Hong Kong Wednesday morning: Picks, analysis, free PPs

Hong Kong racing returns Wednesday morning from Happy Valley at 7:10 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 - Chung Hom Kok Handicap

No. 1 Daily Trophy will benefit from barrier 1 and apprentice Ellis Wong’s 7lb claim. He’s the one to beat with plenty in his favor. No. 3 Super Eagle makes his debut in Class 5 with Zac Purton in the saddle, a strong pairing. No. 8 Viva A La can make early use of his inside draw in barrier 2, where he succeeded six starts ago. No. 4 High Rise Power transferred to trainer Dennis Yip’s stable ahead of his return. He responded well in his recent trial and is set for improvement in his second attempt in Class 5.

Race 2 - Shek O Handicap

No. 5 Sight Happy showed potential in three runs last season, and natural improvement will see him make further inroads this campaign. Under Hugh Bowman from barrier 2, he is the one to beat. No. 2 Joy Coming returned to Class 4 last time, but a wide trip diminished his chances despite not being beaten by far. He looked good in his trial. No. 3 Scotch Tycoon found form in his final three runs last season, and his last-start third to Packing Hermod looks solid here. No. 4 Sixth Generation needs more distance but caught the eye in his trial. He could be worth considering at odds.

Race 3 - Shek O Handicap, division 2

No. 1 Packing Power made a lasting impression on debut with a decisive course and distance win in June. Trainer Danny Shum’s charge looks destined for greater things and can win again. No. 4 Aurora Lady is ready to fire with two promising barrier trials. He was nearing a win in three runs last season and can challenge. No. 7 Colonel switches to Mark Newnham’s stable after leaving Ricky Yiu's. His front-running style is likely unchanged—he’ll try to lead throughout. No. 2 Flying Wrote won one of four starts last season and was never far off. He can grab a good position early and figure in the finish.

Race 4 - Stanley Handicap

No. 7 Precision Goal turned his form around last season after moving to David Hayes, winning one and placing twice in seven starts. Zac Purton stays on board, and he’s well-placed to continue his good form. No. 5 Reliable Profit was getting close to a win late last season. The Danny Shum and Hugh Bowman combination is one to respect. No. 3 Invincible Missile is poised to improve in his second start in this grade, but he must take advantage of the low draw early. No. 8 Right Honourable is a veteran performer who remains in solid form. Barrier 2 will aid his cause.

Race 6 - The Community Chest Cup Handicap

No. 1 Red Majesty makes his second attempt back in Class 4, where he has solid form. Zac Purton’s booking and barrier 1 strengthen his winning prospects. No. 12 Kasa Papa was transferred to Tony Cruz late last season and ran well despite some excuses. He’s dropped in ratings and is a strong lightweight chance. No. 11 Matsu Victor showed improvement with racing last season, finishing a close second at this course and distance in his final outing. He’ll need some luck from a wide gate, but a strong tempo will suit him. No. 7 D Star won first up last season and now resumes 10 points lower than his previous mark, expect improvement.

Race 7 - Hoi Mei Handicap

No. 4 Helene Warrior displayed plenty of potential last season, highlighted by a strong win over this course and distance two starts ago. He’s progressing well and is the one to beat. No. 11 I Can returns to his preferred track and distance, having run a solid fourth at Sha Tin in his last outing. No. 3 Lovero is another specialist at Happy Valley who, from barrier 1, will be favorably positioned on-pace to make his mark. No. 10 Setanta will need luck from the back, but he has improved since joining Mark Newnham’s stable and is worth considering.

Race 8 - Lido Handicap

No. 8 Super Joy N Fun is a promising type, winning two of six starts and running against strong company last season. His last-start third to Packing Hermod suggests he’s well-placed here. No. 10 Ka Ying Cheer has had multiple chances to win in Class 3 but hasn’t broken through yet. His two trials were impressive, and he’s capable of an early-season victory, especially with Zac Purton atop first time. No. 9 Righteous Arion will be charging home late off what should be a genuine tempo. No. 1 Reward Smile finds this a more winnable contest than previous assignments but will need to overcome barrier 11 first-up.

Luke Middlebrook is a Contributor at Idol Horse. After catching the Hong Kong racing bug, Luke spent several years blogging about the sport before relocating to Singapore in 2016. There, he spent eight years as the resident expert at iRace Media, overseeing all form-related and editorial content for horse racing in Hong Kong and Singapore.