Danny Shum's Racing Stable Set for Major Success at Happy Valley
Trainer Danny Shum is positioned to make a significant impact at today's nine-race programme at Happy Valley in Hong Kong, with his stable sending seven gallopers to the city track. Racing commences at 11.35am, and Shum's strong raiding party has sound claims for multiple victories.
Currently tied for third in the Trainers' Championship with 42 wins, Shum trails leaders Mark Newnham and Caspar Fownes but remains competitive. His recent form includes a stunning four-timer at the Valley three weeks ago and a victory with General Redwood last week, indicating he is likely to be amongst the winners again.
Fantastic Fun Leads the Charge in Winning Try Handicap
Shum's best chance appears to be top-weight FANTASTIC FUN, who lines up in the Winning Try Handicap at 12.35pm over the extended mile. Last seen a month ago over the same course and distance, he finished strongest of all but lost by just a neck due to a slow early pace dictated by winner Armor Golden Eagle.
With bottom-weight Frantanck likely to set a quicker tempo under seven-pound claimer Britney Wong, the speed is guaranteed to be much faster, which significantly boosts Fantastic Fun's chances. Having already won twice over the track and trip, he benefits from a favourable inside gate in stall three and is now only a few pounds above his last winning mark.
In the same race, lightly raced Red Brick Warrior is worth watching after an encouraging fourth-place finish to Beauty Viva on his first try over the course and distance. He is expected to improve further and could be a value bet in the market.
Harmony Galaxy Aims for Double in Successful Conversion Handicap
The Shum stable can secure a double half-an-hour later with HARMONY GALAXY in the Successful Conversion Handicap at 1.05pm. The Brazilian-bred five-year-old produced an eye-catching effort from an outside gate last time out, finishing strongly over the extended mile, and seems to have been targeted for this contest.
He boasts an unblemished two-from-two record over the course and distance, with both victories occurring in this corresponding month last season. Currently, his handicap mark is seven pounds below his last victory, and he reunites with jockey Brenton Avdulla, who has previously won on him.
Another Shum challenger, Win Method, goes for a hat-trick in the Hong Kong China Rugb Cup Handicap at 1.40pm over the extended mile. The three-year-old is in peak form but steps up in class with a seven-pound penalty, facing a daunting task at the weights.
Key Pointers:
- Fantastic Fun – 12.35pm – Happy Valley
- Harmony Galaxy – 1.05pm – Happy Valley
