VALUE BET – EIGHTEEN PALMS ridden by C. Ho
BEST BET – MAGNIAC ridden by Z. Purton
12:45 – Race 1 | Class 5 | 2200m
Selections: 7/4/6
RING BELLS finished third behind subsequent winner Pakistan Friend in his last start. He should be cherry-ripe having his third run after a rest and is a leading contender in this opening contest. LOYAL AMBITION followed up his recent win over this C&D with a fair effort. He is likely to take his medicine from a wide draw and should be doing his best work in the closing stages.
13:15 – Race 2 | Class 5 | 1000m
Selections: 8/6/5
TRONIC MIGHTY was a beaten favorite when half a length behind STRIVE FOR GLORY. He is 1.5kgs better off at the weights and can turn the tables on his recent conqueror. GOODMANSHIP is also nicely weighted and should be cherry-ripe having his third run after a rest.
13:45 – Race 3 | Class 4 | 1650m
Selections: 12/4/10
CORDYCEPS ONE was beaten the narrowest of margins by Faithful Trinity last time out. He shoulders a handy galloping weight and will be looking to go one better. DIAMOND DIAMOND showed some potential on debut and should come on nicely with that run under the belt.
14:15 – Race 4 | Class 4 | 1200m
Selections: 9/1/8
ISLAND SURPRISE finished close-up when a length behind One For All. He is nicely handicapped in this contest and will have plenty of followers. AWESOME TREASURE comes in at the top of the weights and was only beaten a neck last time. South African-born Luke Ferraris takes the ride and the combination must also be strongly considered.
14:45 – Race 5 | Class 4 | 1650m
Selections: 6/5/7
LONDON LUCKYSTAR has won most of his races on this course and the seven year-old is holding his condition well. BEAUTY MISSION has placed in his last two outings over a mile and could be one to fill the exacta spot. AMAZING BOY finished 2.2 lengths behind the second selection last time. The pair meet on similar weight terms and there shouldn’t be too much separating them at the wire.
15:15 – Race 6 | Class 3 | 1000m
Selections: 7/6/4
ATOMIC ENERGY is searching for a hat-trick of wins. He takes a step up in class and is nicely weighted with apprentice Chung aboard. SEASONS WIT finished just in front of LIGHTNING STORM in his last start. The pair meet on identical weight terms and are both genuine contenders in this line-up.
15:45 – Race 7 | Class 4 | 1200m
Selections: 7/4/2
The Whyte-trained HAPPY TRIO finished off his race well in a competitive field last time. He performs well for Harry Bentley and can earn his third career win. The C&D specialist WOOD ON FIRE was a beaten favourite on that occasion and will be looking to make amends. SIGHT HERO is in good form and newcomer Michael Dee is looking for his first win in the Pearl of the Orient.
16:15 – Race 8 | Class 3 | 1200m
Selections: 3/7/2
MAGNIAC was an impressive winner when beating Ace One by a couple of lengths. The manner which he drew off in the final furlong suggests he can make it quick back-to-back wins. The chestnut WONDER KIT interestingly is having his first start at Happy Valley and if course-suited should give another good account of himself.
16:50 – Race 9 | Class 3 | 1650m
Selections: 10/8/3
EIGHTEEN PALMS snuck up on the inside to win his last start and the blinkers seem to have done the trick. He is still on the upgrade, shoulders a light weight and definitely represents decent each-way value for Hong Kong racing pundits in the lucky last. RATTAN KINGDOM won his last start over this C&D and it is encouraging that Karis Teetan has kept faith in the ride.
