bet @ $7.00