Declan Schuster's Hong Kong Selections and Analysis for Wednesday, September 20, 2023

HAPPY VALLEY SELECTIONS
(Wednesday, September 20, 2023)

Race 1: #7 Hang’s Choice, #2 Happy Jai Jai, #3 Classic Archi, #1 Loyal Ambition
Race 2: #8 Stoicism, #2 Hero Star, #1 Savvy Chic, #5 Stormtrouper
Race 3: #3 Prince Alex, #5 June Planet, #4 Satirical Glory, #2 Flying Silver
Race 4: #4 Craig’s Master, #2 Diamond Soars, #8 Happily Friends, #9 Tronic Mighty
Race 5: #2 Valiant Elegance, #3 Galvanic, #5 Magic Supreme, #6 Island Bright
Race 6: #6 Capital Legend, #9 Up And Up, #1 Winning Dragon, #3 Viva Hunter
Race 7: #4 Toronado Phantom, #5 Keep You Warm, #7 Allgreektome, #2 Solid Impact
Race 8: #8 Turin Redsun, #11 Helene Feeling, #4 Berlin Tango, #6 Rise Brethren

Race 1: Chatham Handicap

#7 Hang’s Choice can improve following his first-up run. He slots in light, draws ideally and gets a much better chance here at a course he has previously raced well at. One to beat. #2 Happy Jai Jai has returned to a winning mark. He trialled well at Conghua and looks wound-up to perform strongly first-up for Zac Purton. #3 Classic Archi found consistency at the tail-end of last season. The inside draw is a bonus and he has strong claims. #1 Loyal Ambition is not without a hope. Next in line.

Race 2: Association Of Official Racing Chemists Handicap

The biggest question facing #8 Stoicism is his ability to overcome the wide gate. If he does, he can win and his recent trackwork and trials suggest that he’s in very good condition. He’s worth taking a chance on here. #2 Hero Star has the positive racing pattern that can see him over the line. He’ll take catching under Alexis Badel. #1 Savvy Chic is better than his record suggests and he has several more rating points still in hand. #5 Stormtrouper should have won a race last season. Still, keep him safe.

Race 3: International Group Of Specialist Racing Veterinarians Handicap

#3 Prince Alex is a nice horse and he’s shown that he’s more than capable of notching a first win in Hong Kong. He’s done his best work at Happy Valley and this grade of racing is suitable. Good draw, good jockey and this is the right race. #5 June Planet can improve second-up this season. Hugh Bowman’s booking is worth close watching. #4 Satirical Glory can mix his form but is not without his chance among the small field. #2 Flying Silver is a two-time winner in this grade. Don’t discount.

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Race 4: Hung Hom Bay Handicap

#4 Craig’s Master makes the step down to Class 5. He can improve sharply here and the inside draw gives him every opportunity to do so, especially with Derek Leung engaged. He’s worth taking a chance on. #2 Diamond Soars returns to a suitable class. He’ll get the gun run and give this group something to worry about. #8 Happily Friends races well fresh and the draw is suitable. He looks fired up to perform strongly upon resumption. He won first-up last season. #9 Tronic Mighty is next in line. Don’t discount.

Race 5: The International Conference Of Racing Analysts And Veterinarians Cup Handicap

#2 Valiant Elegance is the likely leader and his inclusion in this grade is a big, big bonus. He draws ideally and Lyle Hewitson knows the horse well. One to reel in. #3 Galvanic continues to take big strides forward. He has the talent and appears to be improving very nicely. He’s worth an each way ticket. #5 Magic Supreme should also roll forward and take up a prominent position. The inside draw is an advantage. #6 Island Bright makes his debut but he has done enough at home to suggest he has ability. Keep safe.

Race 6: Hung Luen Handicap

#6 Capital Legend didn’t have much luck first-up this season, however, his fortunes can improve this week. He’s been training well and he’ll be raring to go now with that effort under his belt. He’s worth a chance in this contest. #9 Up And Up caught the eye with an impressive trial ahead of resumption. Expecting him to take another step forward this season. #1 Winning Dragon is expected to roll forward in a bid to offset the draw. He can surprise at odds. #3 Viva Hunter maps to get the right run. He has claims.

Race 7: Tsim Sha Tsui East Handicap

#4 Toronado Phantom is competitive, especially in this grade over the course and distance. He has an ideal draw and the pace should be on here, which suits him. One to beat at odds. #5 Keep You Warm has returned to a competitive mark. Hugh Bowman’s booking is a plus and the inside gate should afford him a sweet run throughout. #7 Allgreektome has the class to be winning here. He still has improvement to come. #2 Solid Impact has trialled well and appears to be doing everything right.

Race 8: Victoria Harbour Handicap

#8 Turin Redsun finds a suitable starting point. He’s been competitive at Group 2 and Group 3 level previously. He can win if he manages to bring that form. His latest trial was sound. #11 Helene Feeling is on a Four-Year-Old Classic Series campaign. He has the wide draw to contend with here, though he does have enough ability to cause this group a problem. #4 Berlin Tango has an ideal draw. Hugh Bowman should ensure he goes very close this week. #6 Rise Brethren has class. He is nothing but consistent.