Hong Kong racing returns to Happy Valley

Luke Middlebrook

The progressive five-year-old WONDER KIT is poised to pick up where he left off last season,
continuing his winning form when he resumes in the Class 3 Handicap over 1200m at Happy Valley
on Wednesday.

WONDER KIT arrived unbeaten from two starts in Australia, and although he wasn't able to secure a
victory early in Hong Kong, he consistently displayed honest performances right from the start. On
his debut, he finished 3.25 lengths away from the winner, and throughout eight subsequent runs, he
was never worse than 2.5 lengths behind the leader. Various challenges, including a bit of bad luck
and wide barriers, didn't work in his favour until things finally fell into place on his ninth and final run
of the season.

With the addition of cheekpieces and the advantage of starting from barrier 1, WONDER KIT secured
an impressive 2.5-length victory at this same track and distance. The sprinter is well-prepared,
having undergone two strong trials leading up to his return. Although he faces tough competition in
this race, and a wide barrier to overcome, he should be running a bold race.

It could be a big night out for in-form trainer Francis Lui, who also sends out five-year-old BABY
CRYSTAL in the Class 4 Handicap over 1200m at Happy Valley.

The former John Size trainee will have his first race for Lui when he resumes on Wednesday night.
The gelding raced nine times last season, culminating in one win and five runner-up spots. The last
time BABY CRYSTAL raced on 16 July, he was sent off as a well-backed $1.8 favourite, but could only
manage fifth place, though he was only beaten by 1.25 lengths.

BABY CRYSTAL is trying Happy Valley for the first time in his career but trialled well around the city
circuit on 16 September, winning his heat smartly. Starting from barrier 2, he should map ideally
from an on-pace position and will have a chance to score another win.

Track Spy

Video Replay Stars

Race 8 – 4 SOLID IMPACT

He returns to Happy Valley on the 7-day turnaround after a luckless run into sixth place at this track
and distance. Well back early in the run, he looked full of running heading into the straight, but
encountered a wall of horses and was badly held up for a run. Clearly, he had more to offer if he had
clean air. From a good gate and with Bowman to ride, he should be running a big race with even
luck.

Sectional Time Stars

Race 4 – 1 NATURAL STORM

He takes a drop in class on the quick back up and rises to a better distance after showing no interest
over 1650m. Still, he came home the quickest in that race for a much better run into ninth place
than it would appears. He piques plenty of interest in this week’s race.

Race 7 – 7 LUCKY ARCHANGEL

His final run last season, when he returned to Class 4, was a strong performance late into fifth after
he was forced to race at the rear from a wide draw. First-up two weeks ago, he was badly held up in
the straight, so give him a chance to atone here.

Luke Middlebrook’s Selections

R1. 1-2-7-5
R2. 1-4-7-2
R3. 8-3-4-7
R4. 5-1-4-3
R5. 8-3-2-1
R6. 3-6-1-10
R7. 1-8-7-3
R8. 5-4-6-2
R9. 1-10-7-6

Betting Strategy:

R2 #1 Win
R7 #1 Win
R8 #5 Win
R9 #1 Win

Race-by-Race Previews

Race 1: Superb Move drops down in grade and start following. From barrier 1 under Bowman, and
off the back of a good trial, he looks the one to beat for in-form trainer Dennis Yip. Copartner Era
unbeaten in this class and must be a big chance again. Hunky Dory faded late last start, chance to
improve under right race shape in a race lacking depth. Double Show fair run last start and place
chance. Smart Beauty surprise tactics adopted last run when being ridden forward. Could improve at
odds in a race like this.

Race 2: Right Honourable changed trainer and trialled very well recently. Making his Class 5 debut
from barrier 4 with Purton in the saddle, he should be afforded every opportunity to snare
Newnham his first Hong Kong win. Faithful Trinity good effort last start leading all the way to win. He
should vie to do the same from barrier 1. Medic Elite will be suited by the rise in distance and can
run well. Brother Pearl second start in this grade after dropping in class and could improve after he
had proved difficult to ride last start. Eagle Run place chance at value in a race like this.

Race 3: Open race here. Circuit Elite has a good record over this race distance and can win if he
produces his best form. Right As Rain well-placed and looks a chance in race like this as he reunites
with Purton. Win Win Fighter video replay showed last run was very good and race fitness on his side
will hold him in good stead. Happy Angel remains a maiden galloper but clearly gets a chance to win
here. He could give a sight and be hard to run down.

Race 4: Turin Mascot last start winner who remains in the same grade and has upside. He is well
prepared with three trials for his re- turn, gets barrier 1 with Purton on board and looks to get all the
favours. Natural Storm turned in a nice effort last run when finishing strongly. Back in grade and with
Bowman in the saddle, he ticks boxes (read “Track Spy” for more information). S J Tourbillon was
eased early before catching the eye late last start. Prior, he was a strong winner. Sunny Star can
improve second-up from a break. Perfect Team last run was better than it reads and do not dismiss.

Race 5: Celtic Times races first-up for new trainer, Cody Mo. He is well-rated now and can surprise
from barrier 1 under Purton. Concerto winner of last two starts and looks a top chance to continue
his good form. Flying Silver consider a chance with blinkers added. He is also on the 7-day back up
and should be fitter now. Kasa Papa video replay showed last run was very good. Drawn wide, but
could provide value with luck in the run. Fearless Fire a fast beginner who can run well if he finds an
easy lead.

Race 6: Lucky Gor showed good speed to lead last start and gave a good sight, but he felt the pinch
late. He can go close to winning with a better judged ride with Bowman taking over the reins.
Mayhem recent barrier trial was impressive, suggesting a good run can be expected. He is well-rated
now and looks one to follow. Act Of Faith drops down in grade and start following. Super Eagle has
been placed last two starts and deserves a win soon. Awesome Treasure has dropped a lot in the
ratings and can improve on this mark.

Race 7: Baby Crystal changed trainer and trialled well recently. Barrier 2 should ensure he maps with
all the favours and he is the one to beat. Togepi change of trainer recently to Cody Mo, who is in
search of his first win, and this is one of his better chances so far. Lucky Archangel simply had no luck
last start and overlook the run (read “Track Spy” for more information). Kokushi Musou placed last
start and looks a chance to run well again rising in trip. Round The Globe remains a maiden galloper
but clearly gets a chance to win here. Blinkers added, which could spark improvement.

Race 8: Wonder Kit more than capable of winning again in this race after breaking through stylishly
last start. Barrier 10, however, is far from ideal and an inch-perfect ride is required. Solid Impact
simply had no luck last start and overlook the run (read “Track Spy” for more information). Hoss
video replay showed last run was very good after he was unable to be fully tested. Winner Method
has a chance based on past form in this class of race. O’liner showed good speed to lead last start
and gave a good sight. He could do the same here and hang on for a placing.

Race 8: Open race to end the night on. Reward Smile had genuine excuses last start and can
improve in this race second-up from a good draw and with Bowman taking over the reins. On what
he showed last season, he has what it takes to win this. Sweet Briar winner of last two starts and
looks a top chance to measure up in the rise in grade. Solar Partner rising in class and meets better
quality horses but can measure up. Lightning Bolt should be highly suited by the drop back in
distance. Sixth Generation recent barrier trial was handy, suggesting a good run can be expected,
but he’ll prefer a longer trip.