Happy Valley Picks

Race 1: Pottinger Handicap (2nd Section) 

#3 Nextmodel has tumbled down to Class 5. He shouldn’t know himself in this grade, especially as an easy winner in Class 4 who has also been competitive in Class 3. Strong booking of Zac Purton commands respect. #4 Smart Folks can figure as long he manages to offset the gate. He has the class-edge and has shown previously that he too has been competitive in the grade above. #12 Little Player returns first-up for Jamie Richards. He draws to get the run of race. #10 Shenron should lead. He’ll take catching with added fitness.  

Race 2: Pottinger Handicap (1st Section) 

Benno Yung and Zac Purton combined for a treble on Sunday afternoon and they could easily win the first two races at Happy Valley. #7 Day Day Rich profiles strongly for the pair here, especially with gate one and the prospect of attaining a soft lead. #2 Carry The Diamond is racing well as a winner two runs back. He looks wound up to improve second-up this season. #1 Goodmanship was a winner in this grade last season. He’s since been sound first-up and is another who should improve further again. #3 Happy Fat Cat is not without a chance.  

Race 3: Pedder Handicap 

#8 Street Scream won well first-up and profiles strongly here under the light weight. He remains in Class 3 which suits and this is his race to lose with conditions to suit. #2 Five Elements ran a blinder first-up. He’s been knocking on the door for some time now and his chances here have not been missed by Zac Purton. #9 Trader is racing well for Pierre Ng. He gets another excellent chance here as long as he can offset the awkward draw. #3 Valiant Elegance is a winning machine. Still, this is another step up against numerous in-form types.   

Race 4: Man Yiu Handicap 

#5 Everyone’s Delight is much, much better than his last-start failure suggests. He can turn it around here, especially following a strong trial at Conghua on the turf. He’s the one to beat with Alexis Badel hopping up. #3 Savaquin is nothing short of consistent. He’ll get every opportunity this week with Zac Purton engaged. #6 Fa Fa loves the course and distance. He can improve following a solid first-up run for third. #2 Berlin Tango is versatile and does draw favourably. Don’t discount.   

Race 5: Man Cheung Handicap  

#8 Smiling Face did well first-up and looks more than capable of taking another step forward here. He’s a course and distance winner who won’t need to improve too much to be ultra-competitive. #2 Jolly Honour failed to fire first-up but perhaps with that run under his belt he can now. This grade is suitable, and it wouldn’t surprise to see him bounce out of the ground. #1 Handsome Veggie did well upon resumption. Expect he goes forward again and tries to make all for Zac Purton. He’ll be fitter now. #3 Lotus Favorites has claims.  

Race 6: Finance Street Handicap (1st Section) 

#6 Shining Fortune endured a torrid run last start, travelling wide throughout before bravely sticking on for a midfield finish. He can improve here following that effort and with a clean run, he is the one to beat. #1 Wood On Fire is a touch classy on his day. Zac Purton’s services will ensure he gets every opportunity, especially after the Australian nailed a career-best seven-timer on Sunday afternoon at Sha Tin. #5 Jumbo Legend has done well since arriving in Hong Kong. He gets his chance after a solid first-up effort. #8 M M Nebula has claims.  

Race 7: HKEX Cup Handicap 

#4 Comet Splendido is closing in on a first win and he looks capable of collecting it this week. Zac Purton hops up and he just needs to offset the gate to be winning this one, especially after finishing a strong third and second at his first two outings this season. #1 Nothing New is a two-time winner from his last four starts. He should be able to turn his form around after a lacklustre first-up run. #2 My Ecstatic draws favourably and should settle in a prominent position. #6 Majestic Victory draws well and must be respected.  

Race 8: Li Yuen Handicap 

#10 Chater Pins returned in excellent order first-up and he deserves a win off that effort. He’s gone close several times and once again he gets his chance here. #5 Kungfumaster Panda is nothing short of consistent. He draws favourably and should get a sweet run throughout under Zac Purton. #9 Circuit Elite is chasing back-to-back wins. He steps away from gate four and looks well placed to continue his ascent up the handicap. #3 Kowloon Great has ability and should be ready to peak third-up. Next best.  

Race 9: Finance Street Handicap (2nd Section) 

#3 Sugar Sugar is chasing back-to-back wins. He’s since trialled well between seasons and he could take catching with a clean run for Alfred Chan. #2 Harmony N Home is consistent and gets every chance here under Zac Purton. He’s fit now and looks ready to really perform with two runs under his belt this campaign. #1 Durham Star scored impressively first-up. He should make his presence felt once more. #11 Touch Faith is competitive and is favoured with the light weight.