Happy Valley Picks

Race 1: Tai Yau Handicap

#1 Red Elysees has the class to be winning here. He’s slipped down the handicap and does shape as the one they all have to run down. Strong booking of Zac Purton catches the eye. #10 Cable Speed slots in light and has an ideal draw. Expect he rolls forward to make his own luck. #4 Classic Archi caught the eye from the tail of the field last start. He appears to be making the necessary improvement required to win in Hong Kong. #5 Daily Beauty remains a threat at Happy Valley. He has the right barrier here as well.

Race 2: Ng Fong Handicap

#9 Super Hornet has mixed his form of late. He caught the eye two trials ago and does appear to be in the right vein of form in trackwork and at the trials to press for a first win. The inside draw affords Zac Purton options. #2 Jack Win has hit his straps and was a tidy winner two runs back. He can continue his development. #1 Happy Gathering draws ideally and remains a huge threat in this grade. Hugh Bowman takes the mount from gate three. #4 Fingers Crossed can be hit and miss but there is some quality there.

Race 3: Sheung Hei Handicap (1st Section)

#3 Win Win Fighter gets a slightly better draw and finds suitable conditions here. He’s a multiple winner in this grade and Vincent Ho’s retention is a big plus. He can return to winning ways. #10 M Unicorn continues to take the right steps forward. He has an inside draw which he can use to his benefit. #4 Fearless Fire is a threat in this class. He almost pinched it last time out from the front. Expect he tries similar tactics once more. #9 Beau Gosse gets in light and is worth including. He’s nearing a first win.

Race 4: The Hong Kong Institute Of Certified Public Accountants 50th Anniversary Cup Handicap (2nd Section)

#2 Snowalot is a two-time winner from his last five starts. He’s holding his form and did catch the eye last start, soaring home from an improbable spot to finish fourth. He can continue this level form and the inside draw should see him take closer order. #6 Always Fluke caught the eye in a recent trial. He’s smart and can improve following his first two starts. #9 Cheer For South draws well and gets the services of Karis Teetan again as he chases a first win. #1 The Runner can lead and give them all something to reel in.

Race 5: Sheung Hei Handicap (2nd Section)

#3 Lean Hero has the right draw and looks open to further improvement. He gets Hugh Bowman’s services and an ideal contest as he chases a return to winning ways. #4 Sharpen Bright did well on debut, especially considering he was first first-up on yielding ground. Expect he can improve from that run which saw him finish a competitive fifth. #5 Nice Birdie continues to race well without winning. He has claims once more. #10 Right Honourable knows what it’s all about. Keep safe.

Race 6: Sze Mei Handicap (1st Section)

#11 Our Class Act slots in light and has been showing signs of improvement. He has a favourable draw too which should allow him to take up a forward position without disbursing too much petrol early on. He can win. #4 Always Awesome has shown considerable improvement across his only two runs in Hong Kong. He’s got a powerful turn of foot and will be fighting out the finish here. #5 Cheong Fat returns from a minor setback. He can continue his upward trajectory. #9 Golden Luck is next in line.

Race 7: Sam Chuk Handicap

Tricky contest but a slice of luck from the inside draw could see #11 Pegasus Hero break through. He’s largely been a disappointment in Hong Kong, however, he has had excuses and a return to the turf is a huge plus. He’s worth an each way ticket. #2 Comet Splendido finally draws a good gate. He has a few rating points left in hand. #1 Rocket Spade has top weight as he seeks a first win in Hong Kong. He’s in the right vein of form and must be respected again. #3 Majestic Victory can figure. Keep safe.

Race 8: Shung Ling Handicap

#6 Seasons Wit scored a nice win last start and he can continue that level of form here. Zac Purton retains the mount and gate one should afford him the run of the race. One to beat. #10 Atomic Energy continues to improve. He slots in light for apprentice Angus Chung. Main danger. #8 Drops Of God hasn’t won for some time. Still, he has his fair share of talent and can make his presence felt from gate three under Karis Teetan. #2 Harmony And Rich is the likely leader. He’ll give them all something to run down. 

Race 9: Tseuk Luk Handicap

#2 Xponential is after back-to-back wins. He doesn’t know how to run a bad race and the inside gate should see him receive a few favours here. He does his best racing with space between his runs and this is what he gets once more. One to beat. #4 Reward Smile has the ability and gets the right draw. He’ll be fighting out the finish. #6 E Universe is in superb form at the minute. He can be a factor once more, especially from the draw. #3 Superb Capitalist will lead and give them something to catch. Next in line.