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 – LARSON ridden by Z. Purton
BEST BET – MCLUCKY ridden by C. Chau
Bi-pot: 1,4/2,6,8/1,5/5,9/4,5/2,3.
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.
Race 1 – Time: 12:45 Class 5 Handicap – 2200m
Selections: 4/1/2
PRESIDENT STAR brings consistent form into this opening contest. He ran on well last time despite receiving a bump at the start and from pole position, should be one of the leading contenders. HAY RUN bounced back to his best last time when narrowly beaten at the wire and a repeat of that effort should see him pose a threat to the top selection. CHEERFUL STAR made good late progress last time under Moreira and it is encouraging that he has kept faith in the ride.
Race 2 – Time: 13:15 Class 4 Handicap – 1200m
Selections: 6/8/2
WINNING DE LAGO produced an eye-catching debut effort over this distance. He showed signs of greenness on that occasion as he hung from the 300m and had to be checked at the 150m. He would have gained from the experience, has plenty scope for improvement and should take a power of beating. SIGHT HERO has placed in his last three outings. He only ran out of puff from the 50m last time and gets Moreira in the saddle, who may be able to coax a little extra out of him.
Race 3 – Time: 13:45 Class 4 Handicap – 1200m
Selections: 5/1/3
ICE LEGEND moved up with intent last time and was only outrun in the latter stages. He is a horse on the up and from his inside draw, should be able to notch up his first career victory. TELECOM SMART has finished runner-up in his last three outings to date. He shoulders top weight which is a slight concern but he should still be able to make his presence felt. ARES showed signs of a form return last time. He will benefit from a claiming apprentice and can confirm his recent improvement.
Race 4 – Time: 14:15 Class 4 Handicap – 1200m
Selections: 5/9/7
BELLA BABY is better than his moderate last start when pushed back from ten lengths off the pace and reported to have minor lacerations on his left fore and right hind legs. He is a sort that likes to produce his run from off the pace and if bouncing back to best form, will be finishing strongly. HAPPY TANGO cut throats in front last time and ran out of puff from the 50m. His most recent outings have been on the All-Weather track and may relish being back on the turf.
Race 5 – Time: 14:45 Class 3 Handicap – 1000m
Selections: 4/5/9
LARSON has placed in his last three outings. He should have finished closer last time as Purton accidentally dropped his left rein at a crucial stage in the race. It is encouraging that he has kept faith in the ride and definitely represents decent each-way value for Hong Kong racing pundits. HARMONY FIRE won with a ton in hand last time under this apprentice. He takes on stronger rivals and should be up to the task at hand.
Race 6 – Time: 15:15 Class 4 Handicap – 1650m
Selections: 3/2/7
SAVVY KINGMAN found no challengers last time when going from gun to tape. He is drawn best of all and if adopting similar tactics, may be difficult to peg back in the closing stages. MORE THAN ENOUGH ran on well last time over this distance. He is racing off identical terms today and should give another good account of himself. GOOD BUDDY produced a career-best performance under Purton last time and a repeat of that effort should see him finish in the money.
Race 7 – Time: 15:45 Class 3 Handicap – 1650m
Selections: 5/9/2
KA YING EXCELLENT showed guts last time when pipped at the wire. His last win came under Moreira and if overcoming his wide draw, can find himself back in the winner’s enclosure. SMOOTHIES has finished runner-up in his last three outings. He is likely to settle in just behind the pacemaker and will be finishing strongly at the business end. GIFT OF LIFELINE won with plenty in hand last time under Teetan. He takes on stronger rivals but has cracked pole position and can make it quick back-to-back wins.
Race 8 – Time: 16:15 Class 2 Handicap – 1000m
Selections: 5/3/7
VALIANT DREAM led from the 350m last time and ran on well to win his last start. He has shown a slight preference for racing at Sha Tin but his record under Teetan is very impressive and one that cannot be ignored. LUCKY MORE seems to be over the issues that faulted him in his penultimate run. He made a positive return to the race track after an eight-month layoff and should strip a much fitter horse today.
Race 9 – Time: 16:50 Class 3 Handicap – 1200m
Selections: 6/3/1
MCLUCKY hit the front at the 150m last time and won easier than the margin suggests. He is a sort that is loaded with the ability and should take a power of beating in the lucky last. LOVING A BOOM is drawn best of all and has been a model of consistency. He switched at the 400m last time and stayed on strongly at the business end. He looks slightly better handicapped today and can challenge the top selection.
