ICE HOUSE HANDICAP
#2 Smashing Express is primed for a breakthrough after two highly encouraging efforts in this class. He’s drawn well in a low barrier, but Hugh Bowman will need to get the gelding to settle closer in what looks to be a race lacking early speed. #12 Red Maverick benefits from a slightly better draw after being ridden quietly from a wide gate last start, where he over-raced. Previously, when mapping closer, he finished a close third and represents a chance at odds. #5 Go Go Go will likely find himself on the pace, and if the tempo is moderate, he’ll be tough to reel in late. #6 Kasa Papa has been knocking on the door with four promising runs in this class. With Zac Purton taking over the reins, he looks ready to capitalise on his encouraging form.
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LAMBETH HANDICAP
#9 Me Time won impressively two starts ago over this course and trip but faced a wide draw last time, running strongly from last to finish fourth. Back to a low draw, he can return to winning ways for Zac Purton and Douglas Whyte. #4 Highland Rahy is edging closer to his first Hong Kong win and looks set to run boldly on the pace. The rise in distance aligns well with his overseas form. #1 Charity Gain has shown potential but will need luck from barrier 11, likely settling back and relying on tempo for a late charge. #8 Good Good is expected to improve second-up after a moderate return over the extended mile. His previous form at this distance suggests he will be much more competitive this time.
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MURRAY HANDICAP
#11 Take Action was last seen running a commendable third after an awkward start saw him lose ground. He made a bold mid-race move near the 700 metres, racing wide and without cover, finishing two lengths behind Embraces. That form has been franked with Embraces winning a Class 3 at Sha Tin on Sunday. #8 Wah May Wai Wai may dictate from the front with little competition for the lead on paper, allowing him to follow up on his last-start second to Embraces. #2 Happy Daily has been pleasingly consistent this preparation. Although drawn wide in barrier 12, Zac Purton takes the reins, which could counteract the tricky gate. #6 Corleone is steadily improving, and his maiden win looks imminent. He also ran in the Embraces race, closing strongly for fourth despite being hemmed up mid-straight.
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JACKSON HANDICAP
#6 Bottomuptogether is chasing his first win this campaign and finds a winnable race following solid efforts in strong form races, including a runner-up finish to Rubylot four starts ago and a game third to Raging Blizzard last time after setting a strong early pace. Barrier 1 and Zac Purton aboard add to his appeal. #5 Brave Star resumes in Class 2 after completing a hat-trick of wins last preparation. While the 1000m trip is a question mark, he profiles as a late closer and will be finishing strongly off a fast tempo. #7 Stellar Express makes his Happy Valley debut after racing exclusively at Sha Tin but must be respected following his last-start win in this grade. #8 Healthy Healthy has been consistent this season and should give his usual honest account racing prominently.
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THE HONG KONG CLUB CHALLENGE CUP (HANDICAP)
#1 Happy United is well-placed on the downgrade after mixed form in Class 3. His strong course and distance record enhances his prospects, and Zac Purton taking the ride from barrier 1 adds further confidence.#5 Bits Superstar is showing improvement with more racing in Hong Kong and indicated his form is on the up last start with a fast-finishing fifth from a wide gate. Moving into barrier 3 is a positive. #7 Rewarding Twinkle caught the eye with his late charge into fifth over 1200m last time, beaten under two lengths despite drawing widest. He has displayed tactical speed in trials and could settle closer with early intent, but barrier 11 is the query. #6 Champion Method had excuses last start, pulling up with blood in the trachea, but his big win two starts ago off the back of a betting plunge makes him worth watching again, especially if market support returns.
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CLUB HANDICAP
#7 Sea Sapphire was caught late after leading until the 100m mark at Sha Tin last start, eventually fading into fourth behind the up-and-comer Masterofmyuniverse, having set a strong tempo. On paper, he appears likely to enjoy a softer lead this time and will give a sight. #1 Smart Fighter has hit form with back-to-back wins, benefiting from low draws, but now faces the challenge of barrier 10, which may prove testing. #3 Telecom Dragon has also drawn wide but stands out on form with three consecutive placings in competitive races. He could offer better value here after being overbet into odds-on last start. #9 Gimme Five has been performing encouragingly and should offer great value from an inside gate.
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CLUB HANDICAP
#1 Yee Cheong Spirit disappointed last start after his impressive maiden win at his prior outing. He’s better than that, as his recent steward-enforced trial suggests, and he can bounce back here. #2 Northern Fire Ball is an improving three-year-old and, after enduring a run of wide barrier draws, took full advantage of a low gate last start over this course and distance. He made all in the run to win comfortably by 1¾ lengths and looks one to follow. #5 Super Charizzard has yet to place in seven attempts in Class 4, but it’s hard to fault his current form after a convincing victory last time in Class 5. #8 Telecom Power finished a close fourth to Northern Fire Ball last start and looks a chance to be in the mix again.
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CHATER HANDICAP
#2 Pray For Mir boasts strong formlines heading into this race, including a win over Voyage Samurai four starts ago. He has since performed commendably, highlighted by a last-start second to Californiatotality after leading the field at a solid tempo. Zac Purton takes the ride, and barrier 3 ensures he maps perfectly. #4 Soleil Fighter broke through for his first Hong Kong win two starts ago and held his form well to finish third last time. From barrier 2, he should again be competitive. #8 Glorious Journey had clear excuses last start when blundering near the 1000m after striking the heels of another runner. He raced wide two runs back but showed promise three starts ago with a close second to Jumbo Legend. #12 Forever Glorious steps into uncharted territory in Class 3 but maps to get a favourable run from his low draw. Carrying a light weight under Dylan Mo, who has been making the most of his recent opportunities, he’s an interesting outsider.
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CONNAUGHT HANDICAP
#1 Aurora Lady continues his upward trajectory as he seeks a hat-trick of wins and his fourth victory this season. The Pierre Ng-trained runner has climbed swiftly through the handicap and is poised to win his way into Class 2. #9 Spicy Gold is a likeable prospect returning on a quick seven-day turnaround after narrowly missing out here last week. Prior to that, he was an unlucky fifth behind Aurora Lady, held up for the final 300m. #11 Flying Fortress is an intriguing contender from barrier 1. Third-up in Hong Kong, he showed early speed first-up at Sha Tin before a closing sixth over this course and distance behind Aurora Lady last time out. #6 Chateauneuf is building towards another win. He started favourite two runs ago in the race won by Aurora Lady but had valid excuses before rebounding strongly to finish second to Storming Dragon at Sha Tin last start.
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