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 – FARSHAD ridden by K. Teetan
BEST BET – BRILLIANT FORTUNE ridden by J. Moreira
Bi-pot: (Start Race 1)
2,9/2,6,13/2,4/5,11/2,4/4,6.
Race 1 – Time: 12:45 Class 5 Handicap – 1650m
Selections: 9/2/11
RED MAJESTY stayed on well for second last time and it is encouraging that current HKJC champ Purton has kept faith in the ride. SPEED TO EXCEED is another that found one better in his last start and must be considered in a very open Handicap. BLAZING PARTNERS is inconsistent but the form of his penultimate run catches the eye. He has cracked an inside draw and on best form, should give a good account of himself.
Race 2 – Time: 13:15 Class 4 Handicap – 1200m
Selections: 2/13/6
TELECOM SMART should have finished closer to the winner in his last start. He became unbalanced at the 250m mark on that occasion and still stayed on strongly at the finish. UNIVERSAL GO GO is a sort that likes to come from off the pace. He finished strongly last time and should be doing his best work at the business end.
Race 3 – Time: 13:45 Class 4 Handicap – 2200m
Selections: 2/4/6
PLAY WISE moved up like a winner last time when passed at the 70m mark by KUNGFUMASTER PANDA. He is slightly better off at the weights and can turn the tables on his recent conqueror. BRIGHT VISION has placed in his last two outings. He is likely to settle just off the pace and can go close in this contest.
Race 4 – Time: 14:15 Class 5 Handicap – 1650m
Selections: 11/5/3
NITRO EXPRESS is coming along the right way and was narrowly beaten in his last start. He was cramped for room at the 500m mark on that occasion and will be looking to make amends. PRESIDENT STAR is in search of a hat-trick of wins. He remains in Class 5 and on form looks the biggest threat to the top selection. TAILORMADE reportedly bled last time and if bouncing back to his best form can run into the money.
Race 5 – Time: 14:45 Class 4 Handicap – 1650m
Selections: 2/4/5
TOYCOON is the narrow first selection in a competitive Class 4 Handicap. He was pushed back 9L off the pace last time and had too much ground to make up in the straight. If he can creep a little closer before turning for home then he should make his presence felt. NUNCHUKS is another that was pushed back too far off the pace last time. He will benefit from a claiming apprentice and can pose a threat to the top selection. KING DRAGON followed up his recent win with two decent efforts. He is well drawn and gets a young talented rider in the saddle.
Race 6 – Time: 15:15 Class 3 Handicap – 1200m
Selections: 4/6/10
CALIFORNIA CONCORD finished strongly up the rail last time. He is drawn best of all and “The Magician” may be able to coax extra out of him where it matters most. TRIPLE TRIPLE bounced back to his best last time after not settling in his penultimate. His last win came at Happy Valley and it will be no surprise to see him back in the winner’s enclosure. JAZZ STEED cut throats up front last time and if adopting different tactics, should give a good account of himself.
Race 7 – Time: 15:45 Class 4 Handicap – 1200m
Selections: 6/2/9
STAR OF WUYI has finished runner-up in his last two starts and on form is difficult to oppose. If, overcoming the wide draw and settling in the race, he should take a power of beating. JOLLY GOOD HEART set a decent pace last time and was only passed in the latter stages. He looks fairly handicapped in this contest and can challenge the top selection. SIGHT HERO is another who set the pace last time, was caught late and will be looking to make amends.
Race 8 – Time: 16:15 Class 3 Handicap – 1650m
Selections: 4/5/9
The grey FARSHAD went from gun to tape in his last start to make it quick back-to-back wins. He has struck up a formidable partnership with Teetan and definitely represents decent each-way value for Hong Kong racing pundits. HELENE WISDOM STAR is coming along well and jumps from a neat draw. He finished runner-up over this c&d in his last start and looks a strong contender. BUNDLE OF DELIGHT hit the front at the 150m mark last time and ran on well to win on this course. He meets stronger rivals but could be up to the task at hand.
Race 9 – Time: 16:50 Class 3 Handicap – 1000m
Selections: 4/10/2
BRILLIANT FORTUNE is the best bet on the card. He has finished second in both starts to date and was his own worst enemy last time as he hung in the closing stages. He is definitely on the upgrade and if keeping on a straight line, should take a power of beating. MOMENTUM GALAXY was clear second best last time. He shoulders a light weight and if overcoming his wide draw can run into the money.
