Happy Valley Picks

Race 1: Aster Handicap

#1 Packing Hurricane chases a fourth straight win. He’s shaping as a seriously good prospect for the future and this contest appears well within his grasp, especially from an ideal draw. #3 Swan Bay turned his form around to finish second last time out. He can take another crucial step forward here. #5 Turin Mascot closed off well for third last start. Expecting him to continue his improvement here, especially under the hands of Zac Purton. #4 Serangoon has ability and it wouldn’t shock to see a form reversal.

Race 2: Camellia Handicap

#3 Classic Archi has found the right vein of form to be winning. He also gets an ideal draw, the services of Hugh Bowman and a contest that appears well within his grasp. #1 Sunny Baby returns to Class 5 where he can thrive, especially with Zac Purton electing to take the ride. #5 Owners’ Star doesn’t win out of turn but has remained competitive all season. He gets his opportunity once more over a suitable distance. #9 Ring Bells can roll forward and a form reversal wouldn’t surprise.

Race 3: Thistle Handicap (1st Section)

#12 Get The Monies slots in light and has hit the right vein of form now. He turned in a career-best effort for second last start and any improvement out of that run should see him prove tough to reel in, especially under a light weight. #5 Durham Star is racing well and is always competitive when conditions suit. #9 Happy Angel is still yet to win but rarely does anything too wrong. He can makes his presence felt again for an in-form Pierre Ng. #2 Lean Hero is classy. He’ll need to overcome the draw however.

Race 4: Dianthus Handicap (3rd Section)

#7 Red Desert draws ideally and he can use this to his advantage after several difficult barriers. He can win if he manages to replicate his best, which he is more than capable of doing against this group in Class 4. #6 Golden Luck is chasing back-to-back wins. He has his fair share of class and his ceiling appears far from reached. #9 Denfield was an expensive purchase. He’s posted several solid efforts and further improvement should see him return a win soon enough. #1 Sight Hero continues to race well. Next in line.

Race 5: The Ewo Challenge Trophy Handicap (2nd Section)

The return to Class 4 for #1 Packing Succeeder is a huge plus. He’s proven competitive in this grade before and the inside draw should afford him every chance to get a first win in Hong Kong on the board. One to beat. Has the class. #2 Happy For All knows what it’s all about. He’ll need to overcome the awkward gate though. #5 Gold Tack has been consistent so far without winning. He continues to improve and gets another shot at winning here. #12 Dazzling Fellow slots in light and will be finishing fast. Keep safe.

Race 6: Dianthus Handicap (1st Section)

#2 Summit Cheers is nothing short of consistent. He can be rewarded here from a good draw with Luke Ferraris up. One to catch. #8 Togepi is taking the right steps forward and he’s shown that a first win is very, very close. The inside barrier will afford him a soft run throughout. #4 Stormtrouper has raced well all season without winning, even in the grade above. He gets his opportunity once again. #3 King Eccellente has claims, however, must overcome the draw.

Race 7: Dianthus Handicap (2nd Section)

It wouldn’t surprise to see #11 Charming Steed press forward and take the lead. He’s racing well, slots in light and appears capable of pinching this from out in front. One to catch. #2 Juneau Flash has an ideal draw and he should get every opportunity here. He’s in the right vein of form and gets his chance again. #7 Stoicism appears to be taking the right steps forward. The blinkers remain on and a sharp effort is expected here. #4 King Invincible has the draw to overcome. Keep safe.

Race 8: Chamomile Handicap

#2 Not Usual Star can mix his form but does have the capacity to defeat this group. Expecting he rolls forward in a bid to offset the gate here and the rise in trip should prove a plus. One to catch. #4 So We Joy generally prefers the dirt but he can prove capable on the turf also, just like two runs back. Strong booking of Zac Purton for Michael Chang holds him in good stead. #9 Splendid Living is a nice horse and his recent form is strong. #12 Top Top Tea slots in light and he can make his presence felt.

Race 9: Violet Handicap

#1 Superb Capitalist has both a stack of speed and class. He’s after a hat-trick of wins and his go-forward style of racing gives him every chance again. #2 Reward Smile is classy and Zac Purton hops up here. He’s the main danger. He just needs to overcome a less than ideal barrier. #7 Desert Star can improve following a rather inconclusive debut effort. Chances are he’s over the odds and is worth an each way ticket. #11 Leslie closed off nicely last time out. Expecting a better effort again here.