Free betting tips for Wednesday's card at Happy Valley | The Hong Kong File

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Global stars out in force as HK aces lie in wait

Wednesday morning at Sha Tin and the international trackwork for Sunday’s FWD Champions Day is moving up a notch.

British raider Royal Champion does some easy AW work ahead of his clash with fellow eight-year-old globetrotter Romantic Warrior in the QEII Cup.

Fellow QEII hope Masquerade Ball strides out fluently on turf less than 24 hours after Christophe Lemaire tells Nick Luck that “he could become one of the best horses in Japanese horse racing history.”

Festooned with vivid orange accoutrements, crack Japanese raider Jantar Mantar charges up the home straight powerfully ahead of his bid to land the Champions Mile.

And Sosie (QEII Cup), Docklands (Champions Mile) and Comanche Brave (Sprint) add to the European flavour as the local spotlight switches to a nine-race midweek card at Happy Valley that sees Joao Moreira and Zac Purton loom as large as ever.

12.10: It’s rare I dabble at Class 5 level, but VERBIER has plenty going for him after winning here in March and catching the eye travelling powerfully for a long way on the AW at Sha Tin last time. The return to 1200m looks a plus, while the addition of Joao for the first time suggests that he might find a bit more improvement from a fair mark.

1.10: This doesn’t look a strong Class 4 and VIGOR EYE and Purton look a strong combination. David Hayes’s unexposed gelding has shown plenty of dash at Sha Tin, most recently when collared close home by the progressive Better And Better, and stall 2 looks ideal with Purton aboard for the first time on his Valley debut.

2.10: Beauty Show showed bags of speed for Purton on his debut here recently, but those planning to wade in at short odds need to note there are several other potential front runners on deck. Healthy Healthy is a fair longshot back at his favoured Valley, while money for the unexposed Jumbo Blessing suggests Moreira’s mount is another worth close consideration.

2.45: Bunta Baby has done the file several favours this season, including when swooping late over course and distance last month, but a 7lb hike from a wide gate asks a new question and HORSEPOWER looks a fair alternative. Frankie Lor’s gelding emerged best of the rest behind BB four weeks ago, staying on strongly from a wide gate, and a 7lb pull from gate 2 this time should give him every chance of going close again.

3.15: A strong Class 3 with several front runners and a strong hand of UK imports headed by reliable front runner Liveanletlive and the upwardly mobile Ace War. The latter thrived for Gemma Tutty when known as King Of Spain in 2024 and he’s bolted up twice under Purton since joining the excellent Mark Newnham.

He still looks nicely treated despite a 9lb hike for his return to Class 3, but taking two against the field looks the way to go here and the likeable and progressive CHINA WIN is another with loads to recommend him after catching the eye several times at the Valley and Sha Tin in recent months.

Wednesday’s Valley Views

12.10: Verbier

1.10: Vigor Eye

2.45: Horsepower

3.15: Ace War/China Win

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