 |
|
| Staff Writer |
 |
On Wednesday's nine-race Valley card, Jamie Richards is aiming for a double dose of happiness as he introduces two last-start winners. With six wins under his belt this season, Richards is confident about his chances with a strong team. He believes that Happy United is ready to take on his first Class Three company challenge in the Choi Wan Handicap.
“He’s up in grade but down in weight, so hopefully he has a nice chance,” Richards said. “It’s never easy stepping into Class Three for the first time, but we’ll see.”
Happy United won one of his five starts last season over a distance of 1,200m. On his seasonal reappearance, he narrowly missed out on victory when he stepped back to the minimum trip. In his latest outing over 1,000m, the 4YO was assigned gate 11. However, he managed to sweep around his rivals under the guidance of jockey Vincent Ho Chak-yiu to clinch his second career victory.
“He was pretty impressive to the eye,” Richards said. “They don’t usually win the way he did after being caught so wide. He did a good job to maintain a gallop.”
Ho is set to weigh out one pound over the 117 assigned to the gelding as Happy United aims for consecutive victories, jumping from barrier six.
“He’s drawn in midfield, but he makes his own luck really. He’s got plenty of natural speed so can roll forward,” Richards said. “Vincent wanted to stick with him. He won well last time, and with even luck, he should be another good chance hopefully.”
In the Class Three Jordan Valley Handicap, Richards and Ho are joining forces with Happy Day, who is seeking a hat-trick win. Although he remained winless under trainer Chris So Wai-yin's guidance in his last ten races, Happy Day made an immediate impact for his new trainer when he narrowly won over 1,000m in October. Recently, in the Class Four Japan Racing Association Trophy, the 5YO extended his run to 1,200m and kept on from the rear of the field to justify his favouritism with bravery.
“He’s a horse that gets back in running and needs a little bit of luck,” Richards said. “He’s got a bit of luck his last two starts, and now he’s into Class Three with a lower weight.
“He’s drawn a bit awkward but the B course usually plays pretty fair. Hopefully, he can be another good chance again, although it’s not easy to win three in a row.”
According to Richards, the gelding's recent success can be attributed to the addition of blinkers, and he remains unbeaten under the new handler.
“I like putting blinkers on and it’s something I’ve always liked doing. I think, apart from gelding a horse, it’s the best gear change in the world,” Richards said.
“We brought him back in trip and just thought we needed to do something to try and help him along a little bit. Thankfully, he’s been running well.”
The trainer's midweek chances are Charmander, Ready Player One, Courier Magic, and Our Lucky Glory.