29-04-2025
April 30 Hong Kong (Happy Valley) form analysis
Race 1 (1,600m)
3 Cervin proved difficult to ride out in the straight and faded late into sixth last time. A quieter ride - as seen five runs ago when he won well - can bring out his best.
1 Foremost Teddy makes his Class 5 debut and some of his Class 4 efforts would see him go closer.
6 Sky Prophet is off the back of a narrow defeat into second - albeit over 1,200m - so the rise in distance is the query, but his on-pace profile should serve him well.
5 California Moxie has disappointed in two runs in Class 5. He has been given a 42-day freshen-up and a good trial, and will likely present better value this time.
Race 2 (1,650m)
2 Top Time got off the mark at this course and distance last start. The 3YO looks hard to hold out.
5 The Azure returned to form last start, closing in well for third over this distance. He will map well in the run from barrier 2 and launch his usual late bid.
8 Dragon Star turned in a promising second first-up. It has been 504 days between wins, but he can make his own luck up on the pace.
4 Satirical Fan is a one-time winner from 11 starts, but he ticked a few boxes on his third run back in Class 4. With a well-timed ride, he is not without hope.
Race 3 (1,000m)
7 Glory Elite stuck on well for fourth last start over 1,200m at Sha Tin. There are plenty of in-form rivals to contend with at his second spin around the city circuit, but a measured ride on the lead could see him pinch it.
8 Colourful King has won back-to-back races in Class 3, and his last success was brilliant as he dashed clear by two lengths. He is up in Class 2 for the first time, but his swift turn of foot will make him hard to hold out late.
2 Aurora Lady boasts better form over 1,200m but the drop back in trip is not a big concern. His form is solid, including a last-start second, and he has the tactical speed to take up a forward position.
3 Red Elegance is a winner of his last two starts and tackles Class 2 for the first time. As a four-time track-and-distance winner, he cannot be ignored.
Race 4 (1,200m)
5 Nebraskan was collared late last start, and he finished second two starts back. A good trial win suggests he is holding form.
2 Everstar has been catching the eye since dropping to Class 4 - drawn wide two runs back and closed off strongly into fifth, then a close-up fourth last time after racing wide. With a bit of luck, he is right in the thick of it.
3 Happy Trio won three starts back and backed that up with minor placings at his next two. He is drawn ideally in barrier 2.
10 Super Sicario has drawn no lower than barrier 10 in four starts. There was merit to his last-start 11th, and although drawn horribly wide again in barrier 11, it would not surprise to see him improve.
Race 5 (1,800m)
6 Mission Strike may have found the 2,000m a stretch too far last start. But his previous run over 1,800m, where he charged home late into second behind Beauty Alliance, is the run to focus on.
1 Harmony Galaxy broke through last start with a drop in the ratings and a rise to 1,800m. He can do it again.
2 Prestige Good posted back-to-back thirds in Class 4. This is his second attempt over 1,800m and, with only five Hong Kong starts, there should be more improvement to come.
4 Can't Go Wong was swamped late by a head into second last start. He is a reliable track-and-distance performer that cannot be ignored.
Race 6 (1,200m)
1 Giddy Up had his first start in Class 4 last time and finished second. Barrier 1 provides the perfect opportunity for him to win.
5 Endued is at his third attempt in Class 4 and his first run for Benno Yung's stable. The 3YO was impressive in a recent barrier trial and can improve further.
7 Crystal Powerful won two runs back at the top of Class 5 before returning to Class 4 and won twice over 1,000m. As a two-time winner over 1,200m, the trip holds no fear.
2 Perfect General ran third last time. Given a 42-day freshen-up, he has since won a trial heat and can bounce back.
Race 7 (1,200m)
7 Solid Car is building towards his first Hong Kong win. Last start, from barrier 11, he was ridden for luck out the back before surging late into fifth, beaten 1½ lengths by Beauty Destiny. With a bit more luck, he can get his nose in front.
1 Spicy Gold is better suited to this course and distance where he has performed best, following a late-fading sixth to Another World over 1,400m at Sha Tin last time. Barrier 1 gives him every chance to secure a soft run.
5 Storm Rider lost by a head last start and the writing on the wall that another win is near.
9 Lo Pan Spirit will need luck from barrier 11, but he comes off two encouraging thirds.
Race 8 (1,650m)
2 Hameron may have finished 2½ lengths away in fourth last start, but he was held up late and looked to have more to give. Zac Purton picks up the ride, and that key jockey booking adds plenty of confidence for a big run.
11 Sturdy Ruby ran from last to seventh from barrier 12 last time. He showed from an inside draw two runs back that he can settle much closer, and that second to M Unicorn reads strongly for this.
5 Definitive has the gate speed. He has just seven starts for one win and two seconds, but holds his form well with an impressive trial.
8 Flying Fortress posted his first local win last time. With only six local runs under his belt, he still has upside.
Race 9 (1,200m)
6 Golden Rise closed in nicely for fourth last time in a slowly run race. This marks his third attempt in Class 3 and he looks on track to notch a win in the grade soon. Barrier 1 sets things up well for him.
1 Kaholo Angel contested a hot race at Sha Tin last start, following a win two runs ago. Back at the city circuit, he is a strong chance.
9 Victory Sky is nearing his first Hong Kong win after placing in two of his last three starts, including a promising first try at this course and distance last start. However, barrier 11 is not ideal.
4 Dragon Four Seas rises to Class 3 for the first time after back-to-back wins, both at this track and trip. His on-pace racing pattern ensures he maps well, if he can overcome barrier 10 early.
Comments courtesy of The Hong Kong Jockey Club
