Expert Analysis and Tips for Hong Kong Racing on Wednesday
Our Hong Kong expert Graham Cunningham marks your card for Hong Kong on Wednesday, live on Sky Sports Racing.
Vincent back in the groove as Zac draws a blank
Every cloud has a silver lining and a stormy Sunday at Sha Tin for champion jockey Zac Purton was brightened by success for a host of other key players.
Purton lost one of his strongest chances in a book of nine when Raging Blizzard was withdrawn lame and proceeded to get turned over on seven market leaders and one joint favourite.
But Vincent Ho was back in the winner’s circle for the first time since a heavy fall in January, punching home a double on Baby Crystal and Holy Lake, while Andrea Atzeni followed a first Aussie G1 success on Saturday by taking his HK seasonal prize money past the £7m mark aboard Lucky Encounter.
Francis on a Golden run
Aussie handler David Hayes extended his run of good form thanks to wins from Lucky Encounter and Metro Warrior, while Jimmy Ting breathed life into his troubled campaign with a double of his own.
But, chasing a first title after almost thirty years with a license, Francis Lui is the hottest trainer in town with three months of the season to run.
Golden Sixty’s handler couldn’t match the pace set by his former assistant Pierre Ng in the first half of the campaign but Lui has been striking at better than a winner a meeting of late and now lies just five off the pace after Baby Crystal, King Miles, and Holy Lake all saluted.
Golden goes from 0-60
Lui and Ho seemed keen to take a good look under the bonnet when Golden Sixty trialed on the AW at Sha Tin on Tuesday morning and the three-time Horse of the Year responded by forging clear of his old G1 foe California Spangle.
A turf workout next week will help complete preparations for the champ’s bid for a fourth consecutive FWD Champions Mile on April 28th and Archie Watson, who trains Britain’s sole representative Brave Emperor, is realistic about the task ahead.
“It’s a pretty daunting prospect,” he said. “But having a runner on a huge day like this is a wonderful showcase for our stable and we are all looking forward to it tremendously.”
Northern ready to go into Beast mode
Now to a nine-race card at Happy Valley on Wednesday which features a handful of interesting horses.
NORTHERN BEAST hasn’t made up into the horse he promised to on his first two starts but he’s looked a shade unlucky when running well on both his last two and the opener at 12.10 looks a very suitable slot for him.
BRAVE STAR hasn’t raced since late January but he’s won two trials recently and his best Valley form – highlighted by three narrow defeats over course and distance before Christmas – would give him a sound win and place chance in the 2.45.
WINGS OF WAR hasn’t excelled since his Mill Reef win in 2021 but he’s been knocking hard recently and, along with the strong-traveling KAHOLO ANGEL, he looks a key player in a winnable 1.40.
And, although his stamina must be taken on trust for his 1200m debut, PARENTS’ LOVE looks the sort to put up a bold show from the inside gate in the 12.40.
Wednesday’s Valley Views
12.10: Northern Beast
12.40: Parents’ Love
1.40: Wings of War/Kaholo Angel
2.45: Brave Star (EW)
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