Selections and analysis for Wednesday's (13/11/24) 09-race fixture at Happy Valley.
Race 1: #3 Chateau Le Peche, #2 Super Hong Kong, #1 Palace Pal, #8 Golden Fairy
Race 2: #1 Escape Route, #4 Lucky Touch, #3 D Star, #12 The Azure
Race 3: #6 Hakka Radiance, #4 Happy Daily, #7 Lucky Banner, #12 Youth Power
Race 4: #2 Lean Master, #1 Ma Comet, #9 Silver Spurs, #10 Champion Method
Race 5: #1 Bowser, #2 Sunny Darling, #9 Roaring Bebe, #3 Happy Soul
Race 6: #9 Lakeshore Hero, #7 Circuit Duffy, #5 Team Happy, #4 The Perfect Match
Race 7: #1 Triumphant More, #3 Glory Cloud, #10 Affirm, #7 The Prime
Race 8: #11 Soleil Fighter, #5 Talents Ambition, #1 Helene Warrior, #7 Jumbo Legend
Race 9: #8 Romantic Son, #2 Young Emperor, #4 Gustosisimo, #5 Prawns Eleven
Race 1 - NGAU CHI WAN HANDICAP
#3 Chateau Le Peche has been knocking on the door for a win since dropping into Class 5 three starts ago. He previously performed well over this distance in Class 4, which places him in strong contention to break through for his first win. #2 Super Hong Kong returns to Class 5 for the first time since joining Dennis Yip's yard and benefits from a jockey upgrade with Hugh Bowman in the saddle. He is the 2200m distance specialist in this field. #1 Palace Pal is back in Class 5, where he has one win from two attempts, and reunites with Zac Purton, who knows him well. #8 Golden Fairy steps up to a more suitable distance fifth-up, and he should be able to put his best foot forward.
Race 2 - LUNG CHEUNG HANDICAP
#1 Escape Route started from a wide draw first-up but made a strong late run into fifth, finishing less than three lengths from the winner. He moves into a low gate second-up and can map much closer, placing him well to return to the winner's enclosure. #4 Lucky Touch reunites with Zac Purton and was unlucky last start, being held up in the straight over 1400m at Sha Tin. With a clear run, he's shown that he's ready to win. #3 D Star returned in winning form first-up and, in a race that lacks depth, he has a solid chance to win again. #12 The Azure put in his best effort yet first-up and is set to progress further here.
Race 3 - LUNG CHEUNG HANDICAP
#6 Hakka Radiance is poised to post his first Hong Kong win with several factors in his favour, including Zac Purton taking over the reins. From a favourable draw, he should receive every chance. #4 Happy Daily finds the speed map suited to his style with a fair amount of pace engaged on paper. His first-up and second-up runs since winning at the end of last season suggest he's maintained his form well. #7 Lucky Banner is a pace influence; though not a prolific winner, he is highly consistent and looks set for another honest run. #12 Youth Power, after an effortless Class 5 maiden win, rises in class and looks capable of measuring up.
Race 4 - HUNG LUEN HANDICAP
#2 Lean Master lines up on a quick turnaround after a solid third-place run over 1200m last week. With tactical versatility, and barrier 1, he will be afforded every chance. #1 Ma Comet put in a moderate effort last start, yet he was only beaten less than three lengths despite finishing ninth, likely needing the run after a six-week break. Zac Purton stays aboard, and from a low draw, they should be primed for a better effort. #9 Silver Spurs has the benefit of barrier 2 and continues to improve with each run. #10 Champion Method has slipped down the ratings and, on this low mark, is more than capable of bouncing back to winning form.
Race 5 - LEI YUE MUN HANDICAP
#1 Bowser has faced tough barrier draws but has shown good form in two runs this preparation. Now with barrier 4, he should have every opportunity to bounce back to winning ways. #2 Sunny Darling was well-supported first-up and delivered a decisive win. He looks capable of doubling up here. #9 Roaring Bebe went close last start in a narrow defeat, suggesting he's ready to strike. #3 Happy Soul found himself tight for room in the closing stages last start but was only two lengths off the winner. With a clear run this time, he should be in contention, although he'll need to navigate a wide draw.
Race 6 - LEI YUE MUN HANDICAP
#9 Lakeshore Hero was forced to settle at the rear on debut after drawing barrier 10, yet he closed impressively to finish third. With a more favourable low draw, he can be expected to sit closer to the pace, giving him every chance to build on that promising run. #7 Circuit Duffy was overbet on debut but still ran respectably for sixth after being held up from the 200m to the 100m. He should improve with that experience under his belt and is a strong chance second-up. #5 Team Happy led all the way for a comfortable win last start, and from barrier 3, he should find a good position early on. #4 The Perfect Match will be fitter second-up, and his first-up run was encouraging as he ran on strongly from a quiet position.
Race 7 - LEI YUE MUN HANDICAP
#1 Triumphant More was impressive with a first-up win on debut two weeks ago and appears to have potential beyond Class 4, so he can make it two in a row in what looks a manageable field. #3 Glory Cloud, runner-up to Triumphant More last time, should again present a stern challenge. #10 Affirm can jump quickly and find the lead from barrier 1 but may encounter mid-race pressure; he could hold on for a place depending on the race shape. #7 The Prime is progressing with more race experience, and his fast-finishing fifth last start suggests he'll take another positive step forward third-up.
Race 8 - HOK YUEN HANDICAP
#11 Soleil Fighter has been edging closer to a win, and his recent runner-up finish to Daring Pursuit signals he's primed to go very close here, especially with another favourable low draw. #5 Talents Ambition had every chance last start after going under as the short-priced favourite; he's worth another go here third-up, with Hugh Bowman aboard adding confidence. #1 Helene Warrior will need to rebound if he's to stay on his Classic Series path; he had excuses last start when clipping heels at the 350m and being eased down. #7 Jumbo Legend scored a big win last start from the back of the field; the question is whether he can replicate that performance.
Race 9 - FUNG MO HANDICAP
#8 Romantic Son produced a promising debut, finishing just half a length behind in second. He looks set to make big strides in his second local start, and with gate 3, he'll have every chance to go one place better. #2 Young Emperor couldn't have been more impressive in his debut win over Romantic Son and shapes as a serious prospect on the rise, though barrier 9 could be a tricky draw. #4 Gustosisimo jumped only fairly last start and couldn't muster early, yet ran on well for fourth after being held up on the turn. Barrier 1 should work to his advantage. #5 Prawns Eleven emerges from a strong form race and appears to be nearing another win.
