Happy Valley Picks

Race 1: Horsepower Handicap (1st Section)

#6 Smoothies did well last start when finishing midfield at Sha Tin. He’ll step away here off a dangerous mark and is a huge chance of winning if he can find the right position early on. #8 On Excel Star did well first-up finishing a close-up second. Zac Purton hops up now and it wouldn’t surprise to see him go one better. #4 Rainbow Light is racing well and has consistency on his side. Gate one will ensure he gets his opportunity. #11 Legion Of Merit is also favoured from the inside draw. 

Race 2: Swifty Handicap (2nd Section)

#2 Lucky Archangel is racing well and should be close to his peak. He’s been sound across two runs this term and his pairing with Zac Purton is an added bonus. He gets his chance, especially from the ideal draw. #4 Spicy Grill was solid first-up. He can improve here and should do so from the inside gate. #5 Hercules scored a well-deserved win last time out. #3 Chicken Dance won well last start and returns first-up this week for the new season and under the care of a new trainer, Jamie Richards. Keep safe.

Race 3: Flying Handicap

#4 Super Commander is racing in good shape. Expect he finds the front under Jerry Chau and from there he could prove very, very hard to run down. #9 Gold Gold Baby won well first-up and remains a threat once more. He slots in light but will have to contend with a step-up to Class 4. #6 See U Again is refusing to win. Still, he does everything right and his day will come. #5 Pretty Queen Prawn is chasing back-to-back wins. He’s a solid little talent who will get every opportunity.

Race 4: Swifty Handicap (1st Section)

#10 Happy Soul was luckless last start and he can atone for that effort this week. He’s returned in fantastic order this season and he should be getting the job done with any luck. #5 Hero Star is a classy operator in his spot. He’s doing well this term and his pairing with Silvestre de Sousa catches the eye. #3 Triple Triple gets every chance with Zac Purton up. He draws well and is expected to be close to the speed early on. #9 Regent Glory is an improving type. Keep safe.

Race 5: Horsepower Handicap (2nd Section)

#2 Exceptional Nice draws well for Zac Purton and races very, very well fresh. He caught the eye in his latest trial and looks set to make an impression first-up. #9 Amigos Giggle is nothing short of consistent. He was well supported first-up, however, narrowly missed by a neck. Expect he’s held his condition – if not improved – which holds him in good stead. #5 Amazing Boy has nailed a pair well-deserved wins from his last three starts. He’s in the right vein of form. #10 Super Hornet is next best.

Race 6: The LONGINES Cup Handicap (2nd Section)

#2 Power Koepp has the right form and is fit with two runs under his belt. Expect he’s close to peaking now and he appears capable of still acquiring several more rating points. #12 H Z Tourbillon was without luck last start. He should be a two-time winner already but nevertheless he gets his chance to atone here with no weight on his back. #9 Stormtrouper has finished second six times. He’s consistent and should prove competitive once more. #8 Starfire Gems makes his debut. Keep a very, very close watch on him.

Race 7: Racing Spirit Handicap

#5 Amazing One Plus is better than his record suggests. He can improve following his first-up run, especially as he switches to Happy Valley where he does his best racing. He gets his chance to nail an overdue first win here. #1 Master Delight steps back to Class 3 where he is already a winner. He has a significant class-edge over rivals here. #6 Gift Of Lifeline just missed first-up. Expect improvement from him. #10 Storm Legend is consistent, even if he just can’t quite nail a first win. Still, keep him safe.

Race 8: Speedy Handicap (1st Section)

#2 Drops Of God is racing well and draws perfectly for this contest. He’s held his form this season. He’s fit and appears ready to win with three runs under his belt. #12 Copartner Fionn slots in light and deserves respect for Jamie Richards. He’s trialled well and the light weight has him favoured. #1 Flying Ace returns first-up. He has a hefty impost which could prove difficult to overcome at Happy Valley upon resumption. #9 Gallant Waking chases back-to-back wins. Next best.