Hong Kong overnight: Picks, analysis, free PPs

Hong Kong racing from Happy Valley is Wednesday at 6:40 a.m. EDT. Free PPs are available at Horse Racing Nation. For more free handicapping information, visit the Hong Kong Jockey Club website.

Race 1: 5 Go Go Go, 1 Nice Birdie, 11 Loyal Ambition, 12 Super Hornet

Race 9: 12 Chain Of Gold, 3 Sugar Sugar, 10 Solar Partner, 5 Colourful Emperor

Race 1: Bowrington Handicap

No. 5 Go Go Go has been knocking on the door for some time. He pairs favorably with Zac Purton this week and shapes as the one they all must beat. No. 1 Nice Birdie has the class-edge and it wouldn’t surprise to see him return another win in this grade. He steps away from an ideal draw. No. 11 Loyal Ambition knows what to do over this course and distance. His last two starts have been solid and he’s capable of making a mid-race move as well. No. 12 Super Hornet slots in light. He’s yet to win but is worth respecting.

Race 2: Canal Handicap

No. 2 Spicy Spangle has looked seriously good ahead of his debut. Zac Purton hops aboard and the inside gate should allow him to roll forward with ease. One to beat. No. 1 Sky Song also makes his first start and he should receive a favorable run from gate one. No. 3 Universal Blaze is the third debutant in the field and his latest trial was outstanding. This trio appears set to fight it out. No. 5 Oversubscribed has the runs on the board and if they go quick then he will be the beneficiary from the tail of the field. Next in line.

Race 3: Leighton Handicap

No. 3 Super Elite has an ideal draw and can improve following his latest effort. He tends to mix his form but does rate strongly here with the runs on the board. No. 1 Wind Speeder is racing well in Class 5 and he has another winning chance under Zac Purton here. No. 5 Double Show is a winner already this term. He can prove competitive again in this grade after racing well all season. No. 8 Viva A La has returned to form across his most recent two starts. He’ll roll forward and give this group something to worry about.

Race 4: Wong Nai Chung Handicap (1st section)

No. 1 Telecom Speed remains in Class 4 and gets a handy five pounds taken off his back with the apprentice up. He’s in the right vein of form and the inside gate is suitable. No. 4 Glory Cloud continues to advance. He caught the eye last start coming from well back in the field to finish in fourth position. Big chance. No. 2 Scotch Tycoon can find the front in a bid to offset the wide draw. He’ll look the winner at some stage. No. 11 High Percentage is without a win but has some ability. Don’t discount.

Race 5: The Craigengower Cricket Club Challenge Cup Handicap (2nd section)

No. 10 Dan Attack won well two starts ago and he’s since remained in sound form. Expecting him to take another forward step here, especially as he’s lightly raced in the best form of his career. No. 12 My Intelligent slots in light and gets another chance to record a second win this season. No. 7 The Khan continues to develop and he’s open to further improvement this week. No. 1 Sports Legend makes the dip to Class 4, which appears incredibly suitable. Expecting him to try and make all from the gate.

Race 6: Percival Handicap (1st section)

No. 7 Kasa Papa has the right draw and has been super consistent of late. He’s yet to win, however, his recent efforts have seen him go close and he’s worth taking a chance on here. No. 3 Gallant Valour has an ideal draw and the services of Zac Purton. He can easily return another win this season. No. 5 All Riches is a two-time winner who returns third-up this season. He’s racing well and should be fit enough to contend strongly. No. 4 Super Baby can roll forward under the apprentice. He’ll give them something to catch.

Race 7: Percival Handicap (2nd section)

No. 4 Dragon Star gets a favorable 10 pounds taken off his back with the apprentice aboard. Expecting him to cross early in a bid to offset the wide gate and from there take a bit of beating. No. 8 Young Victory has three runs under his belt this term and should be nearing his peak now. He’s capable on his day. No. 6 Strongest Boy is going for back-to-back wins after finally breaking through last time out. He should get a sweet run from gate one under Zac Purton. No. 12 Courier Magic is next in line.

Race 8: Russell Handicap

No. 1 Hameron is much better suited to Class 3. He was sound last start, however, can improve away from runners after being crowded in the home straight last time out. He has the form and ability to return another win. No. 5 June Planet is going for consecutive wins and his fourth this season. Like the way he is progressing with Karis Teetan. No. 4 Eighteen Palms won two starts back and has continued to progress in the right manner. No. 8 Samarkand is a winning machine, although he rises in grade for this contest.

Race 9: Tin Lok Handicap

No. 12 Chain Of Gold is heading in the right direction and he’s suited under no weight with Karis Teetan aboard. He’s been competitive in this grade and is open to further improvement. No. 3 Sugar Sugar is a two-time winner from his last three starts. He draws ideally and should get a super run throughout. No. 10 Solar Partner is after back-to-back wins. He is favoured with champion jockey Zac Purton taking the reins. No. 5 Colourful Emperor is also a last-start winner. He can find the front easily enough.

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.