Hong Kong Wednesday morning: Picks, analysis, free PPs

HAPPY VALLEY SELECTIONS by Declan Schuster
(Wednesday, December 21, 2022)

Race 1: #7 Encore, #1 Strive For Glory, #2 Sunshine Legendary, #8 Day Day Rich
Race 2: #9 Natural Storm, #4 Hit The Shot, #3 Five G Patch, #8 Lucky Diamond 
Race 3: #7 Smiling City, #6 Mr Fun, #2 Brave Star, #1 Sight Hero 
Race 4: #10 Heavenly Thought, #3 Flying On The Turf, #2 Take What You Need, #8 Handsome Guys 
Race 5: #9 Faribault, #4 Juneau Flash, #2 Circuit Seven, #11 One For All 
Race 6: #12 Glorious Lover, #7 Turin Warrior, #3 Lucky Gold, #5 Fearless Fire 
Race 7: #11 Sixth Generation, #1 H Z Tourbillon, #5 Howdeepisyourlove, #2 Hercules 
Race 8: #7 Sky Forever, #1 Star Brite, #2 Nicconi County, #9 Leslie  
Race 9: #11 Nordic Dragon, #1 Excellent Peers, #10 Hyper Dragon Ball, #2 Super Fortune

Race 1: Mercury Handicap (2nd Section)

#7 Encore looks like he can make the most of a hot tempo. Expecting they run along here and he’s shown in the past that his best form has come over this course and distance. #1 Strive For Glory is one of those who is likely to lead. He’s back in Class 5 here which is a big plus, especially with Zac Purton hopping up. #2 Sunshine Legendary caught the eye closing off late last start. He’s mixed his form so far but it does look like he’s taking the right steps forward now. #8 Day Day Rich has class and speed. Don’t discount.

Race 2: Venus Handicap

#9 Natural Storm does his best racing over this course and distance. He narrowly missed two runs back and he only needs to replicate that effort to be a leading contender here. #4 Hit The Shot has the class. He won well two starts ago and will benefit getting out over this journey once again. #3 Five G Patch is expected to improve sharply third-up this term. Big watch on him here, especially with Hugh Bowman hopping up. #8 Lucky Diamond can find the front and run this group along. Keep safe.

Race 3: Mars Handicap (2nd Section)

#7 Smiling City is a much improved horse at Happy Valley. His last run was poor but he was set a huge task from the tail of the field at Sha Tin. The inside gate should allow him to roll forward and Hugh Bowman’s booking is a good push. #6 Mr Fun caught the eye with a slashing third on debut. Zac Purton hops up now and he looks to have his fair share of ability. #2 Brave Star can turn his form around. He’s better than his last-start seventh suggests. #1 Sight Hero loves the course and distance. Next best.

Race 4: Mercury Handicap (1st Section)

#10 Heavenly Thought is better than his record suggests. He’s tumbled down to Class 5 and his first-up run this term was sound. His work at Conghua has looked very good and his best form is good enough to win here. #3 Flying On The Turf is taking the right steps forward. He’s third-up this week and his race-fitness should be nearing its peak. #2 Take What You Need is favoured from gate one. He’s in sound form and should be able to capitalise from the good gate. #8 Handsome Guys has claims. Huge effort last start.

Race 5: The American Club Challenge Cup Handicap

#9 Faribault is in the right vein of form and he deserves another win here. Strong booking of Zac Purton enhances his claims as he steps away favourably…