Happy Valley Picks

Race 1: High Island Handicap

#1 Oriental Amigo is better than his record suggests. He draws a touch sticky but perhaps under forward riding from Vincent Ho he is capable of turning his fortune around. #2 Sunny And Gold is after a first win. Strong booking of Zac Purton signals intent and he’s open to further improvement here. #3 Destine Jewellery is first-up. He’s trialled well and this looks like a suitable starting point. #12 Sunny Smile close off impressively last time out for fourth. He gets his chance at the bottom of the handicap.

Race 2: Kam Shan Handicap

#12 Wealthy Employee is closing in on a first win. He gets out to a suitable trip here and the lightweight favours him as he aims to continue trainer Jimmy Ting’s hot run of form. #6 Magnetism has proven competitive over these trips before. He’s found a suitable rating and this contest looks ideal. #10 Jolly Forever will relish the added two furlongs on offer here. Expect improvement again. #2 Super Hong Kong pairs favourably with Joao Moreira. He can contend.

Race 3: Plover Cove Handicap (2nd Section)

#2 Bingo Bingo led and crossed the line first decisively in a trial recently. Danny Shum has done well with his first starters of late and this Australian-bred youngster can add his name to that list. #4 A Smile Like Yours grabbed a first win two starts ago. He’s held his condition and only needs to overcome gate nine to be competitive again. #5 Sight Hero is looking for back-to-back wins. He draws well and gets another chance. #3 Honest Way is next best. Joao Moreira is a strong booking.

Race 4: Plover Cove Handicap (1st Section)

#5 Inno Legend went close a number of times last season. He’s since trialled well with Joao Moreira up and his booking here for this first-up assignment signals intent. Expect a big run. #2 Fortune Carrier is the main danger. He just needs to offset the sticky gate to be competitive here over six furlongs. #9 Yee Cheong Warrior narrowly missed first-up. He can improve further off that effort. #4 Smart Idea is capable and pairs with Alexis Badel. This contest is favourable.

Race 5: The American Club Challenge Cup Handicap

#6 Zebrowski placed at G1 level prior to export in Australia. He’s since arrived and settled into Hong Kong well, narrowly missing at his most recent start. Vincent Ho hops up here and he looks ready to put his best foot forward. #4 Savaquin draws favourably and gets the services of Joao Moreira. He’s a winner in this grade and deserves plenty of respect. #7 Looking Great has a powerful turn-of-foot when required. He’s first-up off the back of a tidy trial at Conghua. #8 All For St Paul’s is the likely leader. Respect.

Race 6: Shek Lei Pui Handicap

#11 Moonluck can improve off his second-up run. He displayed his fair share of ability last season and with the right run, he could prove difficult to catch, especially at a price. #4 Nunchuks performs well for Vincent Ho and their pairing here commands plenty of respect. #3 Romantic Combo is getting ever so close to a first win. #12 Sun Of Makfi has done well this season. Zac Purton hops up at the bottom of the handicap, indicating his chances of winning could be quite strong.

Race 7: Tai Lam Chung Handicap

#1 Wealthy Delight is ready to win with three runs under his belt already this season. Zac Purton sticks aboard and from gate one he gets an excellent chance here. #2 Gift Of Lifeline loves the course and distance. He can bounce back to his best. #3 Presence has a bit of class and deserves respect from the good gate. Frankie Lor is the in-form handler and it wouldn’t shock to see this guy bounce into action. #6 Turin Redstar has claims as a winner two starts ago.

Race 8: Tai Tam Handicap

#9 Nearly Fine closed excellently first-up to grab a close-up fourth. Suspect has above average capabilities and with Vincent Ho engaged this looks to be true. He can take another step forward here. #3 Quadruple Double is racing well and deserves a win. His consistency could well be rewarded here. #2 Carroll Street was luckless last start but gate 12 here might make things tricky. Surprising to see #5 Super Dobbin not a winner yet. He commands respect.