Hong Kong Wednesday morning: Picks, analysis, free PPs

Hong Kong racing is back Wednesday starting at 6:45 a.m. EDT. Free PPs are available at Horse Racing Nation. For more free handicapping information, visit the Hong Kong Jockey Club website.

Race 9: 5 Packing Award, 9 Atullibigeal, 2 Savaquin, 8 Galaxy Witness 

Race 1: Street Cat Handicap

No. 3 Har Har At Heart has hit the right vein of form. This grade is suitable and Karis Teetan should ensure he gets every chance. One to beat from the right draw. No. 5 Noble Boyz has a wide barrier to overcome. He’s racing well and Hugh Bowman’s booking is ideal. No. 6 Jazz Steed knows how to win over this course and distance. He gets his chance again here from a positive draw with Vincent Ho up. No. 2 Circuit Seven gets the services of the in-form Zac Purton. He will have to contend with an awkward draw.

Race 2: Sweet Orange Handicap

No. 1 Dazzling Fellow can win in this grade. He’s been competitive under similar conditions this season and with even luck he rates as the one they all must catch. No. 5 Classic Archi is in the right vein of form. He’s looking to snap a string of close-up efforts with a first Hong Kong win this week. No. 4 Vincy gets the services of Zac Purton. He has the right draw and has proven to be a formidable opponent over this course and distance. No. 2 Helene Allibor did well to grab third last time out. He can continue to improve.

Race 3: Fast Most Furious Handicap

No. 8 Mr Valiant has shown he’s capable of winning in this grade. He’s been racing well all term and it wouldn’t surprise to see him go on with it now. Expect he settles closer in the run this time around. No. 5 Joy Coming turned his form around last time out to finish a competitive second. He would only need to run to that level of form to make his presence felt here. No. 9 Wind Speeder gets the hands of Zac Purton. The inside gate is a bonus. No. 2 Flaming Passion is in the form of his life. Keep safe.

Race 4: Kings Falcon Handicap

No. 2 Savvy Delight narrowly missed last time out. He should be going mighty close if he manages to replicate that effort, even against a tough line-up of opposition. No. 3 Fast Serve is looking to remain unbeaten. He has the ability to win again and the inside draw should ensure his chance. No. 4 King Eccellente knows how to win over this course and distance. He rarely runs a bad race at the Valley. No. 6 Ace Talent finally got off the mark two runs back. He’s holding his condition and remains a threat.

Race 5: Silver Grecian Handicap

No. 12 Cordyceps One is better than his recent form suggests. He’s been without luck of late, having missed the kick once before being withdrawn at the starting gates last time out. It wouldn’t surprise to see him return a reward for connections this week. No. 4 Snowalot draws ideally and gets the services of Zac Purton. He’ll be fighting out the finish. No. 3 Turquoise Alpha is chasing a hat trick of wins. He’s doing well and continues to raise the bar. No. 10 Fortune President slots in light. He has the form of late to contend.

Race 6: Star Shine Handicap

No. 3 Hero Star can find the front and play catch me if you can. Brenton Avdulla hops up and gate one should see him find an easy lead early on. He’s the one to beat, especially in this grade. No. 1 Juneau Flash is consistent and doesn’t know how to run a bad race. He’ll be fighting out the finish once more. No. 7 Hearty Wish is next in line. He brings the right form to this, having finished a competitive third last start. No. 8 Togepi has done well across his career without winning. He has claims.

Race 7: Let Me Fight Handicap

No. 3 Sunny Star can win in this grade and does appear ready for a rise in distance. Vincent Ho hops up this week and the ideal draw should see him find the right spot. No. 5 Hameron has placed twice from three runs in Hong Kong. He’s showing plenty of early toe and the inside gate has him favored. No. 7 S J Tourbillon is chasing back-to-back wins. He can continue his red-hot spell here. No. 4 Jumbo Fortune can mix it with this group, especially with Zac Purton up for the fourth straight time. Keep safe.

Race 8: Lucky Patch Handicap

No. 11 Northern Beaches is doing everything right. He slots in light for this one, and looks well placed to improve following a pair of third placed efforts. He gets his chance again with Matthew Chadwick aboard. No. 7 Humble Star can mix his form but on his day he is capable of overcoming this group. No. 2 Seasons Wit is chasing a hat-trick of wins. He has some serious class and his ascent appears far from over. This is a difficult field though. No. 5 Equaletta Blitz is next in line.

Race 9: Sun Jewellery Handicap

No. 5 Packing Award is super classy on his day, however, his fair share of setbacks have slowed him at times. His last run was full of merit and the inside draw should afford him every chance close to the speed. Take a chance on him. No. 9 Atullibigeal knows what it’s all about. He has claims, if he manages to find his best. No. 2 Savaquin is consistent. He’s favored from the draw with Zac Purton engaged. No. 8 Galaxy Witness is next best. He’ll be closing late, just as he tends too.

Declan Schuster grew up loving the sport and doing the form after Pierro won the 2012 Golden Slipper. His love for racing in Asia and the puzzle of finding winners took him to Hong Kong, where he is employed by the Hong Kong Jockey Club. His favorite racecourse is Happy Valley. Coverage of the entire Hong Kong Thoroughbred season at Horse Racing Nation is made possible through a sponsorship by the Hong Kong Jockey Club.