Our Hong Kong expert Graham Cunningham previews Wednesday's card at Happy Valley live on Sky Sports Racing.
Warrior preparing for another battle as Francis hits a treble
Francis Lui is heading into a big week in fine form after a Sunday treble at Sha Tin moved him up to fourth in a congested trainers’ table.
Nichola Yuen continues to make full use of her valuable 10lb allowance and made it nine wins from 61 rides with a double aboard On The Lash and Run Run Timing.
Evergreen superstar Romantic Warrior looks ready to roll again as he bids for a 15th G1 success in this Sunday’s Standard Chartered Champions & Chater Cup.
But the Caspar and Joao show is testing the patience of HK punters after a third blank meeting in a row.
Fortune looks a tough cookie
The Fownes and Moreira partnership went 0-10 on Sunday – with numerous fancied contenders turned over – and their eight chances on Wednesday’s Happy Valley card include Decision Link in the Dandelion Handicap over 1650m at 1.10.
A strong-finishing Valley winner over 1200m winner in April, this gelding keeps giving the impression that a step up to a mile ought to suit him.
But taking 2/1 or shorter about a horse who takes time to warm up seems a risky proposition and FORTUNE STAR is an appealing win and place alternative.
Mark Newnham’s grey is only 2lb higher than when zipping up the inner for a decisive course and distance win in January and he’s run much better than the result suggests on both his last two starts, keeping on from off the pace in tactical contests that clearly favoured the early leaders.
Recent winner Another Zonda should ensure a decent pace this time. Add in the fact that Fortune Star has Hughie Bowman aboard for the first time and he looks one of the best bets on what is a typically trappy Valley card.
Tycoon set for another return on investment
They’ve saved the best until last on Wednesday but, with a raft of bang-in-form sprinters on deck for the class 2 Thistle Handicap at 15.50, finding a confident bet is tough.
A fast pace looks assured, and the progressive Sight Hermoso looks a fair option for those tempted to crack the puzzle, while the dependable Do Your Part is worth keeping an eye on despite an awkward draw in an open-looking Hyacinth Handicap at 14.45.
But TYCOON RESOURCES is nominated as the second midweek selection as he bids to follow up a highly encouraging success under Angus Chung last month.
History shows that making a winning debut in Class 4 company over 1000m at the Valley is very difficult but Tycoon Resources bucked the trend, travelling strongly and mastering fellow newcomer Beauty Show despite edging right close home.
Beauty Show reopposes after a decent subsequent effort, while the speedy Bits Superstar is another to note from the inside alley, but Tycoon Resources gets the main vote.
The scales show that he’s put on 33lb in recent weeks, while trainer Tony Cruz is hoping the rain stays away, but this gelding looks better than a Class 4 dasher and deserves the chance to prove it here.
Wednesday’s Valley Views
- 13.10: Fortune Star (EW)
- 13.40: Tycoon Resources
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