HAPPY VALLEY

R1 – MURRAY HANDICAP (CLASS 5) (3YO+) 1800M

A tough opener where I’ll take TURTLE AGAIN, a son of Proisir in rude health for Benno Yung. An authoritative C&D winner in November, he was narrowly defeated by Colourful Baron last time but well drawn to turn the tables under Derek Leung.

R2 – JACKSON HANDICAP (CLASS 4) (3YO+) 1800M

SUPER CONTENTED, a son of Tivaci, got off the mark over 1650M last month and was narrowly denied by Special Hedge at Sha Tin 10 days ago. A handsome sort, he looks capable of further improvement and is well drawn under Keagan De Melo.

MR ALADDIN (Each Way) endured a wide trip from gate 10 last time and hopefully will enjoy better fortune from the same barrier. Unlike most of his rivals, the Pierre Ng 4YO is open to progress after a handful of runs and Karis Teetan keeps faith.

R3 – CLUB HANDICAP (DIV 1) (CLASS 4) (3YO+) 1200M

An interesting race with Zac Purton taken to initiate a sprint double on CHEONG FAT (Best Bet). Formerly with Peter Ho, the Power gelding finished an excellent 4th behind Ernest Feeling on stable debut for Michael Chang. With a mere 7 local starts the selection looks progressive.

R4 – HONG KONG CLUB CHALLENGE CUP (HANDICAP) (CLASS 3) (3YO+) 1000M

A cracking sprint where most have some semblance of a chance. Harmony N Blessed concedes weight to all but is a five time winner in this grade and well drawn to attack. Number two on the card is Heroic Master for Frankie Lor – sure to run well but vulnerable to an improver. Top vote goes to HAPPY UNITED, a winner two back and far from disgraced up in class last month. He can confirm superiority with Harmony N Blessed and Atomic Energy. With Vincent Ho switching to Nicconi County, the selection is reunited with Zac Purton. Second pick goes to FORTUNE WARRIOR (Each Way ) for Pierre Ng. The son of Swiss Ace has yet to win in this grade but won over C&D in November, and despite the widest barrier, can lead his rivals a merry dance under Karis Teetan.

R5 – ICE HOUSE HANDICAP (CLASS 4) (3YO+) 1650M

In an open race the suggestion is STURDY RUBY, a son of Street Boss bidding for a maiden success. Placed on four of his eight starts, the Manfred Man 4YO has strong claims under Keith Yeung.

R6 – CLUB HANDICAP (DIV 2) (CLASS 4) (3YO+) 1200M

The stand-out here is BEAUTY INFINITY (Next Best), ‘a bit of a late starter at four and a half’ according to trainer, Jonn Size. The son of Toronado is up 6Ib for a C&D success this month, but the time was impressive and there’s surely more to come on start number three. Of his rivals, Ernest Feeling may emerge as the biggest danger. The Jamie Richards 6YO has returned in the flying form that he signed off last season, but gate 11 is tricky off a career high mark

R7 – CONNAUGHT HANDICAP (CLASS 3) (3YO+) 1650M

Silver Sonic and Quantum Patch look to get back on track after disappointing 19 days ago. Zac Purton is reunited with Tourbillion Prince, a leading hope for Benno Yung, but the main dart lands on the progressive, M UNICORN, a three-time winner this season. The selection disappointed favourite backer’s last time but ran well for fourth behind Gallant Waking. He still looks to be improving and Vincent Ho takes the reins.

At a price I’ll include CALIFORNIA VOCE (Each Way) for Tony Cruz. The son of Bated Breath boasts strong form in Ireland and was unlucky on his sole visit to the ‘City Circuit’. He looks well treated on his best form.

R8 – CHATER HANDICAP (CLASS 3) (3YO+) 1200M

An intriguing end to the card with Raging Blizzard the early favourite for John Size. If handling the ‘City Circuit’ he has an obvious chance but I’ll take WATCH BUDDY, a track and trip winner in November off a 5Ib lower mark. He followed up with a battling fourth to Armour Eagle, an excellent run from a wide trip and looks capable of better still.

At more generous odds, I’ll include TOGEPI (Each Way) for Cody Mo. The Eurozone gelding scored on his final start for Tony Millard, a rare bright spot for the handler in a disappointing final season. He has remained in fine form this term, winning over C&D two back and ran well last time off his revised mark. The excellent Lyle Hewitson takes over for the first time since last June, when an excellent second to Young Life Forever.