Chris Baker: Five bets at Happy Valley this afternoon
There are five bets for today’s racing at Happy Valley, Hong Kong. Good luck if you decide to follow.
Happy Valley Tips
12:15 – Race 2 (6f)
STARLIGHT (NAP) is capable of a good performance under these race conditions and is taken to win division 1 of the six-furlong handicap. All seven of his career victories have come over this course and distance with four of those coming in Class 3 company. He was also placed twice in that grade towards the end of 2019, and although he’s been beaten twice in Class 4s at Sha Tin recently (never won there), this will be his first drop in to this grade at Happy Valley since winning easily here in 2017. He’s got a good draw in stall 4 and this is the first of three selections ridden by Antoine Hamelin, who has made a good start to his stint in Hong Kong. The biggest danger looks to be Master Albert, who won twice here earlier this year before disappointing last time out.
13:15 – Race 4 (extended mile)
The nine-year-old STAR MAJESTIC has run in to form since dropping in to Class 4 company and has been placed in his last two starts. He was a clear second over this course and distance two starts back behind Charity Wings (tipped to win race 6) and finished strongly at Sha Tin last time out after being forced to race wide. The combination of stall 7 and the presence of plenty of hold-up horses today means that Blake Shinn should be able to get a decent position. Seven of his eight career wins have been at this course with most of those coming in a higher grade (including Class 2). Electric Lightning, a close second here recently, and Sunny Power, who has run well in both starts here, complete the shortlist.
14:15 – Race 6 (extended mile)
CHARITY WINGS can follow up his recent victory here and land the second division of the mile handicap. That was his fourth victory at Happy Valley and he showed his customary late burst to quicken off the home turn and score in good style from off the pace. He beat a solid marker in Star Majestic (tipped to win race 4) so the form looks reliable. Antoine Hamelin will need luck in running but a strong pace would enhance his chance. Another last-time-out winner Blooming Spirit should also go well and continue his good recent run of form.
14:45 – Race 7 (6f)
Division 2 of the six-furlong handicap does not look as strong, so an each-way chance is taken on the top-weight FORTUNE HAPPINESS. This five-year-old is a three-time winner at Sha Tin and finished a close fifth on his only previous start here. He’s got a wide draw to overcome, but he’s shown plenty of early speed and Antoine Hamelin is booked to ride. Happy Good Guys and Lucky Quality are both expected to be strong at the finish.
15:50 – Race 9 (5f)
The final race on the card looks a good opportunity for LARSON to notch his fourth career success. This bang in form three-year-old gelding built on three placed effort at Sha Tin to land a victory over this course and distance last time out. The wide draw isn’t too much of a concern as he showed his ability to overcome it last time, and the booking of Zac Purton for the first time is a big advantage. Purton has a 24% strike-rate when riding for trainer John Moore and could get further improvement out of this horse. The lightly-raced, unexposed Classic Unicorn can chase home the selection and put two poor runs behind him.
Recommendations:
12:15 at Happy Valley - STARLIGHT (NAP) – 1 point win bet. Value at 2/1 or bigger.
13:15 at Happy Valley - STAR MAJESTIC – 1 point win bet. Value at 7/2 or bigger.
14:15 at Happy Valley - CHARITY WINGS – 1 point win bet. Value at 9/2 or bigger.
14:45 at Happy Valley - FORTUNE HAPPINESS – 0.5 point each-way bet. Value at 13/2 or bigger.
15:50 at Happy Valley - LARSON – 1 point win bet. Value at 5/2 or bigger.