Ferraris to land Happy Valley spoils

Clint Hutchison

– There is a French theme at Happy Valley this week with two feature races and Le French May Trophy (Race 5) is the first of those where David Ferraris has a good chance to land the spoils with Breeders’ Star who is bidding for his third win this season.

There were clear excuses for Breeders’ Star on his last outing over 1200m at Happy Valley where he was posted very wide throughout and covered a good deal of excess ground.

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He was still brave there, beaten just three lengths and with a more economical run should prove far more competitive.

Ferraris has done a fine job with the speedy chestnut and the lack of depth in this field gives him a good chance to keep the momentum going.

One of the main threats will come from Iron Boy who should prove hard to beat.

The booking of Joao Moreira is noteworthy on the back of a sound run in defeat over the course and distance on his last outing when flashing home from last on the turn to just fail. He might not be so far back this time and should go close to winning.

The latest run in defeat from Victory Machine was encouraging, albeit in a lower grade and although he does strike stronger opposition, he should get a lovely run from the barrier and get his chance to go one better. Of the remainder, Jolly Convergence is competitively treated in the handicap with the apprentice’s claim and California Aspar is another who has shown glimpses of potential.

The seventh event on the card is the second feature, with The France Galop Cup over 1200m as well. The recent form of Super Turbo has been solid and the David Hall-trained galloper should get the required tempo in this event to help him unleash that powerful finishing burst. When Moreira and Hall have combined this season, they have hit the frame 18 of 29 attempts, including six victories and Super Turbo can help keep those figures looking good. He will appreciate coming back to 1200m and once again, only has to hold recent form to prove highly competitive.

The main threat comes from Jetwings, to be ridden by Dougie Whyte and although Jetwings has had a minor setback since his last intended run, he has been kept ticking over nicely in his work and rates a very good chance. The main concern will be his ability to concede weight to the majority of his rivals.

Of the rest, Verbinsky will appreciate coming back to the city course and should get every chance to figure from a favourable draw, while Molly’s Jade Star has a good record over the course and distance and warrants respect.

One of the better bets on the card is in the final event with Best Step. He can provide Karis Teetan with another winner.