Luke Middlebrook’s tips from Idol Horse below for Happy Valley

Happy Valley Selections for Wednesday morning, September 16, 2026

Race 1: #11 Spicy Spangle, #2 Always My Folks, #9 Runjeet, #7 Macanese Master
Race 2: #5 Holmes A Court, #8 Dan Attack, #11 Loving Vibes, #3 Bright Day
Race 3: #6 Rosewood Fleetfoot, #5 Romantic Laos, #1 Noisy Boy, #9 Can’t Go Wong
Race 4: #3 Live Wire, #12 Same To You, #2 Somelovefromabove, #5 Starry Show
Race 5: #6 Young Arrow, #4 Lucky McQueen, #7 Winning Money, #1 Gratifide
Race 6: #5 Highland Rahy, #1 Dazzling Fit, #4 Wrote A New Page, #3 Romantic Gladiator
Race 7: #4 Dancing Classics, #5 Bunta Baby, #1 Love Together, #3 Horsepower
Race 8: #8 Max Que, #1 Speed Dragon, #7 Silvery Breeze, #12 Le Zonda

Analysis: Happy Valley Selections for Wednesday morning

Race 1 – HOI MEI HANDICAP
#11 Spicy Spangle draws favourably in barrier 3 and that looks a decent edge in a race where cases can be made for plenty. His on-pace style should be well served by the gate, and his trial against much higher-rated horses was a pass mark for this assignment. #2 Always My Folks needs plenty to go right from barrier 12, but his form keeps him right in the race. Purton going back on, a good lead-in trial and Danny Shum’s stable firing early all add to the case. #9 Runjeet outperformed market expectations first-up, finishing a late-fading fourth from a wide draw over 1,200m at Sha Tin. Barrier 4 gives him a much cleaner map today. #7 Macanese Master has the benefit of a run over 1,200m already, and the drop back in trip is key.

Race 2 – LIDO HANDICAP
#5 Holmes A Court resumes off his first Hong Kong win, which came at his first start for the Eustace stable, and that profile gives him the look of a horse with more to come this season. #8 Dan Attack won first-up this time last season and appears to be arriving in similar order, while barrier 4 gives Harry Bentley the options to put him into the race. #11 Loving Vibes finished last season knocking on the door after switching to Mark Newnham, recording three second-place finishes. He only needs to come back at that level to be a winning chance. #3 Bright Day should get the stalking run just off the speed from barrier 3 and be produced late.

Race 3 – BIG WAVE BAY HANDICAP
#6 Rosewood Fleetfoot comes off back-to-back wins, albeit over 2,200m, where Karis Teetan produced two brilliant rides by taking off mid-race. The drop back in trip is the query, but he did place second over this distance before those two wins and barrier 1 ensures the right run. #5 Romantic Laos raced here last week over 1,650m, settled last from barrier 10 and did his best work late into fifth. A better draw should let him settle handier today and improve his winning chance. #1 Noisy Boy has obvious appeal at his second start in Class 4 with Zac Purton taking over from Nichola Yuen after a good trial win. #9 Can’t Go Wong placed in this race last year and arrives off back-to-back thirds.

Race 4 – THE COMMUNITY CHEST CUP (HANDICAP)
#3 Live Wire trialled in excellent order for his return after breaking through at his final start last term, and barrier 2 gives him the set-up to start this campaign the same way. #12 Same To You won first-up this time last season off a similar rating and gets every chance to repeat the dose from barrier 3, a major improvement on the gate 12 draw he had at his latest run. #2 Somelovefromabove drops back into Class 4 and also won a trial in fine style, so the intent is there, although barrier 9 leaves him with a less straightforward map. #5 Starry Show gets barrier 1 to work with as he chases back-to-back wins after surprising at odds last start, and his return trial suggested that form has held.

Race 5 – LIDO HANDICAP
#6 Young Arrow was unlucky not to win late last season, but his form still had merit after several runs shaped by poor draws or poor trips. Purton taking over is the key change and gives him the chance to convert early in the new season. #4 Lucky McQueen arrives a last-start winner and maps perfectly from barrier 4, stalking what looks a genuine tempo. His return trial suggests he is resuming in good order. #7 Winning Money is a clear pace influence and can use barrier 3 to roll forward with relative ease. How much pressure builds around him is the key. #1 Gratifide broke through in his final run of the season and did it well. Barrier 9 makes the map the query, but he looks one to follow and should have more points in hand this term.

