Happy Valley is back in all its glory. While it probably elicits some PTSD for some punters, Blake Lalor is keen to dive in and hunt for plenty of winners tonight and throughout the 23/24 season. Good luck if you're getting involved after what turned out to be a great start to the season on Sunday.
Hong Kong Racing Tips: Wednesday September 13th
Race 2: Tung Chung Hcp (C4) – 1650m (21:40 AEST)
(3) Durham Star is capable of winning here after closing out last season very close to a win. He’s a nice price in this market particularly given how well I thought he trialled in the off-season leading up to his return here.
(4) Fearless Fire is drawn perfectly for a horse who loves to roll forward. He should assume control from gate 2 and is a massive price given how favourable Happy Valley is for leaders typically.
(9) Prosecco looks to have had a nice break from racing as he was able to win his lead up trial albeit by a narrow margin and hard ridden. He was racing consistently last season so wouldn’t surprise if he carried that form with him into the new season.
(3) Durham Star e/w
$6.00/$2.30 (1 unit)
Race 3: Tai O Hcp (C4) – 1200m (22:10 AEST)
(2) Snowalot is a big price compared to the favourite in this race and doesn’t deserve to be as he’s going almost as well as the favourite, has trialled impressively and may have a tactical advantage in this race given he’s drawn on the favourite’s outside.
(1) Denfield went up massively in ratings after his demolition to close out last season. He returns here with big shoes to fill at a very short price. Although he’s the one to beat, I’m not trusting him just yet at such short odds.
(3) Lucky Archangel can fill the minors with Hugh Bowman aboard from a decent gate.
(2) Snowalot e/w
$6.00/$2.00 (1 unit)
Race 5: Ngong Ping Hcp (C3) – 1650m (23:15 AEST)
(4) Splendid Living rounded out the 22/23 season impressively. He returns here with Zac Purton retaining the ride and looking to take out a hat-trick of wins. I’m not a big fan of following repeat winners like this in Hong Kong but this race looks very weak.
(2) Hameron has the benefit of extra time to acclimatise in Hong Kong now and ended his season with a win in July. He looks like the only realistic danger.
(9) Eighteen Palms gets 3rd pick here and could fill the minors on the good form he found late last season.
(4) Splendid Living win
$2.80 (2 units)
