3 minute read

Selections and analysis for Wednesday's (20/12/23) 08-race fixture at Happy Valley.

Race 1: #6 Swan Bay, #2 Turin Mascot, #1 Natural Storm, #3 Packing Hurricane
Race 2: #5 Rattan World, #10 Happily Friends, #6 Crystal Powerful, #9 Fighting Star
Race 3: #12 Super Eagle, #10 Gallant Goody, #2 Winning Heart, #8 Gallant Valour
Race 4: #10 King Invincible, #5 Kowloon East Star, #6 Packing Prospect, #2 Savvy Delight
Race 5: #7 Happy Together, #6 Chill Chibi, #5 Find My Love, #2 Drombeg Banner
Race 6: #11 Tactical Command, #12 Choicerus, #4 Red Hare King, #10 To Infinity
Race 7: #5 Fast As Rocket, #8 Talents Supremo, #9 Easy Snip, #1 Jumbo Legend
Race 8: #1 Power Koepp, #8 Giddy Up, #12 Healthy Healthy, #6 O'Liner

Race 1: Mercury Handicap

#6 Swan Bay has shown he has plenty of quality. He's been racing well at present and will appreciate a rise in trip now, especially following his current form, which is very good. #2 Turin Mascot is a two-time course and distance winner. This is his go and an inside gate should afford him the run of the race. #1 Natural Storm has the class-edge but will have to defy a hefty impost. #3 Packing Hurricane is steadily returning to his best this season and does appear to have more improvement to come. Next in line.

Race 2: Venus Handicap

#5 Rattan World continues to take the right steps forward. Once again he is open to further improvement and his efforts this season have been solid. One to beat from a suitable draw. #10 Happily Friends is consistent and just needs an ounce of luck to get over the line in first position. He might get what he's after with Zac Purton up. #6 Crystal Powerful has an ideal draw and is consistent. He should get a sweet run from the positive draw. #9 Fighting Star will be powering home late. He's in form and racing well.

Race 3: Mars Handicap (2nd Section)

#12 Super Eagle is yet to win in Hong Kong, however, he has shown his capabilities on several occasions, notably placing five times. He posted one of his best efforts yet last start and gets another excellent chance here under a lightweight. #10 Gallant Goody made improvements last outing with blinkers on and he can do so again here. #2 Winning Heart draws the inside. He continues to advance and is favoured with five pounds coming off. #8 Gallant Valour caught the eye last start. Don't discount.

Race 4: Jupiter Handicap

#10 King Invincible is better than his recent form suggests. He has some ability and should be able to take up a forward position from gate three, which is hugely ideal. He will be over the odds and is worth backing accordingly. #5 Kowloon East Star can use the draw to find the front and run this group along, a spot where he has won from previously. #6 Packing Prospect makes his debut and looks to have some ability, especially in his latest trial. #2 Savvy Delight has consistency on his side.

Race 5: Saturn Handicap

#7 Happy Together has improved out of sight this season and he can continue his march forward here, especially after placing in a strong race last start. He's talented and should be the value. #6 Chill Chibi is a serious talent and will be a deserved favourite, however, chances are his odds are too short, especially as he rises in grade. This is a big step up but it does appear well within his grasp. #5 Find My Love is a super talent and he can improve getting up in trip. #2 Drombeg Banner can play catch me if you can. Keep safe.

Race 6: Uranus Handicap

#11 Tactical Command caught the eye late last start. He's showing potential and is finally coming to hand now. His latest effort was sound and improvement from that run holds him in good stead, especially under the light weight. He's worth a shot. #12 Choicerus needs an ideal draw, which he gets here. He's ready to win and is beginning to prove his worth now. #4 Red Hare King has the gate to overcome. #10 To Infinity mixes his form but does do his best racing over this course and distance. Next in line.

Race 7: Mars Handicap (1st Section)

#5 Fast As Rocket has been trialling well ahead of his debut. He looks to have his fair share of ability and just might be worth taking a chance on here, especially from a suitable draw. #8 Talents Supremo has the wide draw to offset. He does, however, race well over this course and distance. He's in form and there's a bit more improvement to come. #9 Easy Snip rattled into third last time out. He can advance further forward here. #1 Jumbo Legend is racing well and should be nearing his peak third-up. Keep safe.

Race 8: Neptune Handicap

#1 Power Koepp's last run in this grade returned a win. He has a suitable draw, suitable jockey and the form to win this contest, even with top-weight assigned. #8 Giddy Up caught the eye on debut when finishing a fast-closing fifth. He has an ideal barrier and an in-form jockey in Karis Teetan aboard. #12 Healthy Healthy slots in light as he rises in grade chasing a third win from his last four starts. He ticks several boxes and the inside draw is an advantage. #6 O'Liner can lead and play catch me if you can. He's next in line.