Race 6 – CHUNG HOM KOK HANDICAP
#5 Highland Rahy can find the front here and there does not appear to be much pressure around him, giving him the chance to try to pinch it. He almost made all first-up last season before being collared late into second, and this looks a similar set-up. #1 Dazzling Fit resumes after a break and gets barrier 1 for his first look at Happy Valley, which is meaningful, especially with Zac Purton booked. #4 Wrote A New Page draws wide in barrier 12 first-up for a new stable, but he beat Highland Rahy fresh last season and has the speed to come across. #3 Romantic Gladiator is still only a three-year-old with more to come, and the penny looks to be dropping with racing.

Race 7 – REPULSE BAY HANDICAP
#4 Dancing Classics demolished his rivals last time once the blinkers went on, albeit aided by a sweet Moreira ride. The gear change still looked decisive, and barrier 3 should give him the run to go on with it. #5 Bunta Baby loves to get back and attack the line. He put together a stellar season last term, has trialled very well for his return and keeps Purton. #1 Love Together won two from nine in his debut season and is another in fine form for the Fownes yard. He is hard to split from Dancing Classic and belongs high in the mix. #3 Horsepower is not an easy ride, but he is a first-up specialist with three wins from five fresh and ticks enough boxes to command respect.

Race 8 – SHEK O HANDICAP
#8 Max Que has the benefit of a recent run, having made up a stack of ground over 1,400m at Sha Tin 10 days ago, and that fitness edge can count for plenty here. #1 Speed Dragon gets the chance to enjoy the run of the race from barrier 1. He may be better suited at 1,800m, but 1,650m fresh is workable. #7 Silvery Breeze gets back to his pet track after two solid Sha Tin efforts behind Beauty Joy. Barrier 12 of 12 is the obvious problem, and he will get back and ride for luck. #12 Le Zonda turned a corner late last season, posting back-to-back wins over 1,800m, and the untapped four-year-old still gives the impression there is more to come

Source: The Hong Kong Jockey Club

Luke Middlebrook’s tips from Idol Horse below for Happy Valley on Wednesday, Apr 29, 2026.

Happy Valley Selections for Wednesday morning, April 29, 2026)

Race 1: #4 Dashing Maurison, #7 Perfect Pairing, #3 Splendid Force, #8 Perfect Peach
Race 2: #9 King Glorioso, #4 Honest Witness, #3 Everstar, #1 Cheaha
Race 3: #9 Star Brose, #3 Serangoon, #2 Noble Pursuit, #11 Romantic Fantasy
Race 4: #5 Ace Power, #1 Crossborderdude, #3 Find My Love, #7 Starry Show
Race 5: #9 Legend Star, #8 Gameplayer Elite, #5 Thunder Prince, #2 Superb King
Race 6: #3 Beauty Viva, #10 Vivacious Win, #2 Romantic Laos, #12 Winning Data
Race 7: #2 Colourful King, #5 Brave Star, #1 Stellar Express, #10 Candlelight Dinner
Race 8: #4 Giant Ballon, #3 Sports Legend, #2 Happy Index, #12 Meowth
Race 9: #6 Armor Golden Eagle, #3 Corleone, #12 Withallmyfaith, #1 Solid Win

Race 1 – DAEJEON HANDICAP
#4 Dashing Maurison is a three-year-old who has been improving with racing and he now gets a few key changes. His first try in Class 5 last time was only fair, settling back and proving difficult for apprentice Britney Wong to ride, so the switch to Bentley is a plus, and first-time blinkers add another angle for improvement. #7 Perfect Pairing does not win often, but he has been threatening since returning to Class 5 four runs ago and his recent efforts have come without much luck. #3 Splendid Force gets conditions more in his favour with the class drop and an inside barrier, and he also comes off his best run yet, getting well back before closing into seventh and not beaten far. #8 Perfect Peach draws inside, which will help him hold a handier spot throughout and give himself his chance.

