Hong Kong Preview: Rok Ya Heart ready to roll at Happy Valley

#4 Rock Ya Heart can take advantage of a cozy barrier draw to inflict the first defeat on #5 You’remyeverything in the Tern H., Race 9 at Happy Valley Dec. 1.

The winner of both his starts in Australia when known as Biggus, You’remyeverything created a great impression on debut Nov. 10, showing a great turn of foot to race past #1 Diamond Brilliant over the same 1200m (about six furlong) trip that he faces here.

However, he has gone up eight points in the ratings as a result of his victory, and he has drawn barrier 10 – not usually a problem for a horse that gets back, but horses can get flushed wide at the tight Happy Valley track and it makes him worth opposing.

Rock Ya Heart races at Happy Valley for the first time on Wednesday, but he’s shown very good form on the premier Sha Tin track this season and he has the gate speed to be on the pace, which is a great help at Happy Valley.

He inflicted the only defeat to date on the speedy California Spangle two starts back, and then ran an excellent race for a close third Nov. 13 behind The Golden Scenery and another previously unbeaten horse, Packing Victory.

Diamond Brilliant had won three of his previous four starts prior to his defeat by You’remyeverything, and he should go well again. #3 Family Folks has been very consistent, finishing third to subsequent Happy Valley winner Scores of Fun at his last start, while #2 First Responder has not been outside the top two at his last two starts. All three should be included in exotics.

BEST PLAY – HAPPY VALLEY, RACE 9, WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 1

• $6 win/$18 show: #4 Rock Ya Heart
• 50c trifecta: 4, 5 with 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 with 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 9

BONUS PLAY – NEW ZEALAND

New Plymouth, Wednesday, Nov. 1, Race 5

$4 win/$16 show, #1 The Fearless One: Couldn’t have been more impressive when winning on debut May 9. Will appreciate the run, looks very talented and gets a 4kg (about 9 pounds) apprentice allowance.