This is the final meeting before the Hong Kong Derby on Sunday.
Nine races will be held at the Happy Valley “C” course.
Zac Purton was set to have a runner in every race tonight, however has had two of his mounts scratched.
From his 7 remaining rides, Perfect Maryknoll in Race 3, looks the best.
Joao Moreira, who is ranked second in the jockey premiership, has a full 9 race card and gets his chance to peg back Zac's lead in the jockey premiership.
Diamond Star is still a maiden after 23 starts, but can end his drought for two main reasons.
His peak performances have come over 1650m, the distance he contests tonight, and he is finally drawn well in gate 5.
The draw is crucial factor for 1650m races at Happy Valley as there is a turn right after the gate opens.
Diamond Star can definitely make use of the good draw and be forward in the run.
He has been a model of consistency at his last few runs, but has had his hopes dashed by poor draws.
It is good to see Joao Moreira sticks with him, and this gives me full confidence he can break that maiden status.
Star brite was named Bravado in NSW and he scored a win at Kembla Grange and Scone respectively.
The way those tracks play suggest he will suit racing at Happy Valley.
He has now had a few starts in Hong Kong and is improving with racing.
This horse doesn’t like staying near the rail for acceleration, so it could be an excuse that he was beaten by 2 lengths last time out.
Gate 10 this time, enables him to stay in a position where he feels more relaxed.
This is especially true with Joao Moreira on board and he gets his best chance to win.
One of the lesser lights for trainer John Size.
He has a very low rating 27, however has only had 13 career runs so is not a lost cause.
It is very interesting that Size perseveres with this 5YO who has run well in defeat all season.
Expectations were high last time out as he started favourite under Zac Purton.
On that day he finished a good 3rd to Multimore and Viva Mama over this same distance.
Purton deserts my selection to ride Viva Mama for Richard Gibson, but Alexis Badel takes over from barrier 2.
He has an excellent opportunity to get off the mark at the 14th time of asking.
Split Of A Second and Universal Crown are others to consider in a lively opener.
Trained by Paul O’Sullivan, this son of Zoustar arrives in excellent form under Derek Leung who knows the horse well.
One win to his name over 1000m, but has run well over this course and distance recently.
Had his share of high barriers, drawn 12 and 11 on his last two outings, but got lucky this time from gate 2.
With a strong tempo expected he can get a nice tow into the race.
In a wide open heat Joyful Genius is greatly respected.
The 4YO is consistent and reunited with Purton, but has work to do from the 12 gate.
Bingo Bingo won on his penultimate start and is another with strong claims from a handy draw.