Race 2 – YEONGCHEON HANDICAP
#9 King Glorioso makes his first start for Manfred Man after switching from Douglas Whyte and his trial for the new stable was encouraging. Barrier 3 gives him a far better map than last time from 12, and in a race that lacks depth he gets his chance to win straight up. #4 Honest Witness comes off a decisive maiden win after Purton went straight to the front and controlled the tempo. Similar tactics look likely again. #3 Everstar reunites with Jimmy Orman, his last winning rider, and a return to this track and trip is a plus after recent efforts in unsuitable conditions. #1 Cheaha draws wide and needs luck, but the drop into Class 4 makes him interesting given he can produce a potent turn of foot at his best.

Race 3 – DAEGU HANDICAP
#9 Star Brose is well placed to break through in Class 4 with Purton back aboard. His second to Ace War at this track and trip was encouraging given a few things went wrong in the run, and that remains the guide. #3 Serangoon is well proven at the track and trip and gets the map swing from barrier 1 after wide draws in his last two starts. His win three runs ago came when he settled closer from a mid-draw. #2 Noble Pursuit is unknown at this track and trip, but barrier 3 gives him the chance to enjoy a sweet run, and Bowman’s booking is a positive. #11 Romantic Fantasy is likely to be ridden quietly from his wide draw and can unleash late. He keeps placing without getting his nose in front, but five straight placings is the sort of consistency to keep him in the mix.

Race 4 – YEONGCHEON HANDICAP
#5 Ace Power gets back to Happy Valley, where his track-and-distance record is strong, after two solid all-weather runs since joining the Mark Newnham stable. Both efforts had merit, and barrier 1 is a key boost to his set-up today. #1 Crossborderdude tried this track and trip for the first time last start and ended up further back than intended after an early squeeze, but he flashed late into third. He has missed the placings only once from seven starts and can keep that consistency going today. #3 Find My Love is capable on his current mark and barrier 2 should allow him to land the right run in transit. Bowman returning to the saddle is another positive. #7 Starry Show has slipped down the ratings into a race that reads more suitable, while an inside draw plus blinkers back on give him the chance to lift.

Race 5 – THE KOREA RACING AUTHORITY TROPHY (HANDICAP)
#9 Legend Star gets a far kinder map from barrier 3 after being posted wide without cover near the speed from barrier 10 last time. From this draw he can camp off the leaders and look to use the turn of foot he has shown. #8 Gameplayer Elite maps for every chance from the inside gate after breaking through for a maiden win two starts ago, then running a close-up third behind Sky Cap, which reads well. #5 Thunder Prince is on the quick seven-day back-up after breaking through at start 22, scoring by two lengths with Purton giving him every chance from an inside draw. Barrier 8 makes it a little trickier this time. #2 Superb King can roll forward and give a sight under Britney Wong’s claim, still chasing a first win but edging closer off a series of encouraging runs.

Race 6 – INCHEON HANDICAP
#3 Beauty Viva maps for a better run from barrier 3 and can improve on his last-start seventh, when he showed no early speed and settled back in a slowly run race. He still worked home with merit against the race shape. #10 Vivacious Win was runner-up in that same event, only missing on the line, and he again is set to get every chance. #2 Romantic Laos is better suited back in distance and gets a kinder draw in barrier 4 after jumping from 10 over 1800m last time. The set-up is much more in his favour. #12 Winning Data is best forgiven for his last run from barrier 12 when he copped a check and had no luck. The better guide is his fast-finishing third two starts ago from barrier 8, the same draw he has today. With the right tempo, he can be the one charging into it late at a price.

Race 7 – SEOUL HANDICAP
#2 Colourful King has had genuine excuses in his last two runs, both sixths behind Crimson Flash over 1200m, most recently from barrier 12 at Sha Tin where he settled back, was steadied near the 800m, then finished off well. With more speed expected today, he receives every chance to get back to winning ways. #5 Brave Star maps well from barrier 3 and the race shape looks set to suit. He comes off three straight placings behind Storm Rider, Beauty Waves, and Crimson Flash, which are strong form lines. #1 Stellar Express brings quality and proven form, including two wins over Colourful King this season. Barrier 9 is the query in what shapes as a fast-run race and where he lands early can tell on his finish. #10 Candlelight Dinner backs up after seven days and barrier 2 on a light weight gives him the chance to settle just off the speed and be finishing into it late.

