Hong Kong Wednesday morning: 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: 6 Multimore, 4 Modest Gentleman, 3 King Invincible, 2 Tactical Command

Race 9: 4 Armour Eagle, 2 Kaholo Angel, 10 Floof, 11 My Flying Angel

Race 1: Maisons-Laffitte Handicap

No. 6 Multimore doesn’t win out of turn, however, he’s a major threat in this grade if he manages to find an unchallenged lead. Gate one is the best draw for him and he can save a stack of ground throughout. One to beat. No. 4 Modest Gentleman won well earlier this season. He’s since remained in sound form, even after the stable transfer. No. 3 King Invincible is impossible to catch, although he has shown enough ability to suggest he can win soon enough. No. 2 Tactical Command mixes his form but is a threat in this grade.

Race 2: Chantilly Handicap (1st section)

No. 3 Volcanic Spark has plenty of scope to improve. He’s a nice horse and his win earlier this campaign was superb. He might give this group a little head start, although catching them appears well within his grasp. No. 6 Setanta is returning to form and his latest effort for third was sound. He draws ideally and can make his presence felt. No. 8 Running Boy can take a step forward over this trip. He’s clearly unsuited to sprinting. No. 11 Dragon Pride slots in light and can return to form.

Race 3: Auteuil Handicap

No. 11 Eagle Run slots in light and is steadily coming to hand. He’s favored under the featherweight and should press forward to challenge for the lead. No. 5 Big Two is consistent, even without winning. He’s placed in each of his past four runs. No. 1 Yee Cheong Warrior is a massive threat in this grade with Zac Purton up. He’ll get back in the run before launching late. No. 2 Master Of Luck has the gate to overcome, however, he is racing very well at the minute. Next in line. 

Race 4: Saint-Cloud Handicap (1st section)

No. 5 Flying Wrote makes his debut. He’s been trialing well and chances are he rolls forward to take up the lead. The inside gate is favorable for his first start, especially at Happy Valley. No. 3 Double Bingo managed to finished second first-up. He can improve from that run and take the right step forward. No. 8 Hoss has lost his way a touch, although he does have the ability. We’ve seen it in the past and if he can resurrect his best form then he’s going to get his chance. No. 12 Country Dancer is next best.

Race 5: The French May Trophy Handicap (2nd section)

No. 5 Clear Courage is first-up. He appears to have ability and the inside draw is a huge advantage. Expecting he rolls forward for his opportunity on the speed. No. 4 Diamond Flare is in super form and he’s the likely leader. He’ll take a bit of catching, especially from gate three. No. 7 Sweet Smile is first-up for John Size. He’s another who appears after a few solid trial efforts. The booking of Hugh Bowman catches the eye. No. 3 Lyrical Motion gets a handy 10 pounds removed. Next in line.

Race 6: Chantilly Handicap (2nd section)

No. 12 Winning Seven continues to improve, and his latest effort was sound. He was blocked late last start and was clearly coming home with a wet sail. He’s the one to beat with clear air. No. 6 Kasa Papa makes his first start for the new stable. He already was nearing a first win and Hugh Bowman’s booking is an added advantage. No. 9 Northern Beast is after back-to-back wins. He’s up to this grade of racing. No. 4 Jumbo Legend rarely runs a bad race and this contest shouldn’t be an exception.

Race 7: The France Galop Cup Handicap (1st section)

No. 6 Copartner Prance is aiming for a hat-trick of wins. He’s improving swiftly and the retention of Zac Purton’s services are an added advantage. He can continue his ascent. No. 3 Beauty Infinity is looking to snap a run of consecutive second placings. He goes about his racing well and is also open to further improvement as a lightly raced prospect in Hong Kong. No. 1 Celestial Colours has the draw to overcome but does have some class. No. 11 Ka Ying Cheer slots in light. He’ll make his presence felt.

Race 8: Deauville Handicap

No. 4 Simply Maverick clearly does his best racing at Happy Valley. He returned at the track to finish second last start and can continue to build on that effort this week. He’s the one to beat, especially under Zac Purton. No. 7 Glorious Journey is after consecutive wins. He steps back up in grade, however, that recent victory does hold him in good stead. No. 11 Charity Bingo can mix his form but clearly has the ability. Five pounds comes off his back with the apprentice engaged. No. 2 Winning Dragon has claims.

Race 9: ParisLongchamp Handicap (2nd section)

No. 4 Armour Eagle has the draw on his side. He’s dipped to a winning mark and his pairing with Zac Purton this week bodes well. He’s the one to beat here. No. 2 Kaholo Angel showed significant versatility by winning last start from well back in the field. He’s a classy operator who has raced well all season. No. 10 Floof can improve under the featherweight. He might be after a class drop, although his debut effort two runs ago at the Valley was solid. No. 11 My Flying Angel is next in line.

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.