Hong Kong Racing Under The Lights

Luke Middlebrook – Hong Kong racing returns to Happy Valley on Wednesday night (20 September)
for an 8-race fixture under the lights.

Promising three-year-old HELENE FEELING looks all set to pick up where he left off last season and
continue his winning ways in the Class 2 Handicap over 1650m at Happy Valley on Wednesday.
The Danny Shum-trained talent arrived in Hong Kong well-credentialed with two wins and three
second placings from six starts in the UK, and he hit the ground running locally when he made his
debut in mid-March last year. First-up over an unsuitable 1200m, he flashed home late into third
place, before taking a rise to 1650m second-up and winning strongly.

HELENE FEELING finished runner-up in his next two starts before bouncing back for an impressive
second Hong Kong win in his fifth and final start for the 2022-23 racing season, lumping 134lbs to
victory on that occasion.

Now up into Class 2 for the first time, HELENE FEELING looks well placed on a light weight, while he
stands out as the form choice. With any amount of improvement to come, the up-and-comer could
very well be on a Hong Kong Derby path later in the season.
Trainer Caspar Fownes looks a trainer to follow in the night, sending out a strong team of runners.
One that piques plenty of interest is four-year-old gelding GALVANIC in the Class 4 Handicap over
1200m.

GALVANIC raced six times last season and despite not winning a race, he still featured in the finish
on four occasions after picking up three second placings and a third. Formerly trained by Jamie
Richards, GALVANIC transferred to Caspar Fownes for his final run of the season on 14 June, where
he was sent off favourite and was only narrowly beaten by 0.75 lengths.

On Wednesday, GALVANIC looks to get his chance to score having drawn well low in barrier 4, while
he looked sharp in his trial leading up to this race. Fownes has also elected to apply blinkers for the
first time, so there won’t be many excuses for the gelding.

Track Spy

Video Replay Stars

Race 4 – 9 TRONIC MIGHTY

He was a big improver last season after transferring to trainer Jamie Richards’ stable, but his final
run of the season, when checking into fifth three lengths behind, was a run with excuses. Drawn
wide in barrier 10, he was badly crowded at the start and had to settle at the rear. In the straight, he
became held up at a crucial stage and was unable to be properly tested. It was a run to forget and he
has what it takes to bounce back into the money here.

Race 5 – 7 MELBOURNE HALL
Old-timer who was racing in good form last season but his final run of the campaign is one to
overlook. Unsuited over 1400m at Sha Tin, he drew wide and was steadied. His chances weren’t
helped by the fact that he was badly held up from the 300m until passing the 100m. He will be
better suited back to this track and distance and is drawn well low under Bowman.

Sectional Time Stars

Race 3 – 5 JUNE PLANET

Fitter now second-up and he should be getting his chance to land his first career win after turning in
multiple eye-catching runs, when coming home strongly to pick up placings in four of his last five
starts. The small field of seven should ensure he is afforded every hope.
Race 8 – 7 GALAXY WITNESS

His fourth-place finish over 1400m at Sha Tin first-up was a pass mark, so he should improve fitness-
wise second-up. In his final race of last season, he closed off the quickest in a race at this track and
distance to pick up second place, which puts him in good stead to be competitive here.

Luke Middlebrook’s Selections

R1. 3-1-2-7
R2. 6-5-3-1
R3. 1-7-2-5
R4. 9-1-11-7
R5. 3-7-5-4
R6. 2-7-1-3
R7. 1-2-7-3
R8. 11-6-1-7

Betting Strategy:

R3 #1 Each-Way
R5 #3 Win
R6 #2 Each-Way
R8 #11 Win

Race-by-Race Previews

Race 1: Classic Archi looks overdue for a win and enters this race in good form. From barrier 1 under
Bowman, he can break through. Loyal Ambition last start placing was full of merit after a mid-race
move, nice effort and he’s always a chance in a race like this. Happy Jai Jai can bounce back a winner
anytime in this class, while from barrier 2 under Purton, he will map to get every chance. Hang’s
Choice can improve second-up from a break. Fiery Flying good performance when storming home
for third place last start – his best run yet.

Race 2: Colonel should begin fast and will be trying to lead all the way. The speed map does appear
to suit his pattern here and he should prove hard to run down. Stormtrouper had excuses last start
when racing wide without cover. Purton knows the horse well and he will be closing off strongly. Joy
Of Spring has trialled well for debut and should be rated a chance first-up. Savvy Chic can bounce
back a winner anytime in this class. Has to be considered with Bowman in control. Stoicism change
of trainer to Newnham recently and can improve.

Race 3: Owners’ Praise simply had no luck on Sunday, where he was badly held up but looked full of
running. If he handles the three-day turnaround, he should be hard to hold out with even luck.
Dragon Star narrowly beaten last start and goes close here. From barrier 1 under Chung’s 7lb claim,
he will be giving them all something to run down. Flying Silver has ability and is always dangerous in
this grade. Best trip is 1800m but respect here. June Planet improving type and getting close to a win
(read “Track Spy” for more information).

Race 4: Tronic Mighty had no luck last start but keep following (read “Track Spy” for more
information). Charming Steed drops down in grade and start following. From barrier 2, he looks to
get all the favours on the quick back up. Viva A La drawn well here in barrier 1 and should be in the
finish. Har Har At Heart finished powerfully with fastest sectional time ranking last start and is
improving since the class drop. Multimore backing up quickly from last week, can run well again but
barrier 10 is awkward.

Race 5: Galvanic looks overdue for a win and enters this race in good form. Trialled well for his
return and blinkers go on first time. Ready to win. Melbourne Hall had genuine excuses last start
when badly held up at a crucial stage in the race. He can run a race from gate 1 under Bowman (read
“Track Spy” for more information). Magic Supreme good effort last start leading all the way to win.
Kasi Farasi old-timer who is racing in good form and can run well. Island Surprise has early speed and
can always surprise with the right run, while he looked well in a recent trial.

Race 6: Rising From Ashes resuming from a break and trialled very well recently. Stepping away from
barrier 1, he should be hard to beat. Star Contact video replay showed last run was very good and he
too should map perfectly under Purton from barrier 2. Winning Dragon consistent form lately and
can score here. He just needs some early luck from barrier 10. Viva Hunter has a better chance on
this track and should improve. Up And Up last run was better than it reads and do not dismiss. Only
lightly-raced last term with three starts and is improving with racing.

Race 7: Dancing Code video replay showed last run was very good in his final run of last season.
Blinkes go on first time in Hong Kong, which he wore when scoring a big win in Australia, so he
looked primed here. Solid Impact looked unlucky when being held up at a crucial stage last start.
Trialled well for his return and Purton rides. Allgreektome well-placed and looks a chance in race like
this. Majestic Knight a fast beginner who can run well if he finds an easy lead. Keep You Warm first-
up for Newnham and looked well in a recent trial. However, on last season’s form, he needs to
improve. Bowman rides from gate 1, which are positives.

Race 8: Helene Feeling rising in class and meets better quality horses but can measure up. Drawn
sticky in gate 11, so Teetan will need to be at his absolute tactically best to get the rising talent over
the line. Rise Brethren was eased early before catching the eye late. Barrier 4 should provide the
perfect run. The Irishman goes well first-up from a break and should be respected. Galaxy Witness
looks overdue for a win and enters this race in good form (read “Track Spy” for more information).
Nearly Fine well-placed and looks a chance in race like this at an each-way price.