Race 8 – BUSAN HANDICAP
#4 Giant Ballon chases a hat-trick after Purton found the key to him, rolling to the lead with the blinkers back on and winning his last two by a combined five and a half lengths. This is a tougher test as he steps into Class 3, but his latest trial was very good and, on paper, he again looks capable of controlling the tempo. #3 Sports Legend gets the chance to settle closer from barrier 2 after coming from further back last time from barrier 8 and finishing off strongly into fifth. #2 Happy Index brings strong Sha Tin form to Happy Valley but draws widest in barrier 12, which is the query. His second to Jubilant Winner two runs ago reads well now after that winner came out and bolted in at Happy Valley last week. #12 Meowth maps for a good run from barrier 4 and his consistency stands out, one win and five placings from eight starts this term, and he looks set to be around the mark again.

Race 9 – JEJU HANDICAP
#6 Armor Golden Eagle gets another look after a luckless third, held up on the turn and not getting out until leaving the 250m, beaten a length and a half. Purton takes over and barrier 4 sets him up to atone. #3 Corleone returns fresh off a good trial and brings tactical versatility plus solid form this season. He also gets a kinder gate than last time, when he was used up early on the lead from barrier 10 and weakened. #12 Withallmyfaith looks the key pace influence and barrier 3 should see him land in a sweet spot. The light weight is a plus and he is eligible for a class drop off his current rating of 60, so this is his chance to strike in Class 3. #1 Solid Win will be looking for a genuine tempo after settling back and producing strong late sectionals in recent runs, but the question is whether he is close enough in the run when it matters.

Luke Middlebrook’s tips from Idol Horse below for Happy Valley meeting on Wednesday, 22 April, 2026.

Happy Valley Selections for Wednesday, April 22, 2026

Race 1: #7 Turf Phoenix, #6 Happy Boys, #8 Team Happy, #2 Giddy Up
Race 2: #2 Soaring Bronco, #8 Verbier, #6 Double Bingo, #7 Podium
Race 3: #8 To Infinity, #3 Vermilion Tempest, #4 Fortune Star, #5 Shooting To Top
Race 4: #6 Vigor Eye, #1 Young Arrow, #7 Flying Sniper, #10 Yeux De Lifeline
Race 5: #11 Thunder Prince, #8 Little Monster, #12 Winning Champion, #4 Winning Money
Race 6: #8 Jumbo Blessing, #4 Beauty Show, #1 Healthy Healthy, #6 Grand Nova
Race 7: #4 Together We Value, #1 Horsepower, #5 Bunta Baby, #6 Central Bank
Race 8: #11 Ace War, #3 China Win, #1 Liveandletlive, #5 So You Will
Race 9: #3 Love Together, #1 Aurio, #12 Packing Glory, #6 Greater Bae

Race 1 – FLAMINGO FLOWER HANDICAP
#7 Turf Phoenix makes his stable debut for Jimmy Ting after being trained by Chris So and Ting’s record with stable transfers is a positive. Barrier 3 sets him up for a good run in transit and gives him the chance to lift his form straight away. #6 Happy Boys also steps out first-up for a new yard, now with Cody Mo after 15 starts for Mark Newnham. His last run can be upgraded, an unlucky sixth from barrier 11 at Sha Tin after being steadied early, then running into a wall of horses in the straight, and his trial since has been encouraging. #8 Team Happy gets a workable draw in barrier 4 with Purton aboard, and that matters given he comes off a close-up fourth beaten less than a length. #2 Giddy Up is the class-dropper to respect. He will let the speed unfold, then launch into it late.

Race 2 – FREESIA HANDICAP
#2 Soaring Bronco won straight away for the Mark Newnham yard and has since trialled impressively and remains well placed in Class 5. He can win again. #8 Verbier gets the chance to land the right run from barrier 2 under Moreira as he switches back to a well-proven track and distance after a game third on the all-weather. #6 Double Bingo is also set up for a clean trip from barrier 4 on the quick back-up, coming off a head second at his second run for the Ricky Yiu stable. The stable change already looks to have brought improvement. #7 Podium draws barrier 1, a key change after he made late ground from the back over 1200m off a wide draw last time, and that inside gate can see him settle closer and be more competitive.

