Time to get packing at Happy Valley

Luke Middlebrook

Hong Kong racing continues at Happy Valley on Wednesday for a nine-race fixture under the lights.

There are two Class 1 races for horses rated between 85 and 110 on the night and in Race 7, the 1650m Handicap, quality five-year-old Packing Award looks all set to get back to his winning ways.

Packing Award boasts a formidable record of six wins and five placings from 16 starts and he was last seen 28 days ago finishing one-length into second place behind Money Catcher in the Group 3 January Cup over 1800m.

Prior to that, over the same distance, the Peter Ho-trained talent was the victim of an ill-judged ride, which is why he finished down the track in last place.

Reuniting with Zac Purton for the first time since June 2021 is key to Packing Award’s chances and returning to the 1650m is ideal also, where his record reads five wins and two second placings from eight tries. Drawn well low in barrier No 4 should ensure Purton gets every chance to find a conducive run in transit, too.

Elsewhere, in-form four-year-old Flying Silver can atone for a last-start defeat when he returns to Happy Valley in Race 2, the Class 4 1800m Handicap.

The Danny Shum-trained grey has found best form this season after posting two wins and a narrow second place from his six outings, with both wins occurring over this week’s race distance of 1800m two and three starts ago. Last time Flying Silver was back in trip to 1650m, still performing well as he was only beaten 0.75 lengths but with the race favourite Star Contact too sharp late.

Flying Silver will relish the step back up in distance and in a race where he stands out as the in-form choice, he can get the job done under thriving jockey Hugh Bowman.

Race-by-Race Previews

Race 1: Lucky Missile has a chance based on past form in this class of race. The low draw affords him every winning hope under SDS. Charizard good performance when returning to form last start when runner-up. He also jumps from an ideal barrier No 2. Flash Famous looked unlucky when being held up at a crucial stage last start. Amazing News go on the win two starts ago and give a chance here. Medic Elite has a better chance on this track and should run well, but he’ll be scrubbed up early to take up a forward position.

Race 2: Flying Silver looks the one to beat based on current form, especially as he returns to his pet distance of 1800m. Happy An- gel showed good speed to lead last start and gave a good sight, holding down second place. He’s the testing material. President’s Choice looked unlucky when being held up at a crucial stage last start, he can run a cheeky race at odds. Lucky Diamond should be highly suited by the drop back in distance and is also back into Class 4 where he best performs. Circuit Elite a fast beginner who can run well if he finds an easy lead.

Race 3: Allgreektome has looked very good in recent trials and is rated a winning chance with Purton in the saddle after an excusable last-start effort. Prime Mortar last start winner who retains good form and can run well again as he has drawn low to get a soft run. Circuit Ten looks a solid good chance based on last start. Telecom Speed second start in this grade after dropping in class and could improve under Bowman. Leather Master has been very well prepared with several trials, watch the betting.

Race 4: California Deeply narrowly beaten last start and goes close here with a better-timed ride. He should take holding out late. Heroic Master had genuine excuses last start and consider again. Clearly a big winning chance if he settles in the run under Purton, but the drop back in trip is ideal. Special M caught wide last start and still ran well. Harmony Fire showed good speed to lead last start and gave a good sight. Metro Warrior should begin fast and will be trying to lead all the way but may be found wanting late.

Race 5: Cheer For South newcomer who looks a winning chance in this race on the back of some decent trials, in which he has shown great gate speed. That will hold him in good stead here. Pachisi has trialled well since a nice debut run and experience on his side is a bonus. Hearty Wish backing up quickly from last week, can run well. Ace Talent has a better chance on this track and should run well.

Race 6: A few proper winning chances here. Street Scream had genuine excuses last start over 1000m and can improve in this race as he rises to 1200m and drops back in grade. Excellent Peers backing up quickly from last week, can run well coming into a low barrier draw. Beauty Tycoon faded late last start, chance to improve under right race shape and is fitter now. Star Brite always finishes close up and must be rated a chance at this level. Xponential placed last start and looks a chance to run well again with SDS in the saddle.

Race 7: Packing Award track and distance specialist and appears suited here from a nice, low draw as well as Purton taking over the reins. The one to beat. Beauty Live Purton jumps off of him but, on form alone, the horse is more than capable of winning again in this race. Berlin Tango racing well with good sectional time rankings recently and Bowman back in the saddle from barrier NO 2. The Irishman can upset some more fancied rivals on best form, keep safe at an each-way price. Nearly Fine generally gets back in the running but dashes strongly home.

Race 8: Rewarding Together nice horse who is a model of consistency and looks a chance back to his happy hunting ground after a solid runner-up spot in the G3 Bauhinia Sprint Trophy over 1000m at Sha Tin last time. Campione looks a chance if you go on previous consistent form. He can improve from a low draw and rising to 1200m. Kurpany nice run last start and looks to be back in good form, he just needs to overcome a wide draw. Nervous Witness can improve second-up from a break with Bowman in the saddle. 1200m is the query. Family Folks should be highly suited by the drop back in distance.

Race 9: All Beauty more than capable of winning again in this race after an easy one-length score here last time. He steps away from barrier No 3 under Vincent Ho and should be getting the race run to suit. Encountered winner of last two starts and is a big chance here to land a hat-trick of wins. Sight Spirit never far away from the winner and could sneak a place. Viva Chaleur recent runs have been encouraging and can run well. Rising From Ashes last start winner who retains good form and can run well again from gate No 2.