Hong Kong Saturday night: Free PPs, picks & analysis

Race 1: No. 8 Miracles, No. 1 California Vanes, No. 5 Luck Star, No. 7 Colourful Prince

Race 2: No. 3 Apex Top, No. 1 Brave Power, No. 14 Zacian, No. 12 Winwin Thirtythree

Race 3: No. 1 Quadruple Double, No. 7 Lucky Ruby, No. 3 Stand Up, No. 2 Thunderstrike

Race 4: No. 10 Boys Party, No. 3 Happy Gathering, No. 1 All Is Ready, No. 8 G One Excellent

Race 5: No. 6 Ezra, No. 11 President’s Choice, No. 3 Palace Pal, No. 9 Turquoise Alpha

Race 6: No. 6 Pride Of Eight, No. 1 Happy Day, No. 7 Indigenous Realm, No. 4 Prosecco

Race 7: No. 2 Excellent Daddy, No. 4 California Concord, No. 1 Star Brite, No. 3 Bundle Of Charm

Race 8: No. 2 Red Desert, No. 4 Everyone’s Victory, No. 1 Czarson, No. 10 Super Win Dragon

Race 9: No. 6 Whizz Kid, No. 2 Lucky With You, No. 11 Atomic Force, No. 5 Classic Unicorn

Race 10: No. 4 Royal Bomb, No. 5 Ultra Express, No. 8 Super Ten, No. 6 Dragon Fortune

Race 1: Bedford Handicap (2nd Section) 

No. 8 Miracles caught the eye in a recent trial and he looks very well placed to make an impact first-up for the new season. The dirt clearly suits him and he’s favoured with the light weight. #1 California Vanes is a winner on the turf. There are queries around him racing on the dirt, especially under the heavy weight, however, his pairing with Zac Purton mustn’t go unnoticed. No. 5 Luck Star trialled well on the dirt recently. He’s shown a bit of quality and it wouldn’t shock to see him figure. No. 7 Colourful Prince is next best. 

Race 2: Cheong Wan Handicap (1st section) 

No. 3 Apex Top makes a favourable return to Class 5 this weekend. His last run in this grade nearly returned a win and his latest trial suggests that he is in tip-top condition for trainer Tony Millard who, already has one win this term. No. 1 Brave Power has a powerful finish on his day. Class 5 is the right grade for him and he’ll be suited by a fast tempo, if they happen to give it to him. No. 14 Zacian is at least consistent, even though he is still without a win. No. 12 Winwin Thirtythree is a threat off this rating. Keep safe.  

No. 6 Ezra is a three-time winner in the grade who has a knack of producing very, very solid first-up runs. He’s won fresh in the past and shapes as a strong chance for Tony Millard and Lyle Hewitson. No. 11 President’s Choice mixes his form but did close out last season with a pair of strong runner-up efforts. No. 3 Palace Pal is lightly raced but can finish off when required. Don’t discount. No. 9 Turquoise Alpha gets Zac Purton aboard as he returns following two wins from his last three starts at the end of last season.  

Race 6: Cheung Shun Handicap  

No. 6 Pride Of Eight closed off well first-up and returns here one week later for another crack. He’s has the benefit of one run already this term and the inside draw should afford him every chance throughout. He’s so, so close to a win. No. 1 Happy Day has a stack of class and gets a favourable 10lb taken off his back. His trial looked very good, and he ticks a lot of boxes for trainer Chris So. No. 7 Indigenous Realm has some class. Watch out if he manages to find exactly that. #4 Prosecco has mixed his form but pairs favourably with Zac Purton.  

Race 7: The CMA 88th Anniversary Cup Handicap 

No. 2 Excellent Daddy caught the eye at the trials and looks well placed to perform first-up. Expect he’s wound up and although this is slightly tough, he should get a nice a run and be able to test this group. No. 4 California Concord is suited by his current rating. This race looks ideal for him and the booking of Vincent Ho commands respect as the rider has won on the horse in the past. No. 1 Star Brite has a significant class edge. Strong booking of Zac Purton warrants consideration. #3 Bundle Of Charm is on the up. The rise in grade could catch him.  

Race 8: Fat Tseung Handicap 

No. 2 Red Desert has raced against much, much stronger company than what he faces this Sunday. He has a significant class edge over this lot and his latest trial under Antoine Hamelin was impressive, being cuddled throughout to hit the line midfield. No. 4 Everyone’s Victory draws to get the run of the race. Expect he parks behind the speed and has the last crack at them with clear room. No. 1 Czarson has tumbled down the handicap and gets an opportunity here. No. 10 Super Win Dragon loves the dirt. This will be tough, however.  

Race 9: Fife Handicap 

No. 6 Whizz Kid knows how to win over this distance and his pairing with Angus Chung for trainer Tony Cruz is ideal. Expect he rolls to the front to play catch me if you can and from there he should be very difficult to run down, especially with 10lb coming off his back. No. 2 Lucky With You caught the eye in his trial. He has the class and showed plenty of prowess for straight racing in that workout. No. 11 Atomic Force is coming to hand. Keep him safe. No. 5 Classic Unicorn mixes his form but should get every opportunity on the speed.  

Race 10: Hing Wah Handicap 

No. 4 Royal Bomb has been building nicely towards his return. He’s had a couple of trials in preparation for this and he’s looked fully wound up in each. Strong booking of Joao Moreira should give him every opportunity. No. 5 Ultra Express crossed the line under a strong hold in a recent trial. He’s done well on grass in the past and it wouldn’t surprise to see him figure again, especially as he steps away from a good draw. These two are both worth supporting. #8 Super Ten can run a race, while No. 6 Dragon Fortune should get his chance.