Back-in-form Fownes set to work another Charm at the Valley
IT’S GREAT to see trainer and ‘King of the Valley’ Caspar Fownes in sparkling form at present.
The former four-time Hong Kong Champion Trainer had been going through a rough patch in the last couple of months, with only a couple of wins in both February and March.
That all changed at the Valley last week when a winning four-timer propelled him back to leading trainer at his favourite track – 23 of his 35 seasonal wins have been at Happy Valley – and then he followed that with a double at Sha Tin on Sunday.
With the stable firing on all cylinders, it would be a folly to overlook his half-dozen raiders at the Valley today, including the talented but hugely frustrating Storm Legend, who carries top-weight in the On Lan Handicap (2.15pm) over the extended mile.
This down-in-class son of Night Of Thunder has been expensive to follow when presented with winning chances already this season but, if reproducing his best form, will never get a better opportunity to finally getting his head in front.
A similar comment applies to stable companion CHARMING STEED, who seeks to get his career back on track when carrying bottom-weight in the first division of the Glenealy Handicap (12.45pm) over six furlongs.
The French-bred son of Charm Spirit has been largely disappointing for a long time now, but offered a glimmer of hope when making the frame behind Speed Fay Fay at Sha Tin earlier this month.
Having won from a 12lb higher mark in the ratings, and with a low draw now in his favour, he has an ideal opportunity to go close in what looks an average contest.
POINTERS
Charming Steed (e/w) 12.45pm Happy Valley