Hong Kong Wednesday morning: Picks, analysis, free PPs

Hong Kong racing returns 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.

No. 6 Humble Star narrowly missed first-up and he can improve with that effort under his belt. Zac Purton takes the ride and the small field suits, especially from the draw. One to beat from an in-form Pierre Ng stable. No. 4 Heroic Master has an ideal draw and knows how to win over this course and distance. No. 3 Majestic Knight mixes his form but is capable of returning another win. Expecting he finds the front, along with several others, and gets every chance. No. 7 Sports Legend makes his debut with Vincent Ho engaged. Keep safe.

No. 2 June Planet finally got his win last start and he’s more than capable of collecting another this week. He rates strongly again, especially as he remains in Class 4 following that effort. One to beat and he does finally appear ready to ascend the handicap. No. 3 Durham Star draws ideally and has Zac Purton on his side. He should get the run of the race. No. 8 Fearless Fire is a big threat in this grade, especially from an ideal draw with Lyle Hewitson up. He can make his presence felt here. No. 5 Legion Of Merit is next in line.

No. 6 Euro Rocks did nothing but impress last start on the dirt when finishing second. Expecting he can improve following that run and give an almighty push for victory this week at Happy Valley. Stable’s flying as well. No. 3 Allgreektome narrowly missed first-up. He can atone for that effort and should keep this group on their toes, especially as he pairs with Zac Purton. No. 1 Excellent Peers has a hefty impost to shoulder but does have the hands of Hugh Bowman guiding him. No. 7 Lucky Archangel has a handy seven-pound claim in use. Keep safe.

No. 5 Golden Link has consistency on his side and the right draw. He can improve following an inconclusive first-up effort at Sha Tin on rain affected ground. Strong booking of Derek Leung signals intent from the yard. No.8 Hearty Wish needs to overcome the wide draw but does get an in-form Harry Bentley on his side. No. 7 High Percentage is lightly raced and gets the right draw here. He gets his chance. No. 12 Speedstar slots in light and remains a threat. He’s better than his record suggests, and it wouldn’t surprise to see him firing against this lot.

No. 2 Joy Coming is after a hat trick of wins. He’s in superb form and is a serious talent that continues to raise the bar each time he steps out. No. 3 Watch Buddy won well last time out and he has claims again here, especially from a positive draw under Alexis Badel. No. 1 Righteous Arion has top-weight to contend with but does boast a stack of ability. The inside gate and Vincent Ho’s booking ensure his chances. No. 4 Copartner Ambition gets the services of Zac Purton this week. Keep safe as he’s more than capable in this grade.

No. 5 Silver Sonic is chasing back-to-back wins. He has the class to continue rising here, especially from an ideal draw under the in-form Harry Bentley. Conditions suit and the stable is on fire at present. No. 7 D Star is after a hat trick of wins. He continues to improve and should do so once more. He’ll be winning a few races this season. No. 9 Eighteen Palms has always shown a stack of ability. He slots in light here and is not without his chance for Vincent Ho. No. 11 Intrepid Winner can surprise. He’s been competitive in this grade.

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.