Racing this Wednesday sees an entertaining card at Happy Valley Racecourse which includes the running of nine competitive handicaps. The best bet, value bet and bi-pot must be followed closely.
VALUE BET – SURREALISM ridden by T. Piccone
BEST BET – SPARKLING DRAGON ridden by A. Hamelin
Race 1 – Time: 12:45 Class 5 Handicap – 1200m
Selections: 8/6/9
STAR SUPERIOR ran on steadily last time on the All-Weather course at Sha Tin. He meets the right field in this opening contest, looks fairly handicapped at the weights and could be one to cause an upset. VIVA MAMA produced a fair effort last time when urged to dictate matters. He ran on well up the rail on that occasion and a repeat of that effort could find himself in the winner’s enclosure.
Race 2 – Time: 13:15 Class 5 Handicap – 1200m
Selections: 2/5/7
GREAT HARVEST drew clear last time when winning in impressive fashion. He went from gun to tape on that occasion and with similar tactics under Badel, may be difficult to catch. KA FORTUNE raced wide without cover last time and that effort is arguably best ignored. He is well-drawn and is capable of finding a form return in this line-up. JOY AVENUE has followed up his most recent win with two fair efforts on this course. He is also well-drawn and merits healthy respect.
Race 3 – Time: 13:45 Class 3 Handicap – 1650m
Selections: 6/1/4
SURREALISM brings consistent recent form into this event. He was ridden from six lengths off the pace last time and stayed on strongly at the business end. Piccone has kept faith in the ride which is encouraging and the pair definitely represents decent each-way value for Hong Kong racing pundits. C P BRAVE produced a fair debut effort at Sha Tin despite experiencing a slow start and racing in tight measures. He would have gained from the experience and from pole position can challenge the top selection.
Race 4 – Time: 14:15 Class 4 Handicap – 1200m
Selections: 3/12/8
TELECOM ROCKET finished strongly last time despite receiving a bump at the start. He is likely to settle a few lengths off the pace and will be doing his best work in the final 400m. MAJESTIC CONQUEROR comes in at the bottom of the weights. He dictated terms fairly well in this class last time and could be the biggest threat to the top selection. MOONLUCK was hampered early and received a bump at the 350m mark last time. With better luck in running, it will be no surprise to see him in the winner’s box.
Race 5 – Time: 14:45 Class 4 Handicap – 1650m
Selections: 6/12/4
PEARL CHAMPION moved up like a winner in his last start under Moreira and was only outrun in the final 100m. He should get across from his wide draw without using up too much energy and may be hard to peg back in the closing stages. MANNA FROM HEAVEN almost made it back-to-back wins last time. He takes on stronger rivals and should be up to the task at hand.
Race 6 – Time: 15:15 Class 4 Handicap – 1200m
Selections: 6/3/10
HERO STAR hit the front at the 300m mark last time and won in fine style. He runs well for Leung and if overcoming his wide draw, will be tough to reel in at the business end. TELECOM SMART has finished runner-up in his last two starts. He is fit, well-drawn and can go one better. CASA KINGDOM ran on well in the middle of the track last time and the booking of Moreira to ride is promising.
Race 7 – Time: 15:45 Class 3 Handicap – 1000m
Selections: 8/5/6
CANTSTOPTHEFEELING got the upper hand late last time over this C&D. He takes on stronger, is drawn best of all and should be up to the task at hand. HARMONY N BLESSED dictated terms well last time when only outrun in the final furlong. If overcoming his wide draw, he should be one of the leading contenders. HEART CONQUERED stayed on strongly last time under Piccone. He looks fairly handicapped at the weights and can run into the money.
Race 8 – Time: 16:15 Class 2 Handicap – 1650m
Selections: 3/4/6
GREEN LUCK was cramped for galloping room at the 150m mark last time and when the gap opened he finished his race off positively. He won his penultimate run over this C&D and can get back to winning ways. SAVAQUIN is much better than his last start when having to be checked for a run. He drops in class and with Purton in the saddle, should bounce back to his best form.
Race 9 – Time: 16:50 Class 3 Handicap – 1200m
Selections: 2/1/4
SPARKLING DRAGON is the best bet on the card. He looked a winner in his last start when narrowly beaten at the wire. He moved up with intent at the 100m mark and was caught in the latter stages. He looks fairly handicapped once again and will be looking to make amends. LOVING A BOOM has entered the frame in his last four starts. He shoulders top weight but from pole position should make his presence felt in the lucky last.
