Winning Form share all of their best bets and tips for Wednesday’s racing coming your way from Happy Valley on 18 January 2023.
VALUE BET – PRETTY QUEEN PRAWN (Race 8) ridden by A. Hamelin
BEST BET – FLYING SILVER (Race 6) ridden by H. Bowman
13:15 – Race 1 | Class 5 | 1650m
Selections: 5/10/1
DAILY BEAUTY won his last start over this distance on the All Weather. He remains in Class 5 and should be one of the leading contenders. GOLDEN FOUR placed behind Medic Elite last time. He shoulders another handy galloping weight and must also be considered in this opening contest.
13:45 – Race 2 | Class 5 | 1650m
Selections: 9/8/4
JOLLY HONOUR was beaten half a length by FLASH FAMOUS last time. He is 1kg better off at the weights and can turn the tables on his recent conqueror. AMAZING NEWS won his last start over this C&D. Yeung retains the ride and the combination can make it quick back-to-back wins.
14:14 – Race 3 | Class 4 | 2200m
Selections: 2/6/11
BRIGHT KID defeated KOWLOON GREAT to win his last start and is chasing a hat-trick. He comes in at the top of the weights this time around which will make his task a bit tougher. VINCY was beaten just over three lengths by the top selection on Christmas Eve. He is 3kgs better off at the weights and could be one to fill the exacta spot.
14:45 – Race 4 | Class 4 | 1200m
Selections: 4/6/7
FARIBAULT has won his last two starts over 1000m and steps up to six furlongs. He is yet to win over this distance but has cracked pole which should make his task a bit easier. ISLAND SURPRISE has consistent form lines to his credit, runs well for Brazilian ace De Sousa and should give another good account of himself.
15:15 – Race 5 | Class 4 | 1200m
Selections: 2/11/6
RATTAN KINGDOM is coming off back-to-back wins over this C&D. He shoulders top weight which is a slight concern but it is encouraging that Purton has kept faith in the ride. UNIVERSAL CROWN was pipped at the wire by Faribault last time and it will be intriguing to see if the form line is done any favours in Race 4.
15:45 – Race 6 | Class 4 | 1650m
Selections: 6/4/11
The grey FLYING SILVER won his penultimate start under Bowman. He is likely to race on the speed, drops back to a mile and looks one of the better bets on the card. Purton has opted to ride STAR CONTACT, is nicely handicapped and looks like one of the biggest dangers in this contest. THETA HEDGE followed up his shock win with a fair effort and is capable of running into the placings.
16:15 – Race 7 | Class 3 | 1650m
Selections: 9/2/6
JUMBO LEGEND is in a rich vein of form. He steps up to a mile for the first time and should take a power of beating if seeing out the extra distance on offer. RISING FROM ASHES was beaten the narrowest of margins by AMAZING ONE PLUS in October. He is 1.5kgs better off at the weights on that run and it will be no surprise to see him bounce back to best form.
16:50 – Race 8 | Class 3 | 1000m
Selections: 5/4/2
PRETTY QUEEN PRAWN was narrowly beaten by subsequent winner CALIFORNIA DEEPLY over this C&D last time. He is 4.5kgs better off at the weights and definitely represents decent each-way value for Hong Kong racing pundits. GORGEOUS VITALITY is also nicely weighted and can make his presence felt in the lucky last!
