Our Hong Kong expert Graham Cunningham takes a look at Wednesday's card at Happy Valley live on Sky Sports Racing.
Paradise found for Vincent as daring Dylan doubles up
Several things seem clear after a significant Sha Tin Sunday.
Jimmy Ting looks like he has found an ace in Little Paradise, who emerged from heavy traffic with a rasping turn of foot to run away with the Classic Mile under Vincent Ho.
Zac Purton’s search for a first success in the first leg of the Classic Series goes on and the Aussie – who got off the winner to ride Sagacious Life – didn’t seem at all happy with life by summing up his fourth placed effort as “terrible.”
Patch Of Theta punched his ticket for a crack at the mighty Ka Ying Rising in the Queen’s Silver Jubilee Cup (February 22nd) by wearing down File fancy Drombeg Banner in the Mirs Bay Handicap.
John Size has left his usual sluggish start way behind and moved into fifth in the trainers’ table with a treble completed by Super Express in the finale.
Meanwhile, Dylan Browne McMonagle is flying down in Hong Kong! He has yet to ride a favourite and the average SP of his rides has been 16/1, but in the last fortnight he has ridden 5 winners at a strike rate of 20% including a double today (34/1 and 15/2). pic.twitter.com/wr5vEpT7mf
— Kevin Blake (@kevinblake2011) February 1, 2026
And aided by a burgeoning link with Size, a young newcomer is quietly laying the foundations for a very rewarding first HK stint.
Dylan Browne McMonagle knew nothing was promised when he started a three-month contract on New Year’s Day and, like most new arrivals, has found it hard to get on leading fancies.
However, the Irish champion is adapting quickly and a big-priced double on Master Lucky and Blazing Wukong means he has ridden five winners in as many meetings for a handy £860.000 in prize money.
Feeling the Breeze
Wednesday’s Happy Valley card looks tough but taking a couple against the field might just pay off, starting with the Shan Kwong Handicap at 11.35.
HELENE FEELING and SILVERY BREEZE are the two to focus on in a valuable Class 2 that comes up earlier on the card than usual because it’s attracted just the eight runners.
Several of them look very closely matched but Helene Feeling is a rugged, consistent operator at this level. His latest fine effort at the Valley can be upgraded slightly due to a wide trip, while Silvery Breeze is a solid saver option after coming home strongly from a poor position to chase home the bang-in-form Max Que three weeks ago.
Love and Legend
LOVE TOGETHER is the obvious favourite for the King Kwong Handicap at 1.05 as he lines up fresh from a decisive course and distance success with the prospect of further improvement to come.
Another bold effort looks assured with Vincent back aboard from a 7lb higher mark, but inside speed can be very dangerous when the rail is out wide at the Valley.
Step forward PI LEGEND. Dennis Yip’s gelding hasn’t quite lived up to the promise of his barrier trial wins in two 1200m starts at Sha Tin but he caught the eye on both occasions – showing a high cruising speed for a long way – and the fact that Purton sticks with him for his Valley debut back at the minimum trip is notable.
Rider on the storm
Lastly this Wednesday, a few words on a couple of very trappy 1200m handicaps.
Purton will corner plenty of support on the progressive Perfect Day in the Sing Woo Handicap at 1.40, but California Blitz remains in fine form and it wouldn’t be surprising to see Power Koepp go well at a big price as his rating continues to slip.
Storm Rider recorded his third win of the season with a smooth defeat of Regal Gem and Brave Star last month and the draw has been kind again as he bids to defy an 8lb hike in the Blue Pool Handicap at 2.15.
The only negative is a shortish price – probably a shade under 2/1 – and a 7lb pull in the weights makes Brave Star a likely lad for those who prefer to trade at longer odds.
Wednesday’s Valley Views
11.35: Helene Feeling/Silvery Breeze?
1.05: Love Together/Pi Legend
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