Keep a close eye on Mauritian Magician

Luke Middlebrook

Hong Kong racing continues on Wednesday 20 April with a nine-race fixture at Happy Valley Racecourse.

As we near the pointy end of the season, the focus will mostly surround jockeys Zac Purton and Joao Moreira as they battle it out for the premiership title, with Purton regaining the lead from Moreira at Sha Tin on Saturday after posting a treble. Purton (104 wins) has edged clear by one win over Moreira (103).

However, on Wednesday night, the Mauritian Magician Karis Teetan might be able to steal the limelight for a moment as he boasts a solid book of rides throughout.

In the Class 3 1200m Handicap (race 7), Teetan remains on board in-form three-year-old SCOTCH TYCOON, who is out to land his hat-trick of wins.

SCOTCH TYCOON has amassed three wins from his five career starts and overcame his first try in Class 3 and first test over 1200m at this track and distance 35 days ago, winning smartly by a neck in a race where the form has subsequently stood up.

The youngster seemingly has plenty more to come and this week's race appears to set up nicely for him to again charge home late over the top. Purton’s mount MAGIC PHOENIX can improve on his last start ninth place after failing in the rare yielding track but start a well-backed 3-1 chance that night.

Another top ride for Teetan comes up in the final race, the Class 3 1650m Handicap with thriving four-year-old PACKING AWARD, who is also in search of a hat-trick of wins.

PACKING AWARD boasts a solid record of three wins and two placings from his eight starts, with his last two wins occurring at this track and distance since switching to the city circuit three starts ago.

The Peter Ho-trained gelding was last seen taking to Class 3 for the first time in his career off the back of winning well in Class 4 after enduring a wide passage throughout, and taking to it with consummate ease as he drew away from the runner-up by 1.25 lengths.

PACKING AWARD should get the suck run from barrier 3 but can’t stand the likely leader RED MAJESTY too much ground. Purton on DR WINNING for leading trainer John Size will attract a lot of interest and long-standing maiden LOYAL BABY might be able to inject some taste into the dividends from his low draw.

Selections:

R1: 8-7-4-9

R2: 2-5-9-1

R3: 3-2-1-7

R4: 11-6-1-5

R5: 4-12-8-10

R6: 1-10-3-7

R7: 2-1-4-7

R8: 4-1-6-8

R9: 6-9-8-5