We head to Happy Valley on Wednesday evening for the first meeting of February, with 9 races set to be run and won over the “A” course turf.
The weather in Hong Kong is predicted to be fine, with the track rated in the Good range.
Gun rider Christophe Soumillion is suspended from this meeting, but will return on Sunday.
Joao Moreira, who sealed a hat-trick of wins last meeting, has a ride in each event and has plenty of strong winning chances.
Zac Purton also has 9 mounts, 3 of which are last time winners Maldives, Grateful Heart and Igniting. Each of those horses look hard to beat.
Happy Valley Race 7 Tip #6 Smiling City $5.00
Smiling City performs well at Happy Valley (8:2-1-0) and has proved himself to be competitive in Class 3.
Last time out, Joao Moreira rode the horse well and won impressively after jumping from a wide gate.
Talented apprentice Jerry Chau takes the reigns tonight and the 3kg claim means the horse will carry just 53kg, the same weight he carried to victory last start.
From barrier 8, look for him to find a forward position once again and make it back-to-back wins.
Happy Valley Race 8 Tip #2 Joyful Union $5.00
Joyful Union drops to a Class 3 race on Wednesday night and will be more competitive in this grade.
He recently raced in Class 2 company, but failed to show much promise.
Zac Purton jumps aboard for this clash, which is a huge plus. The gun hoop has ridden the horse 3 times for 2 wins and a third, with all 3 runs over this track and distance.
Barrier 5 is ideal for Joyful Union, who can sit off them and fly late.
Happy Valley Race 3 Tip #7 Exaltation $2.60
The race tempo here is expected to be steady and unlikely to benefit any horses in particular, with Hay Run set to lead with Dynamic Eagle.
Exaltation’s last two starts over the distance have been good and he deserves a win.
Moreira sticks and he should prove hard to beat.
The main danger is the Zac Purton mount, Crown Avenue. Purton has ridden this galloper 5 times for 2 wins and 3 placings.
That galloper looks set to get the gun run behind the leader's back, but he might be susceptible late as he's been running over the 1650m-1800m distance ranges recently.
Magnetism, Dynamic Eagle, and Pretty Bauhinia won’t be far away.
There is a big watch on Peach Blossom, who is down to a more suitable grade today. He could be one to follow in future races if he's able to figure in the finish.
Race Tips
• Exaltation to Win @ $2.40 (3 Units)
• Saver on Crown Avenue to Win @ $12.00 (0.5 Units)
Speed Map
Happy Valley Race 8 Tip #11 Triple Triple $4.00
There is a bit of pace in this race, which might benefit those just off-the-speed. Inner Flame, Harrier Jet and Metro Warrior look the ones who will fight it out for the lead.
Triple Triple is working towards a win after four straight placings this prep.
He draws a good gate today and should stalk the leaders.
With the dream run, he'll can run away with it early in the straight.
Harrier Jet is an old boy who continues to race well. He's probably faced better fields than this and has figured in the placings each time this prep.
He will need a bit of luck from a tricky barrier.
Mig Energy is another who won’t be far away.
Punters should watch for Inner Flame, who is capable of a big run but isn't racing at his best this prep.
He had minor issues last start and could surprise today.
Joyful Union is better suited to this class and should be more prominent in transit today from barrier 5.
Race Tips
Speed Map