| NUM |
TIME |
COMMENT |
|
1
|
06:40
|
NAM FUNG HANDICAP 1650m
SOARING BRONCO (3) should be the big improver after resuming at Sha Tin from a wide draw and racing wide throughout. He gets a major map upgrade and the first-time blinkers could sharpen him up significantly. He looks the one to beat. ORIENTAL SURPRISE (11) has been knocking on the door and gets Zac Purton aboard as he searches for his first win at start 30. He finished strongly for third first-up and a good gate gives him every chance to get the right run. TELECOM POWER (8) caught the eye first-up when fourth over 1200m here, beaten only half a length after having no room late. Nichola Yuen's claim will help him, and he looks a serious top 4 chance. ALL ARE MINE (6) made good late ground for third first-up at Sha Tin over 1600m and should strip fitter. A wide draw means he needs luck, but he is capable of having the last say in this. |
|
2
|
07:10
|
DEEP WATER BAY HANDICAP 1200m
MATZDEN (4) produced a strong first-up effort at Sha Tin, chasing home a smart type to finish second over 1200m. That run should have him peaking for this, and his best figures make him the runner to beat. BITS SUPERSTAR (10) can improve quickly after an interrupted first-up run where he never really had the opportunity to show his turn of foot. Zac Purton takes the ride and the race map will suit him, and he can make his presence felt. SILVER SPURS (7) gets the inside gate and he has enough early speed to make full use of his advantage. He could prove difficult to reel in if he gets the chance to dictate the pace to his liking. MAJESTIC DELIGHT (12) failed to fire fresh at Sha Tin but is better suited returning to Happy Valley. The inside draw is another positive and he can bounce back at a price. |
|
3
|
07:40
|
WONG CHUK HANG HANDICAP 1650m
AKERMANIS GOLD (8) caught the eye when closing strongly into fifth over this course and distance at the end of last season, and he has reportedly trialled sharply for his return. He can make full use of a good gate, and is capable of taking this out. SHOOTING TO TOP (2) gets a much better draw after 4 straight wide gates and is a lot closer in this time. Zac Purton is back in the saddle and he should strip fitter from his first-up run. Stick with him. AMAZING GAZE (5) was impressive fresh, putting a gap on his rivals over this track and trip after threatening to win previously. He looks ideally placed to make it 2 on the bounce. DECISION LINK (7) finished fifth first-up but wasn't disgraced in a slowly run affair. He should improve with the benefit of that outing and can sneak into the finish at a price. |
|
4
|
08:10
|
DEEP WATER BAY HANDICAP 1200m
CLOUD NINE (6) was building nicely last preparation and came within striking distance at this track and distance before his spell, but had to settle for fourth after having no luck from a tough gate. He resumes from a superior gate, and is overdue for a win. FRIENDS OF SHAJING (1) is backing up quickly after a tough run last week when covering ground and fading late. Jerry Chau returns to the saddle and with cover, he can switch off, and produce a strong finish late. Each way. LEADING DRAGON (3) returned with a solid fourth over this track and distance, beaten only by a length and a half when trying to make all, and he should be much sharper with that run behind him. The gear change could make all the difference, so stick with him. BROWNNEEDSFURTHER (4) resumes after 4 months and has previously performed well fresh at Happy Valley. If he returns near his best, he has the ability to figure prominently. Keep an eye on the market moves. |
|
5
|
08:40
|
THE HONG KONG COUNTRY CLUB CHALLENGE CUP (HANDICAP) 1650m
VERMILION TEMPEST (4) was competitive throughout his last campaign and has had excuses on several occasions when threatening to win. He maps to receive a cosy run early, and he gets a great chance to finally put it all together. On top for us. INNO SUPER (5) has returned in good order, finishing third at his past couple of starts, including a solid effort over 1650m here last time. He should receive the right run early on, and is expected to be fighting out the finish. IVY LEAGUE (3) has not won for some time but gets a much better setup from the inside gate. If he can settle in the right spot, he is capable of a top 3 finish at a good each-way price. VIVA FIRECRACKER (9) ended last season with a determined all-the-way win and resumes in similar company. A wide gate isn't ideal, but he has enough tactical speed to overcome it and he is another each-way hope in a competitive contest. |
|
6
|
09:10
|
ISLAND HANDICAP 1000m
SUPERB KING (4) produced a terrific first-up effort, covering ground from a wide draw before fighting on strongly for second over 1000m here a fortnight ago. With the benefit of that run and a much better draw, he gets his chance to go one better. JUMBO BLESSING (1) returned in excellent order, claiming a narrow win over this course and distance 2 weeks ago, and he is now chasing a hat-trick. He is thriving and should have further improvement to come, so stick with him. MAPOGO (12) has shown plenty in his trials without always delivering on race day, but a break and favourable first-up conditions could help him put it all together here. Each way claims at a price. HARMONY FIRE (9) was solid fresh when finishing fourth behind the second pick in the same race last start, and she seldom puts in a poor effort. Include in all top 4 combos. |
|
7
|
09:45
|
MOUNT BUTLER HANDICAP 1200m
DARYL FLASH (12) looks ready to make his presence felt after being hampered by wide gates throughout his last campaign. He has trialled up very well in the lead up to his return, and a light weight is also a big plus. A handy gate makes him the one to beat. AKASHVANI (3) caught the eye first-up at Sha Tin and should improve sharply with that run under his belt. Zac Purton reunites second-up after teaming with him to win at this track and trip last season, and despite the tricky gate, he can take this out. PRESTIGE ALWAYS (11) gets in very nicely at the weights with Nichola Yuen's claim and resumes at an easier level than he is used to. Follow any market confidence. KING MILES (9) is an interesting runner with the aid of the pole position, and the quick backup should not be an issue after he was held up and eased down late last time out. Stick with him on an each-way basis. |
|
8
|
10:15
|
MOUNT BUTLER HANDICAP 1200m
DANICA'S CHOICE (8) finished last season in good form on this circuit, breaking through for his first Hong Kong win before stepping into Class 3 and going down by only a nose before having a spell. He has trialled very well for his return and is the one to beat fresh up. LEADING AGILITY (11) thrived after joining Danny Shum, winning twice from 5 starts, including a comfortable win over this course and distance before his break. He is up in class, but should measure up, so stick with him. PEGAS (5) faces a tricky task from a wide gate here, but ended his last campaign with a bold effort for second over this track and trip. If he gets across without burning too much energy, he can be right in the finish. STRAIGHT TO GLORY (2) has a big finish off a strong tempo, and he may get the run to suit him with a lot of pace engaged in this field. If the gaps come at the right time, he can have the last say here. |
|
9
|
10:50
|
TAI HANG HANDICAP 1800m
SERAPH GABRIEL (2) looks ready to make his mark at Happy Valley for the first time off an encouraging trial. He reunites with Zac Purton, who last rode him in the Derby, and he looks set to progress right through the grades this season. WINDLORD (10) showed sharp improvement first-up for Tony Cruz, finishing second over 1650m here after being held up at a vital stage. He strips fitter and can go one better here. FORTUNATE SON (6) returned from a break with a strong win over this track and distance, scoring by almost a length a fortnight ago. He has never missed the placings second-up and looks an each-way threat again. KA YING GENERATION (1) drops into a more suitable race and the switch to Happy Valley should suit him. He maps to receive a good trip from the pole position, and he should be included in all top 4 combos. |
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