"RIDERS/COUNTRY"
Zac Purton (HK)
Ryan Moore (UK)
Hollie Doyle (UK)
Tom Marquand (UK)
Mickael Barzalona (FR)
James McDonald (NZ)
Jamie Kah (AUS)
Lyle Hewitson (HK)
Vincent Ho (HK)
Silvestre De Sousa (HK)
Mathew Chadwick (HK)
Hugh Bowman (AUS)

R1 - 7,12,3,2,4
R2 - 7,3,4,10,5
R3 - 4,11,8,9,12
 

Race 4
Jockeys' Championship
(1st Leg)
#8 OVERSUBSCRIBED boasts an excellent record over the minimum trip at Happy Valley and produced some serious closing sectionals last start.
He's again draw poorly but the rail in the A position creates space for him to find wide out when wheeling for home.
It's predicted the pace shall be solid so a similar performance has him powering home like the winner when it counts.
#1 FORTE is first up following surgery for a roaring condition which surfaced towards the end of last season.
His overall form was super consistent prior to the issue and primarily against a higher caliber of opponent.
His natural speed can position him handy from the good draw and with fifteen gallops under the belt, he's a great chance for Australian Hugh Bowman.
#3 MOMENTUM GALAXY was excellent in defeat over this course and trip recently and is a proven competitor in the class.
It's a great opportunity for Jamie Kah to pick up early points with a nice trail anticipated, plus better than average speed to run at through the first half.
When he wins it's often during the final strides so clear unimpeded running down the stretch is key.
#7 SUPREME LUCKY is very raw and green but with Zac Purton up from barrier one he's difficult to dismiss in a tricky contest.
The return from a 1200m race at Sha Tin, to a 1000m race at Happy Valley looks perfect judged on trial performances prior to the debut.
He's possesses good speed and and the benefit of another official trial here at the city circuit can only be a bonus.
#10 FARIBAULT has returned 40lbs lighter this season following a change of stable.
His first up run from a long break was decent and he'll be much better for the run.
The second up syndrome has me slightly concerned, but with encouraging track work since and a familiar jockey aboard, I'd prefer him in rather than out.

Selections : 8,1,3,7,10
 

Race 5
Jockeys' Championship
(2nd Leg)
#3 ROYAL PRIDE was a dominant winner third up and has a liking for the city track over the more spacious Sha Tin.
The former Australian galloper was a listed winner and Gp3 placed before arrival and is now recapturing better form.
This race doesn't appear any harder and the economical run off the inside gives Hugh Bowman another big chance.
#4 SPICY GRILL has done everything but win this campaign and Tom Marquand has the opportunity to extract that elusive victory.
His record suggests 1200m is what he prefers, however, new trainer Pierre Ng is stretching him out this campaign.
Both runs over the Valley mile have been excellent in defeat and a touch of luck wouldn't go a stray.
#2 COPARTNER ERA is hard finisher who's peaking at the right time for this event.
He'll be wanting a solid tempo to run at which is arguably the problem he'll face.
Zac Purton knows exactly how to play his cards, if the speed isn't there, and a move along way out could be on the cards.
#9 SUNNY DELIGHT took more than two years to win his first race but it's uncanny how often these types of horses immediately and win again.
Hong Kong rider Lyle Hewitson was aboard last start in victory and should give this a charmed run from the advantageous gate.
He remains in the grade and has continued working well during the week.
#7 STAR CONTACT has the most upside of any runner in this event but draws poorly for his debut at the tight turning track.
He's a big brute with minimal agility and shall more than likely be forced to go back.
If that's the case, it'll be difficult to envisage him winning, but he's trialled nicely at the track and is a dangerous runner to leave out.

Selections : 3,4,2,9,7

R6 - 8,10,2,12,5

Race 7
Jockeys' Championship
(3rd Leg)

#1 CAPTAIN WIN has hardly run a bad race since his arrival from Australia and a change of venue might be just what's required to get him over the line.
Admittedly, wide gates haven't helped in a number of those narrow defeats but he continues putting in and paying his way.
I rate him the best horse in this race, pound for pound, and with probable speed on early I'm happy to back him each way.
#3 RISING FROM ASHES appears one of the better chances for Hollie Doyle in the series and with a nice draw should position up well.
With a touch of luck he would've won last start and Vincent Ho, who'd done all the work, would be annoyed that race got away.
He'll likely settle three back the fence saving ground and it'll be up to Hollie to manoeuvre him home thereafter.
#6 NIMBLE NIMBUS has started favourite at his past three starts which highlights the optimistic expectations that surrounded his talent going forward.
After winning a class 4 by five lengths at the end of the last season he's was touted as well above average.
The gloss has lost its shine a little since then but with James McDonald aboard things can be quickly turned around.
#9 PACKING FAMOUS has been solid in both runs this prep and is difficult to dismiss with Zac Purton aboard.
On the flip side, blood in the trachea has been an ongoing concern throughout his career and the tricky gate doesn't look to be of help.
The speed drawn out wide however may aid his cause when negotiating for positions out of the stretch.
#4 AMAZING ONE PLUS took two season to win his first race in Hong Kong but followed it up with another honest effort at his most recent start.
Good barriers are crucial over this journey which elevates him ahead of others in the order.
He's isn't the most genuine of characters, as his record suggests, but the confidence gained from the recent win shall rate him a threat.

Selections : 1,3,6,9,4
 

Race 8
Jockeys' Championship
(4th Leg)
#3 ADIOS is a lightly raced sprinter with plenty of size and scope on his side.
A wide draw took it's toll last start after he worked hard to cross, before ultimately being run down in extremely fast time.
Back to a favourable gate places him perfectly in the run and he should be the one to beat once they sprint for home.
#1 GOLD MARQUIS has endured some minor setbacks along the way but possesses deep core strength when he's right.
His last start win was a perfect example of what the former KIWI is capable of after he thrashed home late in a dazzling display.
A 9lbs rise and wide gate won't make it easy but as luck would have it the same jockey has been selected to ride.
#11 MR VALIANT is still settling in to his new Hong Kong life but the signs were ominous last start that he's on his way.
He got lost on two occasions during his first run at the track before powering home quicker than the eventual winner.
With a strong pace likely he'll be in a familiar zone and I'd expect him to significantly improve.
#7 XPONENTIAL has his hoof on the till following three runs back and with Zac Purton atop he's hard to ignore.
There's plenty of depth to this class 3 sprint and with luck on his side he can go close.
He's yet to run badly this campaign but hasn't won in this grade from eleven attempts.
#5 RED LION worked hard first up from the outside draw before tiring during the run to the line.
The former English galloper ran a decent race in the Britannia Stakes at Ascot in June, and shall be much better for a run.
Whether he's capable of producing a win second up for the Size/Kah combination is yet to be seen, but I wouldn't be underestimating his chance.

Selections : 3,1,11,7,5

R9 - 7,6,4,2,8