Declan Schuster's Hong Kong selections and analysis for Wednesday, June 5, 2019

HAPPY VALLEY SELECTIONS

(Wednesday, June 5, 2019)

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Race 1: #5 Tashidelek, #8 Salto Olimpico, #7 God Of Dragon, #1 Giant Turtle

Race 2: #5 Golden Cannon, #3 Lucky Shiny Day, #11 Winning Circle, #4 Godspeed

Race 3: #4 Snap Fit, #11 Demon’s Rock, #6 Hong Kong Win, #2 Everbrave

Race 4: #5 Reliable Team, #1 Oriental Elite, #4 Packing Rockstar, #10 High Rev

Race 5: #4 Enjoy Life, #1 Happy Warrior, #5 Remarkable, #2 Electric Lightning

Race 6: #4 Cordyceps, #9 Perfect Pair, #11 All You Know, #3 Beauty Icon

Race 7: #4 Smart Leader, #2 Harrier Jet, #11 Jumbo Prize, #7 Golden Dash

Race 8: #11 Chefano, #2 Glorious Artist, #7 Brave Legend, #12 Not Usual Talent

Race 1: High West Handicap

#5 Tashidelek makes his first start for John Moore, following a transfer from the Jimmy Ting yard. Previously trained in Australia, he was a winner over 2130m at Warwick Farm. He’ll be fit and a return to Happy Valley could be what he needs to break through. #8 Salto Olimpico has refused to win on a number of occasions. He comes into this following a string of placings and he remains an excellent chance yet again with just 114lb to carry. #7 God Of Dragon has found form. He’s yet to race beyond 1650m but the step up to 2200m could be what he’s after, having been beaten for speed of late. #1 Giant Turtle has the class edge, however he’ll need to shoulder top weight.

Race 2: Tseung Kwan O Handicap

#5 Golden Cannon has only missed the top two once from his last four runs. Slight concern about the pace in the race, but nevertheless Vincent Ho should use the gate to push forward and give him every chance. #3 Lucky Shiny Day is winless from 17 tries. He does hold three runner-up efforts this season and although he needs to improve drastically, a competitive performance appears to be nearing and he’s the value. #11 Winning Circle is another who is winless. He’s largely struggled across his career and since his debut he’s dropped 21 points in the ratings to an uninspiring 31. He’ll use the rail to sit on the speed which could see him earn some prizemoney. #4 Godspeed gets Zac Purton for the first time. Hong Kong’s leading rider claimed six wins last Sunday and his booking speaks volumes.

Race 3: San Po Kong Handicap

#4 Snap Fit was an impressive debut winner over this course and distance in January. He’s trialled twice since and in each he’s given the impression that he was capable of making it an unbeaten two. #11 Demon’s Rock has struggled across his 14-start career. He’s yet to record a top three placing which is a concern, but he’s steadily lowered his rating to a competitive mark. #6 Hong Kong Win has finished runner-up in his last two outings. He’ll need to overcome the wide draw, but he’s done enough to suggest that he is up to the task. #2 Everbrave got off the mark last start. He’s next best.

Race 4: To Kwa Wan Handicap

#5 Reliable Team was impressive in a recent trial on the turf at Happy Valley. Zac Purton retains the ride for his debut which is a strong push in regard to his chances and he should prove tough to beat, as long he overcomes the wide draw. #1 Oriental Elite has the runs on the board. He impressed early this season before struggling in his last two. His best this season is up to this and the soft gate should ensure he finds himself in the right spot. #4 Packing Rockstar is another on debut who impressed in a turf trial at Happy Valley. He has the gate to lead, which is exactly where he should be early. #10 High Rev is not without a place chance.

Race 5: Cheung Sha Wan Handicap

#4 Enjoy Life was an excellent two length winner last start under Derek Leung. He was impressive flashing home from midfield to score, and from the draw he maps to get a similar run in transit. #1 Happy Warrior regains the services of Zac Purton, the only jockey to have won on him. He was awful last start, but he backs up here and since then he hasn’t missed a beat on the training track. He’s entitled to bounce back. #5 Remarkable is a three-time dirt winner. He can get into the finish from the good draw. #2 Electric Lightning is worth including off recent performances.

Race 6: Hung Hom Handicap

#4 Cordyceps has been a model of consistency this season, crafting an imposing record (9: 1-4-2) which arguably should have seen him record one or two more wins. He makes his Happy Valley debut which is never easy, but his forward style of racing should give him every chance. #9 Perfect Pair could only manage fourth last start when he attempted to seal the hat-trick. He can’t be overlooked with Joao Moreira returning to the plate. #11 All You Know is better ridden close to the speed and he should be able to get there with ease from stall 4. #3 Beauty Icon is improving with each outing and he bears close watching.

Race 7: Cheung Sha Wan Handicap

#4 Smart Leader is nearing a breakthrough win. He’s placed in his last four and the wide draw cost him dearly last start, however prior from the inside gate he was less than a length off winning. He rarely runs poorly and this race appears suitable. #2 Harrier Jet has hit form having placed in his last two runs. He’s reached a winning mark and he is expected to get every chance. #11 Jumbo Prize makes his Class 3 debut following an impressive win last start. He deserves respect being a course and distance winner. #7 Golden Dash is lightly raced and he’s capable of progressing further this season. He can run well again here.

Race 8: Hung Hom Handicap

#11 Chefano was excellent two starts ago over 1650m, closing strongly to finish fourth. He was stepped up to 2000m last start which saw him struggle, but his sole Happy Valley run was impressive and he gave every indication that 1800m was his distance. #2 Glorious Artist got off the mark last start on the dirt. He’s yet to win on turf, but his form leading into this has been top notch and he takes a liking to the surface, he’ll go very close. #7 Brave Legend seeks the hat-trick. He makes his Class 2 debut which is always difficult, but if he gets a race run to suit he’ll be swooping late. #12 Not Usual Talent has finished inside the top two in four of his last five starts including a win. He’ll make his presence felt with the bottom weight.