Racing this Wednesday sees an action-packed 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 – NITRO EXPRESS ridden by J. Moreira
BEST BET – XIANG BAI QI ridden by K. Teetan
Bi-pot: 4,5/2,4,5/1,7/5,8/2,7/5,7.
Race 1 – Time: 12:45 Class 5 Handicap – 1650m
Selections: 5/4/7
WONDER EXPRESS finished runner-up over this c&d last time out. He took a bump at the start on that occasion and still stayed on strongly at the finish. RED MAJESTY dictated terms in front well to win his last start. He remains in Class 5 and must be considered again. DIAMOND STAR is much better than his poor last performance and must have a say if repeating his penultimate run.
Race 2 – Time: 13:15 Class 5 Handicap – 1650m
Selections: 5/2/4
NITRO EXPRESS has placed in his last three outings over this distance. He is a sort that does his best work late and if there is a decent pace in the race, definitely represents decent each-way value for Hong Kong racing pundits. PRESIDENT STAR was cramped for galloping room in the latter stages last time and with better luck in running, can pose a threat to the top selection.
Race 3 – Time: 13:45 Class 4 Handicap – 1000m
Selections: 7/1/11
TRAVEL DATUK won his penultimate start under Poon and it is encouraging to see the pair reunited. If putting his best foot forward, he can find a swift return to form. VICTORY IN HAND shoulders top weight and is much better than his moderate last effort. HAPPILY FRIENDS was bumped in the latter stages and became unbalanced as a result. He still managed to run into the money and has stayed on well under Ho in the past.
Race 4 – Time: 14:15 Class 4 Handicap – 1200m
Selections: 5/8/7
FLAMING PASSION hit the front in the final furlong last time and was only outrun in the latter stages. It is encouraging that Teetan has retained the ride and the pair should take a power of beating. SIGHT HERO finished runner-up last time despite over-racing around the bend. If settling in the race he can challenge the top selection. INNO LEGEND is inconsistent but stayed on well last time over this distance. He has cracked a mid-field draw and can run into the money.
Race 5 – Time: 14:45 Class 4 Handicap – 1200m
Selections: 7/2/3
RHAPSODY is coming along the right way and was narrowly beaten at Sha Tin last time. If transferring that form onto this course then he should prove tough to peg back in the closing stages. JAZZ STEED took a bump going around the bend last time and didn’t quite go on with the effort. He is drawn wide but is capable of finding a form return in this field.
Race 6 – Time: 15:15 Class 4 Handicap – 1650m
Selections: 7/5/4
SAVVY KINGMAN had no luck in running last time and still ran on well in the middle of the track to place-third. Moreira has retained the ride, looks fairly handicapped and with a better passage in running, should be one of the leading contenders. SEAWEED FORTUNE found a form return last time out. He finished strongly on that occasion and if overcoming his wide draw, can pose a threat to the top selection.
Race 7 – Time: 15:45 Class 3 Handicap – 1200m
Selections: 7/2/10
SPONTANEOUS has connected well with Purton having won his last two starts over this c&d. He jumps from an inside barrier and the hat-trick is definitely on the cards. BE READY is without Purton this afternoon but from pole position, should make his presence felt. SIMPLY FLUKE bounced back to his best last time when narrowly beaten at the wire and a repeat of that effort should see him finish in the money.
Race 8 – Time: 16:15 Class 3 Handicap – 1200m
Selections: 1/3/7
STOCK LEGEND comes in at the top of the weights and meets a similar type of field to that of his last start. He is likely to settle just off the pace and will be running on positively at the business end. SPECIAL M is an unexposed type that made eye-catching late progress on debut. He would have gained from the experience and is likely to come on leaps with that run under the belt. STOICISM is well-drawn and on his last start, could be one to cause an upset.
Race 9 – Time: 16:50 Class 3 Handicap – 1800m
Selections: 4/10/11
XIANG BAI QI is drawn wide but looks a top bet on the card. He followed up his most recent win with a gallant effort when pipped at the wire. He won his penultimate run over this distance and can get back to winning ways. SUPERBELLA won his last start in impressive fashion. He hit the front at the 250m mark on that occasion and drew off encouragingly. He takes on stronger rivals and should be up to the task at hand.