Race 3 – GERANIUM HANDICAP
#8 To Infinity has the blinkers going on again and the quick back-up is an interesting move in a race that does not look straightforward. Barrier 2 gives him the platform to map for the right run. #3 Vermilion Tempest is worth another chance after an excusable 10th when he got stirred up and sweated up pre-race. He is better than that, although Moreira has work to do from barrier 11. #4 Fortune Star finished off well for fourth last time after settling a long way back, and in a moderate contest like this he does not need much to fall his way to be in the finish. #5 Shooting To Top had a tough run wide without cover last time and his sixth was better than it reads. This is only start three, his debut showed ability, and he is open to improvement.

Race 4 – LAVENDER HANDICAP
#6 Vigor Eye gets a golden chance to break through at start six as he switches to Happy Valley off strong Sha Tin form. Purton jumps on at the right time, barrier 2 sets him up to land handy and he is the one to beat. #1 Young Arrow drops back into Class 4 where he is one from one and gets a kinder set-up from barrier 3 after covering ground on the all-weather last time. #7 Flying Sniper draws awkwardly in barrier 11, but his fast-finishing fifth behind Elite Golf at Sha Tin was full of merit and the form stacks up. He is on the up. #10 Yeux De Lifeline is a work in progress with only four starts and resumes for the first time since late January. John Size has given him time and his trials have been encouraging, while barrier 1 gives him the chance to map sweetly for return and a chance to take a step forward.

Race 5 – THE LUSITANO CHALLENGE CUP (HANDICAP)
#11 Thunder Prince has been running well all season without landing the win and he gets his chance from barrier 1 with Purton aboard. An impressive trial win between starts keeps him right on track. #8 Little Monster has endured five straight wide draws and has had little go right in running, yet he has not been beaten far. Barrier 7 is a big improvement and gives him the chance to map far cleaner, and his second to Aurio four runs ago reads well as a form reference. #12 Winning Champion remains a work in progress as a three-year-old who has yet to win, but he is down at the foot of the weights, has a good draw, and a trial win between runs keeps him in the conversation. #4 Winning Money draws marginally better in barrier 9 after jumping from 10 first-up, when he covered ground wide throughout and still was not beaten far into seventh.

Race 6 – HEATHER HANDICAP
#8 Jumbo Blessing resumes for the first time since February after pulling up with an irregular heart rhythm. This marks just his third career run and his debut effort now reads well, running a slashing fourth as market elect behind Sight Hermoso. He has trialled nicely for the return, gets barrier 4, and Moreira taking the ride adds plenty as he looks poised to break through. #4 Beauty Show is a three-year-old on the up who ran an encouraging second on debut and looked as though he would take plenty from the experience. Natural improvement second-up can see him right there in the finish again. #1 Healthy Healthy drops into a very suitable Class 4 and his profile reads well after three placings from eight starts this season. #6 Grand Nova is first-up since early November and has trialled well for the return while barrier 1 should help him settle into a handy position and map with every chance.

Race 7 – KALANCHOE HANDICAP
#4 Together We Value made an immediate impression at this track and distance, drawing barrier 12, being eased back early, then charging into fourth and not beaten far. That was the run of a horse ready to win. #1 Horsepower comes out of the same race and ran a similar race from barrier 10, settling closer in the run than Together We Value before finishing a narrow second. Barrier 2 is the key change to his chances today. #5 Bunta Baby is in career-best form chasing a hat-trick after beating Horsepower and Together We Value last time, but barrier 11 is the query for how much work he needs to do early. #6 Central Bank disappointed on Hong Kong debut and was tipped out, but he returns after 67 days and two good trials suggest a better effort is on the cards.

Race 8 – ONCIDIUM HANDICAP
#11 Ace War has gone to another level since joining the Newnham stable, winning his last two races with plenty in hand by a combined four and a quarter lengths. That form was far too strong for Class 4 and he rises back into Class 3 as an improved horse, chasing the hat-trick and looking hard to beat again. #3 China Win remains an untapped four-year-old and the step back up to 1800m looks a plus after a close-up third over the mile. #1 Liveandletlive does his best work in front and will give his usual honest sight, with his chances tied to race shape. #5 So You Will is still coming to hand, but improving with racing, coming off a fifth beaten three-quarters of a length over 1650m on the all-weather, and the rise in trip is a new test but one he looks as though he can handle.

