A big week in the Hong Kong racing calendar so we’ll get the ball rolling with these five picks at Happy Valley.
Happy Valley 12:15 – Precious Sweetie @ 5/1
Oversubscribed has been placed in a couple of starts but was very underwhelming last time out when nowhere. Blake Shinn is the one to watch aboard the Fastnet Rock gelding, Precious Sweetie. The five-year-old has won twice over the course and distance and finished strongly for fourth first-up over 1000m two weeks ago at Sha Tin. Gintoki is also worth considering for the minor places with two wins from four starts first time up.
Happy Valley 12:45 – London Hall @ 11/4
The in-form London Hall is aiming for three wins in a row as he steps up to the 2,200m.
He’s the one to beat and get the nap vote.
He’s had a three-week gap between runs after chasing down Enrichment on his last start at Sha Tin, so I can’t look past him. Fellow Kiwi, Above, is a last-start winner and has improved drastically over the last month.
This is his first try at Class 3 level though, so I’m happy to take him on.
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Happy Valley 13:45 – Mehboob @ 5/1
Mehboob has done everything right and I can’t find fault with his recent runs over the 1,200m. He lost narrowly to Super Lucky in his last start carrying top weight and looks well-placed to run another big race with Matthew Chadwick back in the saddle. Irish sprinter Winning Ways was luckless last time out but has drawn barrier four this time around, with Zac Purton retaining the ride.
The son of Lope De Vega was a winner three starts back and should be involved at the finish once again.
Happy Valley 14:15 – Blooming Spirit @ 9/2
Three of the field are last-time out winners and Blooming Spirit is looking to back up his previous win over the distance. He won only narrowly from Snow Airjet last time and the two find each other side-by-side in the barriers again on Wednesday.
The son of Spirit Of Boom is already a two-time winner over the course and distance and is well-weighted to run another big race.
Happy Valley 15:50 – Larson @ 9/4
The finale isn’t the strongest contest but Classic Unicorn should be up on the speed early and has the pace to put a gap between himself and the rest of the field. The four-year-old won back-to-back starts over the trip last season and should get the run of the race.
For a value play though, I’m siding with Larson who is looking to make it back-to-back wins over the course and distance and has the assistance of Zac Purton on board.
Another to consider is Allied Agility with a win over the 1,000m at Sha Tin three starts back. Could run a big race at a big price.
*Prices correct at time of publishing but can change
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