HWAMEI HANDICAP
#9 Lucky Banner may find himself in front controlling the tempo. It’s been a long time between drinks for the five-year-old, but he won’t get a better chance to break through for another win than in this week’s assignment. #1 Billionaire Secret resumes first-up for his new stable under Jimmy Ting. He is always a contender at Class 4 level and can be competitive here. #7 Hakka Radiance has slipped down the ratings and steps out for Danny Shum for the first time. His trials suggest he can turn his form around. #4 Excel Wongchoy was showing improvement late last season, and he looks ready to take the next step.
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MAGPIE HANDICAP
#6 Precision Goal was a gallant third upon resuming after setting the pace. He will strip fitter now and should receive a gun run from barrier 2. #1 Go Go Go finally broke his long-standing maiden first-up, and it’s tough to see him out of the finish, especially with Purton sticking from barrier 1. #8 Medic Elite will relish the step up to his best distance second-up after a solid late effort first-up. #2 Viva A La was a dominant winner first-up over 1200m, leading comfortably to score. Apprentice Britney Wong claims 10lb, and this looks like a good opportunity for her to figure in the finish.
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PARROT HANDICAP
#5 Storming Dragon went close to breaking through several times last season, placing in three of his four starts. This looks his race to lose. #4 Fun N Fun Together ended last season with a strong third behind up-and-comer Courier Aladdin and should be knocking on the door for a win soon. #7 Sugar Ball dropped in the ratings last term and finished with his best run yet when third to First Love. His trials suggest he's ready to fire first-up. #6 Pearl Of Pang’s attracted market support on debut but needed the experience. Expect him to improve second-up.
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SHRIKE HANDICAP
#1 Santorini is a progressive three-year-old who looks poised to continue his winning form after a strong breakthrough victory last start. #2 Run Yes Run struggled on a rain-affected track last time out but is better than that and can bounce back. #3 Northern Fireball makes his debut for the Dennis Yip stable and has caught the eye in his trials. #7 Cashiscash showed improvement in his recent trial after an eighth-place finish on debut last season. Expect him to take a step forward.
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GOLDEN SIXTY HANDICAP
#5 Dragon Air Force caught the eye with a promising fourth on debut late last season. His recent trial win signals he’s ready to make a statement first-up. #4 Panda secured a nice win two starts back before a disappointing run, but a strong trial suggests he can bounce back fresh. #2 Cheval Valiant will set the tempo as usual and give a bold sight out in front under Britney Wong’s 10lb claim. #9 Run Run Cool was held up late when ninth first-up, but with a clear run this time, he could spring a surprise second-up.
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SUNBIRD HANDICAP
#4 Illuminous will need to make early use of barrier 1 and settle closer to the pace than in previous runs to enhance his chances. He showed potential last season and could be set for better things this campaign. #5 Eighteen Carat will benefit from the blinkers again, and an on-pace position gives him an edge. #8 Turin Starspangled didn’t fire last season but closed out with his best run yet. His trial form suggests further improvement, and he’s primed for a stronger second season. #1 Awesome Fluke switched to Ricky Yiu late last season and showed improvement. While he’ll need further than the mile eventually, fresh over this distance suits him for a positive return.
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THE CELEBRATION CUP (HANDICAP) (G3)
#6 Chiu Chow Spirit is in career-best form and looks the one to side with as he chases a hat-trick, despite having the widest draw (7) to navigate. #1 Taj Dragon is high-class and can start his season in promising style, even with top weight. #3 Healthy Happy aims for back-to-back wins in this race after scoring from the front last year and will look to repeat the dose. #4 Packing Treadmill was ridden too conservatively first-up but can make his presence felt second-up with earlier intent.
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SWALLOW HANDICAP
#3 Ballistic Win lost no admirers with a solid third first-up. With a favourable draw in gate 3 for jockey Ben Thomson, he can bounce back to winning form. #7 Master Mastermind had a testing first-up run from a wide draw but finished strongly into fourth. The 1400m should suit him better second-up, and drawing barrier 1 can turn his luck around. #2 First Love was disappointing first-up but showed ability last season. With a tongue tie applied for the first time, he deserves another chance to atone. #5 Highland Rahy will be fitter for his second-up run and is steadily improving with each race in Hong Kong.
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TAILORBIRD HANDICAP
#1 Wunderbar is one of Hong Kong’s most exciting horses, having won four of five in his debut season before an injury sidelined him. He is the only horse to have beaten Ka Ying Rising—twice. #8 Storm Rider is better than his recent form suggests, having had genuine excuses for his last three runs. The summer break should have refreshed him, and he can return with promise. #5 Lucy In The Sky has strong form and looks set to build on it this season. #9 Captain Win finished third behind Gorgeous Win first-up, which bodes well for his chances here.
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WOODPECKER HANDICAP
#6 Young Champion displayed huge potential last season, winning two of his three starts stylishly. Though he’s first-up since mid-March, and fitness might be a concern, this John Size-trained four-year-old has the class to overcome these hurdles. #5 Superb Capitalist was solid in third behind Ka Ying Rising first-up. With match fitness on his side and a favourable draw in gate 1, he’s a strong chance. #2 Copartner Prance’s impressive rise in ratings last season was built on a streak of six straight wins. #11 Full Credit, from the Mark Newnham stable, is progressing well and the light weight should benefit him in his first Class 2 assignment.
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