Jolly Convergence seeks elusive Hong Kong victory

Jolly Convergence is winless in nine starts in Hong Kong this season, but the gelding’s record is not as discouraging as it seems.

Jolly Convergence was second, beaten three-quarters of a length, in a troubled trip in a six-furlong handicap June 7 and returns at the same level of competition in Wednesday’s $158,375 Lantau Island Handicap at six furlongs on turf at Happy Valley Racecourse.

Jolly Convergence, who will be ridden by Neil Callan, has been assigned 130 pounds in the field of 12, three less than topweight Harriet Jet, who is winless in his last three starts. Jolly Convergence has yet to win in 10 starts in Hong Kong, but was a minor stakes winner in Ireland in 2015.

Racing under the name Waipu Cove, Jolly Convergence won the El Gran Senor Stakes for 2-year-olds at Tipperary. Horses frequently have their names changed when they are transferred to Hong Kong.

Harrier Jet has raced against tougher rivals in his last three starts and takes a drop in class to a lower level of handicap in the Lantau Island. Harrier Jet is a danger from well off the pace and will be in pursuit of Hella Hedge, who led throughout a six-furlong handicap in February but has lost his last two starts.

Hella Hedge has not raced since finishing seventh in a handicap on April 26.

The Lantau Island Handicap is the seventh of eight races at Happy Valley on Wednesday. Wagering is available on DRFBets.com.

:: Get free PPs, analysis, selections, and watch Wednesday's card live.

The final race on the program is the $158,375 Cheung Chau Handicap at about a mile on turf. The field of 12 lacks a standout, although there will be support for Bullish Smart, who shares highweight of 133 pounds.

A 6-year-old German-bred gelding, Bullish Smart won a handicap at Happy Valley on Feb. 8, but was fifth or sixth in three starts against higher-class rivals at Sha Tin Racecourse in February, March, and April.

Golden Sleep, assigned 114 pounds, is the only runner in the field with a win in his last start, a handicap at about a mile at Happy Valley on April 26.

Kiram, who carries 115 pounds, has been a close second in two starts against lesser competition and could be a factor with a better trip than he has encountered in recent races.