Happy Valley Picks

Race 1: Kennedy Town Handicap 

#4 Jolly Honour has tumbled down the handicap. He races in Class 5 for the first time and does so as a two-time winner in Class 3. He has the class edge to put this field away. #11 Smiling Face found form late last season. He should get a charmed run throughout from the inside draw for the in-form Hewitson-Whyte combination. #6 Handsome Veggie has his second run in the grade now. Zac Purton’s booking bears close watching. #1 Bell Of Victory slips down a grade. Keep safe.  

Race 2: Sai Ying Pun Handicap 

#1 Surrealism narrowly missed in this grade last term and gets another chance here. The big weight is a slight concern, however, he is cut above this group, especially if he finds his best. #8 Tailor Made returned in excellent order first-up, finishing second to President’s Choice at Sha Tin. This looks like the right form line to be competitive again. #11 Victorious Seeker slots in light and is favoured from an inside draw. The penny appears to have finally dropped with #9 Wonder Years. He has claims and gets his chance.   

Race 3: Sheung Wan Handicap 

#2 Right Honourable is dangerous in this grade. He was set a task from the wide draw last start, forced to make up a stack of ground which, he did with plenty of merit. Expect improvement here at his preferred course. #1 Free Foal has the class and knows what it’s all about. Strong booking of Zac Purton warrants respect as he steps out first-up following a strong trial at Conghua. #4 Fearless Fire will improve second-up. This is the right grade for him. #3 Seaweed Fortune mixes his form but has a powerful finish on his day. Next best.  

Race 4: The Taxation Institute of Hong Kong 50th Anniversary Cup Handicap   

#2 Exuberant returns to Happy Valley where he is a winner in the past. He put in several nice performances last season in this grade and over the course and distance. If he can replicate one of those, then he is the one they must beat. #7 Country Treasure is better than his record suggests. He had a torrid run throughout last start and he is expected to improve with a smoother run throughout. #10 Loriz is a consistent customer. Expect he finds an early lead from gate one under Derek Leung. #4 Compassion Super has ability. Keep him very safe.  

Race 5: Central Handicap  

#6 Six Best Friends went close to a first win two runs ago. He’s trialled up well at Happy Valley and from the good gate he should give a good account of himself out in front under Alex Lai, just as he did two runs back at odds of 66/1. #4 Spicy Grill can fly fresh. He won first-up last prep and pairs favourably with Zac Purton this week from the good gate. #9 Shining Fortune mixes his form but has shown capabilities at times. Expect improvement second-up, however, the draw isn’t ideal. #1 Kokushi Musou is next best.   

Race 6: Admiralty Handicap (1st Section) 

#8 High Rise Soldier should get the right run from the draw. He’s returned to a competitive mark and this grade is right for him. A nice weight and the rise in trip should bring out his best. #9 Trader will skip along out in front. He draws favourably and shapes as the one to catch. #6 Super Winner could follow suit. Expect he rolls forward to press for the lead following an eye-catching first-up effort. #4 Excellent Peers should have improved across the break. He looks capable of taking the next step.  

Race 7: Admiralty Handicap (2nd Section) 

#10 Enchanting Ibis slots in light and returns following a strong trial effort on the dirt. He looks ready to fire first-up and the light weight should afford him every opportunity in a difficult contest. Expect he has several rating points still in hand. #2 Igniting returned in excellent order first-up. He can take another step forward here. #9 Winning Icey is chasing a hat-trick of wins but rises to Class 3 now. This will be tough once more. #1 Beauty Glory has the class edge following a tidy first-up win. He’ll be thereabouts.  

Race 8: Wan Chai Handicap  

#7 Comet Splendido has the talent and did very, very well first-up to miss by under a length. He draws better this time and should improve out of sight second-up. Harry Bentley gets a strong chance to seal another win here. #4 S J Tourbillon caught the eye with a strong trial at Happy Valley recently. Expect a first win is close for the son of Galileo. #1 Superbella has the class and is chasing back-to-back wins. He can handle Happy Valley and only needs to offset the hefty impost. #6 Nearly Fine is next best.