Race 9 – ROSELLE HANDICAP
#3 Love Together is better than his last two results suggest since stepping up to 1200m, enduring tough trips on each occasion. An impressive trial second since has him in good order, while the switch to Moreira is the key change as he looks set to get a cleaner run and bounce back. #1 Aurio kept his strong season rolling with an easy city win by a length and a half, while barrier 4 sets him up for another soft run in a race that does not look rich in early speed. Another good chance to repeat. #12 Packing Glory ticks boxes, down in the weights, barrier 1, and the blinkers back on, while his Sha Tin form reads well coming into this. #6 Greater Bae is likely to be ridden quietly from barrier 9, settling midfield or worse, then looking to launch late.

Luke Middlebrook’s tips from Idol Horse below for Happy Valley on Wednesday, Nov 19, 2025.

Happy Valley Selections for Wednesday morning, November 19, 2025

Race 1: #7 Genius Baby, #1 Sir Charge, #4 Winning Now, #2 Wave Garden
Race 2: #4 Apolar Fighter, #1 Courier Magic, #3 Sterling Wongchoy, #10 Smashing Express
Race 3: #3 Run Run Timing, #5 Legend Star, #1 Telecom Power, #6 Oriental Surprise
Race 4: #1 Samarkand, #4 California Moxie, #8 Absolute Awakened, #9 Happy Buddies
Race 5: #1 Quick Money, #2 Mr Desira, #12 Winning Machine, #6 Loving Vibes
Race 6: #10 Nebraskan, #7 Exceed The Wish, #6 King Victor, #9 Von Baer
Race 7: #7 Smart City, #10 Youth Power, #1 Top Time, #4 Northern Beast
Race 8: #1 Cheaha, #5 Loyal Bright, #4 Silo, #9 Romantic Son
Race 9: #3 Highland Rahy, #2 South Star, #11 Fantastic Fun, #10 Solid Win

Race 1 – SO KON PO HANDICAP
#7 Genius Baby makes his first start for the Brett Crawford stable and has trialled noticeably better, which is an encouraging sign that he can show more under race conditions. Barrier 2 gives him a favourable map and he has slipped far enough in the ratings to be competitive. #1 Sir Charge drops in class and is coming off his best effort yet, making late ground into seventh. A strong jockey upgrade to Hugh Bowman adds further appeal and he looks ready to take another step forward. #4 Winning Now had a tough debut from barrier 14 where he was forced to race three-wide on the speed before weakening. With an inside draw second-up, he will enjoy a far kinder trip and improve. #2 Wave Garden gets blinkers on for the first time second-up. His second attempt in Class 4 may see him take the necessary step forward.

Race 2 – TAI HANG HANDICAP
#4 Apolar Fighter is on the seven-day turnaround after a narrow second in a head-bobber, backing up his dominant three-length maiden win the start prior. Barrier 1 ensures he maps perfectly to go one better. #1 Courier Magic is knocking on the door with two seconds from as many starts this season and should relish getting back to his most proven course and distance after missing by a head on the all-weather. #3 Sterling Wongchoy looks set to map comfortably near the speed as he drops back into Class 5, which is a positive, and reuniting with Hugh Bowman is another plus given they combined to win in similar conditions five runs ago. #10 Smashing Express was well beaten last start but was eased down late after being held up behind runners. That was his first attempt in blinkers and he is capable of improving with a clear passage.

Race 3 – HING FAT HANDICAP
#3 Run Run Timing is racing well with two placings from two starts since dropping to this grade and joining the Ricky Yiu stable. Barrier 2 gives him an ideal map to settle close to the speed and he gets every chance to win again. #5 Legend Star can take full advantage of barrier 1 after a run of wide draws. His last-start fifth, where he closed strongly, was his best effort yet and suggests he is trending the right way. James McDonald taking over only strengthens his case. #1 Telecom Power should appreciate dipping into Class 5 for the first time. Barrier 5 sets him up to secure the right run under Hugh Bowman and he is well placed against this opposition. #6 Oriental Surprise is beginning to find his rhythm after a handful of encouraging runs, the latest a close second over 1000m. Back to 1200m now looks suitable.

