Hong Kong overnight: Picks, analysis, free PPs and more

Race 1: 1 Asian One, 8 Get The Monies, 2 M M Nebula, 9 Chiron

Race 1: Cumberland Handicap

No. 1 Asian One is racing well in this grade and gets a super winning chance here. The hefty weight is a slight negative, although his last two runs in the grade have shown significant improvement. No. 8 Get The Monies continues make headway and the favorable draw holds him in very good stead. Expecting a soft run throughout. No. 2 M M Nebula can bounce back with a return to the dirt course. He has a wide draw to overcome and form to reverse. No. 9 Chiron won well two starts ago. He’s holding his condition.

No. 3 Windcheater won well on debut and he gets another shot in Class 4 this weekend. Expecting further improvement from him, even from a wider draw. No. 9 Sky Trust is taking the right steps forward. He continues to step up and should do so again. No. 13 Gangnam Star slots in light and has mixed his form so far. He’s shown ability at times and his race fitness gives him a slight edge. No. 4 Golden Darci is lightly raced and gets the services of Hugh Bowman this time around. Big watch.

No. 2 All For St Paul’s can find the front once more and play catch me if you can. He’s a tough character to reel in sometimes and he should give this group a hard time on the weekend. No. 6 Alacrity posted a close-up second over this course and distance two starts ago. He can return to that level of form here with a switch back the dirt course. No. 9 Adefill knows how to win over this course and distance. He’s a two-time winner this season and is favored under the light weight. No. 3 Mr Ascendency is next best.

No. 12 Devas Twelve has continued to improve and his ceiling is yet to be reached. He slots in light and pairs favorably with Zac Purton, although, he will need to overcome the draw. No. 6 Celtic Times is consistent, even if he is yet to win in Hong Kong. Expecting another solid run from him this weekend. No. 10 Fruity Warrior is lightly raced and open to further development. He’ll be coming home late and hard. No. 1 Laugh Tale made significant headway first-up this campaign. He can take another forward step.

No. 8 Stellar Swift was a first-up winner in Australia, who has since trialed well in Hong Kong ahead of his debut. He can take the right steps forward and give this group something to worry about. No. 6 Lady’s Choice is racing well and narrowly missed last start. He’ll be fighting out another finish. No. 1 I Give is already a six-time winner this season. He’s suited in this grade and should find the front once more in a bid to offset the gate. He’ll look the winner at some stage. No. 2 Not Usual Star has claims. He’s in the right form.

No. 10 Less Is More was impeded in the straight last start and he clearly had much, much more to give. He can show that here with Hugh Bowman sticking aboard over further. One to beat. No. 7 Sky Heart has made an impact early with two placings from his first two starts. He’ll get his opportunity to continue improving. No. 2 Wonderful Unicorn has a suitable draw and is open to improving off the back of his latest effort, which was first-up this term. No. 5 Always Fluke has his fair share of ability. He can make his presence felt.

No. 3 Chill Chibi is a very nice horse and we haven’t seen the best of him yet. He had a minor setback, although his latest trackwork and trial suggests it’s a thing of the past. Impressive winner at Happy Valley over this trip and rates strongly at odds. No. 4 Ensued loves the distance and just has the draw to overcome. He’s done nothing but impress with three wins in so far in Hong Kong. No. 1 Helios Express is the likely favorite, however, this will be another test for him. No. 14 Star Mac can finish hard and fast again. Keep safe.

No. 3 Whizz Kid is a Group 3 winner over this course and distance. He can bounce back after finishing eighth at Group 1 level last start, especially with Zac Purton taking the reins. No. 5 Invincible Sage loves the course and distance and is aiming to add to his three track and trip wins this term. No. 11 Supreme Lucky slots in light and is favored here. Expecting sharp improvement over this trip. No. 1 Duke Wai can make his presence felt. He has the class to contend strongly.

No. 6 Noble Pursuit is chasing a third straight win and fourth this season. He steps up in trip here which is always a slight concern, however, it does appear well within his grasp. He’ll need to be winning if he wants consideration for the BMW Hong Kong Derby. No. 10 Nicholson Returns can mix his form but is a major threat over this track and trip. No. 2 Simple Hedge rises in distance. He’s shown this trip is suitable and gets his chance this weekend. No. 12 Flamingo Trillion is consistent and gets his opportunity. Next best.

No. 6 Superb Kid is in super form and he was an excellent winner two starts ago. He’s holding his condition and gets another chance here. One to beat. No. 11 Magnificent Nine is a winner in waiting, he’s shown this across three starts in Hong Kong. No. 4 Romantic Laos can mix his form but he does know how to win. The inside gate affords him a sweet run throughout. No. 1 Blue Marlin is a talent and he’s seeking a fourth course and distance win this weekend. He has a few rating points still in hand. One to beat.