Let’s take it easy in the Indian Recreation Club Challenge Cup

Clint Hutchison

The Indian Recreation Club Challenge Cup is the feature event on the eight-race Happy Valley card this week and Italian jockey Alberto Sanna has an excellent chance to land the spoils aboard Let’s Take It Easy who is bidding for his fourth win this season.

This talented galloper has won two of four starts over the Happy Valley 1600m and his effort in defeat over the course and

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distance last time when fourth to Imperial Gallantry was a lot better than it looks on paper.

In essence, the pace of that race was very fast and he was close enough to that brutal tempo which took its toll in the latter stages.

In the end, he faded to fourth position, but it was still a very solid effort in defeat and the race rated well.

And it is highly unlikely there will be that much pressure in this event, although he should be well positioned on-speed.

With Karis Teetan apparently opting to ride Pretty Bauhinia in preference, the market is likely to prefer that galloper and while there is little doubt Pretty Bauhinia has solid claims, he will get back in the field and might be a touch over bet. As a consequence, around 5-1 looks great value on an Eachway basis for Let’s Take It Easy.

David Ferraris has an excellent chance to win Race 1 where he teams up with Karis Teetan and Dr Race. On his last two starts, Dr Race has been plagued with wide barrier draws and had to concede a lot of ground. This time, Teetan should be able to make the most of a better draw and have the gelding in a much better striking position.

On paper, it looks quite an even contest and once again, Dr Race might be Eachway odds and is definitely worth a play.

One of the better Win bets on the card is in Race 2 with Great Joy.

He has been runner-up in his last two starts over the Happy Valley 1600m, and arguably could have won both races with a touch more luck.

Being a galloper who does get back in the field, he needs his share of luck, but given the sensational late sectional times he recorded over this course and distance last time, with even luck on this occasion, he should prove hard to keep out.