[FREE PROGRAMS] HONG KONG HAPPY VALLEY - JULY 9 ,2025
Race 1 – HAWTHORN HANDICAP
#11 Ace Talent resumes off a 63-day break but placed in both starts over this course and distance before the let up, leading each time, and from barrier 3 he looks to get his own way in front again. #1 Colonel drops back into Class 5 and, while better suited over 1200m, he’s more than capable of giving a bold sight from the front. #6 Modest Gentleman is better placed back in distance and can be forgiven for his last effort from a wide gate—his prior form reads well. #10 Happy Tango also resumes and, with a solid record over the track and trip, is a likely improver fresh.
Race 2 – MAGNOLIA HANDICAP
#3 Courier Magic is one from two in Class 5 and has been racing consistently since joining the Manfred Man yard, not beaten far in stronger Class 4 races. Back in grade, he finds the right set-up to return to winning form. #4 Windicator Family has turned a corner since the visor went on and a drop in the ratings. He broke through four starts ago and hasn’t missed the placings in three runs since. #6 Shinkansen went too hard in front in his Class 5 debut and faded late, but wasn’t beaten far. A better-timed ride could see him in the finish. #12 Beau Gosse is hard to back with confidence but has placed in his last two and, with no weight on his back, could sneak into the minors again.
Race 3 – GARDEN HANDICAP
#1 Jolly Ruler takes a drop in grade and looks the one to beat. He’s won two of five in Class 4 and returns to the scene of his last victory, where he scored with something in hand. #7 Flowing Riches steps out at Happy Valley for the first time after two solid Sha Tin efforts, including a debut second followed by a strong showing in a fast-run race where he stuck on from a handy spot. #2 California Deeply closed strongly for third to Young Arrow last start and profiles as a major threat again if the tempo is solid. Tactical Command was an unlucky runner-up when held up late and with clearer running, he won’t be far away.
Race 4 – FA PO HANDICAP
#10 Day Day Victory gets back to his preferred course and trip after finding Sha Tin unsuitable last start. While he’s yet to win in Class 4, his close second over this track and distance two runs back puts him in the mix in an open race. #1 Lean Master sets the benchmark off his recent win, but has never strung back-to-back wins together and the stable has a similar trend, which casts some doubt. #2 Happy United was runner-up to Lean Master two back and that form holds up. #9 Happy Boys is only a three-year-old and comes off a career-best third to Candlelight Dinner over this course and trip—he’s on the up.
Race 5 – GREEN HANDICAP
#11 Meepmeep has been luckless with wide draws since returning to Class 4 but continues to hit the line well and deserves another look. #3 Prince Alex resumes from barrier 1 with Hugh Bowman booked. He won back-to-back earlier in the season and looks a key player if he returns anywhere near that level. #1 Capital Legend has thrived since the blinkers went on, delivering a win and two seconds from his past four starts and draws low to map with every chance. #2 Glorious Journey was a beaten favourite last time but had valid excuses, found with blood in the trachea post-race and is worth forgiving.
Race 6 – BRIAR HANDICAP
#3 Whizz Kid is a proven performer over this track and trip, and from a handy draw, he’ll roll forward, make his own luck and be in with a shout to notch his first season win. #2 Superb Capitalist maps to get the ideal run just off a strong speed and looks poised to pounce late, much like he did last start when a neck better than Youthful Spirits. #1 Youthful Spirits is consistent and honest, and while he doesn’t win out of turn, he’ll give a sight up on the pace. #6 Candlelight Dinner surged to a dominant all-the-way win in Class 4 and despite the class rise, he looks progressive and ready to take the next step.
Race 7 – GARDEN HANDICAP
#2 Enjoy Golf has been knocking on the door all season with seven placings from ten starts, including efforts behind the likes of Ahren and Little Paradise which read well for this grade. He’s been consistent and deserves a breakthrough. #1 Denfield responded well to the drop in class last time, finishing in the money after a wide trip and looks a key contender if he gets a softer run. #4 Bienvenue scored his maiden win two starts ago but pulled up with blood in the trachea when beaten as favourite last time. He’s worth forgiving and gets the chance to atone. #3 Fortune Whiskey has been honest since moving to the David Eustace yard and remains one to consider for the minors.
Race 8 – BEGONIA HANDICAP
#8 Beauty Alliance looks ready to strike after a strong third over 1400m last start, a trip short of his best. He’s two from three over this course and distance and gets the right set-up to return to winning ways. #10 Winning Wing is yet to race at Happy Valley but brings strong Sha Tin form. He stuck on well for third over this trip last time despite a tough run and from barrier 3 should get every chance. #9 Cambridge has hit form late in the season with a win and a second over this track and trip. He rises in grade but drops in weight. #5 Flamingo Trillion hasn’t won since this time last year in Class 3 but is a chance to give a sight if he can find the front.
Race 9 – COTTON TREE HANDICAP
#9 Very Grateful has shaped nicely in both local starts, finishing within two lengths each time, and looks primed to peak third-up with blinkers applied—the same gear he wore when winning in New Zealand. #10 Everstar maps for a soft run from barrier 1 and can atone for last start when held up at a crucial stage. #2 Power Koepp has thrived since the stable switch to Mark Newnham, notching two wins and three seconds from five runs, and from another good draw, remains a leading player. #1 Wings Of War made late inroads first-up and with that run under his belt, can take another step.