'Magic Man' Moreira set for a sparkling day at Happy Valley

Royal Chocolate
10.45 Happy Valley
2pts winSpecial Stars
1.15 Happy Valley
2pts winCot Campbell
2.15 Happy Valley
2pts winIf Joao Moreira feels like he is having a free kick at goal at Happy Valley's nine-race meeting it is hardly surprising as seven jockeys, including his arch rival Zac Purton, are on the sidelines under suspension.

The ranks have been dramatically thinned to such an extent that only 17 jockeys will be in action, and it paves the way for the ‘Magic Man’ to establish a clear lead in his quest to win back the title from Purton.

The John Size-trained Special Stars could prove his best chance from a full book of nine rides in The St Andrew’s Challenge Quaich (1.15).

Drawing gate one can sometimes be tricky from this start but it is decidedly better than gate 11, which he drew last time when a well-held eighth in a similar race. Twice a course-and-distance winner last season, he is well-placed to win and will go very close.

Gentle Breeze is his main danger but has been hard hit by the handicapper for two impressive wins on his last two starts – he faces a 12lb hike for his most recent success – and he also has an awkward wide draw.

Moreira later gets aboard the interesting Cot Campbell, a South African import who may be suited by the 1m1f Glasgow Handicap (2.15). He is a maiden in Hong Kong but finished fourth in the Cape Guineas over a mile at Kenilworth two years ago, which was a good pointer to his potential.

Trainer Tony Millard has good contacts in his native country and Cot Campbell could just be one of his best recruits. His three runs this season have been promising and Moreira in the saddle for the first time is a big positive.

Silvestre de Sousa is back after an unsuccessful fleeting visit to Bahrain and he can start the meeting on a high by winning the opening Hawick Handicap (10.45) aboard Royal Chocolate.

De Sousa knows Royal Chocolate well, having been placed four times on him, and the son of So You Think is now on a mark where he can win. He is one to follow with confidence.

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