Hong Kong Wednesday morning: Picks, analysis, free PPs
Hong Kong racing switches back to Happy Valley Wednesday at 7:15 a.m. EDT. Free PPs are available at Horse Racing Nation. For more free handicapping information, visit the Hong Kong Jockey Club website.
HAPPY VALLEY SELECTIONS
Race 1: 9 Six Best Friends, 2 Diamond Soars, 5 Tronic Mighty, 4 Theta Hedge
Race 1: Tseung Kwan O Handicap
No. 9 Six Best Friends is better than his form suggests. Expecting him to use the ideal draw here and find the front. He’s taken his time to get used to Hong Kong racing but the inside gate and light weight affords him an excellent winning chance. No. 2 Diamond Soars gets a handy seven-pound claim with the apprentice up. He’s capable and only needs to offset the awkward draw. No. 5 Tronic Mighty is chasing back-to-back wins. He’s in the right vein of form. No. 4 Theta Hedge is a threat, especially in this grade from an ideal gate. Keep safe.
Race 2: Yau Tong Handicap
No. 11 Smart Beauty turned in a career-best effort last start. Expecting he can bring that form to the races this week and prove awfully hard to beat, especially from an ideal draw. No. 1 Brave And Bold has mixed his form so far but should be ready to show something in this grade. No.4 Regency Happy Star is finding his feet. He does have an awkward draw to overcome, but the services of Hugh Bowman warrant plenty of respect. No. 3 Happy Jai Jai draws ideally and he should get the right run close to the speed. Next in line.
Race 3: Hang Hau Handicap
No. 4 Capital Legend’s two runs back have been sound. He looks set to improve again here, especially with Vincent Ho now hopping up. One to beat. No. 2 Beautyverse has mixed his form so far in Hong Kong but chances are he rolls forward for the lead. He has his fair share of class and Hugh Bowman’s booking is worth keeping an eye on. No. 5 Star Contact rarely runs a bad race. He’s consistent, even if he doesn’t win out of turn. No. 10 High Rise Soldier knows what to do over this course and distance. The light weight is a big plus and he can surprise.
Race 4: Po Lam Handicap (1st section)
No. 6 Wood On Fire has an ideal draw and he can improve following his first-up run this season. He knows what to do over this course and distance. He should get the right run from gate 4. No. 5 Golden Luck draws ideally and can also improve after his first-up run. Zac Purton sticks aboard and he’s got several rating points still up his sleeve. No. 2 Kukoshi Musou draws a touch awkward, but he’s got his fair share of ability, especially over this course and distance. No. 12 Good View Glory gets his chance here. The light weight is ideal.
Race 5: Lei Yue Mun Handicap
No. 6 Happy Day has class and looks well placed to return this season in fine style after his latest trial. Strong booking of Vincent Ho warrants respect, however, there is no shortage of quality opposition in this contest. No. 10 Ace Talent can improve following his first-up run. He knows how to win at Happy Valley and does step out on the right rating. No. 7 King Invincible is a winner in waiting. He gets his shot here with Zac Purton up, although the wide draw isn’t ideal. No. 2 Savvy Delight rarely runs a bad race. He can improve second-up.
Race 6: Po Lam Handicap (2nd section)
No.5 Travel Golf is unlucky not to already be a winner. Expecting he can offset the wide draw by crossing early and from there get every chance. He’s returned in sound condition this season and is better suited racing at Happy Valley. No. 4 Awesome Treasure can roll forward and lead, but there is no shortage of rivals who should do similar. No.6 Cosmo Navigator looks ready to ascend the handicap now. Expecting him to prove competitive under Hugh Bowman after his eye-catching first-up run. No.11 Super Eagle is next in line.
Race 7: Tiu Keng Leng Handicap
No. 10 Dragon Star can lead and give this group something to reel in. He’s returned in excellent condition this season and a first win is so, so close. One to catch, especially from an ideal draw with Karis Teetan engaged. No. 1 Royal Pride can improve with two runs under his belt, especially as he returns to Class 4. He’ll get his opportunity here under Vincent Ho. No.2 Lean Hero caught the eye with a fast-closing effort last start. He can settle closer in the run this week and give this race a good shake. No. 3 Red Hare King is lightly raced. Don’t discount.