Race 4 – CAROLINE HILL HANDICAP
#1 Samarkand has been knocking on the door and was only nailed on the line last start after attempting to make all from barrier 12. Barrier 1 gives him more flexibility this time and he looks well placed to end a long winning drought. #4 California Moxie was beaten a long way last start, but he had plenty go wrong in the run and that effort is best ignored. With Hugh Bowman back aboard and a friendlier draw, a rebound is on the cards. #8 Absolute Awakened produced his best effort yet when finishing an encouraging third on his first try at this track and trip, but shifting from barrier 1 to 11 is a possible map downgrade. #9 Happy Buddies is worth a look rising in distance. The 1200m has simply appeared too sharp for him in two runs this term, yet he has not been beaten far.

Race 5 – THE INDIAN RECREATION CLUB CHALLENGE CUP (HANDICAP)
#1 Quick Money finds a suitable assignment dropping into Class 4 third-up after two genuine efforts down the Sha Tin straight in Class 3. He faced adversity in both runs, and the booking of James McDonald here adds confidence. #2 Mr Desira has been a model of consistency this season with a win over 1200m and two placings at this trip. With his early speed he should roll forward again and give another honest account. #12 Winning Machine is improving with each run and his last-start fourth, beaten half a length, hinted that his turn is not far away. Blinkers on first time may just switch him on further. #6 Loving Vibes also gets the shades on for the first time and barrier 1 gives him the perfect map to lift on recent runs.

Race 6 – SO KON PO HANDICAP
#10 Nebraskan may still be a maiden, but he is knocking on the door after two consecutive thirds. From barrier 5 he has the option to press on, and in a race lacking speed he could find the front again and control things. #7 Exceed The Wish has been finishing off well from wide draws in his past two starts. Barrier 8 is not perfect but may allow him to settle a pair closer, and improvement in his map brings him into the conversation. #6 King Victor is an interesting runner rising to 1200m after getting run off his feet over 1000m first-up yet finding the line strongly. Barrier 1 gives him the chance to hold a much handier spot. #9 Von Baer was plain last start when finally gaining an inside draw, but a switch to a senior rider and a likely better price keep him in the mix.

Race 7 – THE LUKFOOK JEWELLERY CUP (HANDICAP)
#7 Smart City gets the setup he has been waiting for, drawing barrier 1 after two wide gates and two messy runs. With James McDonald taking over, he maps to enjoy a soft trip and is ready to win. #10 Youth Power should position himself on the speed in a race lacking genuine tempo. His eighth two back was better than it reads after he struck trouble mid-race, and his overall form this season keeps him in the conversation. #1 Top Time finds a far more suitable assignment dropping back into Class 4. Barrier 10 is not ideal, but on form he still shapes as one of the main hopes here. #4 Northern Beast is capable off his current mark and Purton sticking is a strong pointer. His last-start fourth was solid given the race shape, and he looked well in a quiet trial between runs.

Race 8 – COTTON HANDICAP
#1 Cheaha has a tricky draw to overcome, but his debut fifth was the run of a horse going places. He settled last, was more than eight lengths off the lead speed at the 400m, reducing it to a length and a half while producing the fastest final sectional of the meeting. With that run under his belt, he should take a strong step forward. #5 Loyal Bright is an unbeaten three-from-three import for the Frankie Lor stable and has trialled like he is ready to perform fresh. Barrier 2 gives him the right setup to be competitive on debut. #4 Silo resumes after a long break and a stable transfer but arrives off sound work at the trials and had his form trending upward when last seen. #9 Romantic Son has barrier 1 and can turn things around after three runs where nothing fell his way.

Race 9 – CAUSEWAY BAY HANDICAP
#3 Highland Rahy maps to control this from barrier 2 and give them all something to chase. His first-up second to Wrote A New Page reads well and last start he simply worked too hard from a wide draw before fading late. Back to a soft lead scenario, he can take beating. #2 South Star is a talent on the rise and won stylishly on his first try around the Valley. His trial between runs was just as good, but barrier 12 is a hurdle and he’ll need things to unfold perfectly. #11 Fantastic Fun has clicked since being tried at this distance, winning two straight, and although up in grade he has the right platform to measure up. #10 Solid Win has yet to fire in Class 3 but his fast-closing fourth to Sky Heart last start was impressive and a first look at Happy Valley may suit him.