Hong Kong: Selections for Happy Valley April 17

Racing at Happy Valley begins at 6:40 a.m. ET. Selections and analysis by Declan Schuster of the Hong Kong Jockey Club.

Race 1: Stubbs Handicap

#2 Alloy King makes the step down to Class 5. He's much better suited here as a winner in the grade already this term, which came under Harry Bentley, who partners his familiar ally this week. #8 Timestorm is yet to win but continues to make steady headway. Hugh Bowman retains the ride and he should get an opportunity here. #11 Goodmanship slots in light and is favored from an ideal draw. #3 Hero Star has the apprentice up and chances are he rolls forward to lead. He's won from the front in the past.

Race 2: Wan Chai Gap Handicap

#1 Northern Beast has been a winner in waiting for quite a while. He draws suitably, gets the services of Hugh Bowman and is favored in Class 5. One they all must beat. #6 Medic Elite has consistency on his side. He draws well and gets a handy five pounds taken off his back with the apprentice up. Big threat. #10 Smart Beauty has done well to collect a pair of wins this season. He's tracking in the right direction and rates strongly for Zac Purton. #3 Amazing Boy can return to form in this grade. Keep safe.

Race 3: Mount Butler Handicap (2nd Section)

#10 Dan Attack is in superb form. He's on the board now in Hong Kong and his most recent two efforts for third have been solid. He appears to have some improvement still to come and this contest isn't an overly challenging one. #9 Parents' Love has commenced his career well. He's closing in on a first win and the featherweight impost has him favored. #8 Bravo Warrior caught the eye late last start. #1 Phoenix Light is after back-to-back wins. He gets another chance under the apprentice.

Race 4: Siu Ma Shan Handicap

#1 Dragon Star is consistent and he gets another super winning chance here. Zac Purton goes up and gate four should afford him a sweet run throughout. He could take running down. #6 Courier Magic is in superb form. He's after a hat-trick of wins and his ascent looks far from over. Good chance for Ben Thompson to record another win. #2 Satirical Glory goes about his racing the right way and his biggest challenge will be offsetting the wide gate. #9 Gold Tack is better than his form suggests. He can improve.

Race 5: Bowen Handicap (1st Section)

#4 Wings of War has been knocking on the door for a while now. He's placed in each of his last three runs this season and finds a suitable draw this week. One to beat. #1 Celestial Colours is in the right vein of form and he receives another winning chance in Class 3. Hugh Bowman is up and this contest is suitable. #5 Leslie can mix his form but, on his day, he has the class. #9 Captain Win has been racing in superb form of late and he gets another chance here off the featherweight impost. Next in line.

Race 6: Mount Butler Handicap (1st Section)

#1 Ka Ying Cheer is lightly raced and open to further improvement. He's a winner already and his most recent outings have been sound. The dip in grade is what he's after, even if he carries a hefty weight this time in. #2 Run Run Timing falls into a similar category. The apprentice takes 10 pounds off his back and this could prove decisive over the concluding stages. #8 Glory B turned his form around last start and he's open to further improving. #12 My Intelligent is next in line.

Race 7: Bowen Handicap (2nd Section)

#8 Happy Fat Cat is seeking a hat-trick of wins. He goes about his racing the right way and the inside gate should afford him every chance to find a soft enough lead. One to catch. #6 Beauty Infinity is a lightly raced talent who is open to further improvement. Zac Purton is up and his two wins already this season haven't been flukes. #5 Goko Win has lost his way a touch, however, he does have the ability and the 10-pound claiming apprentice brings him into consideration. #9 Happy Day is worth keeping safe.

Race 8: Mount Cameron Handicap

#3 Jumbo Legend is racing well and he deserves another win. Vincent Ho has found form following a double and a fast tempo should suit this guy, should he receive it. #4 Golden Darci continues to progress and the inside gate is ideal. Hugh Bowman hops up and he can maintain his advance in this grade. #10 United Endeavors slots in light. He remains in Class 4 following his last-start victory. #6 Strongest Boy steps out for an in-form David Hayes. He was a tidy winner two runs back and has held his condition since then.

Race 9: Magazine Gap Handicap

#2 Quantum Patch keeps racing well and he draws favorably this week with Hugh Bowman engaged. There does appear to be some improvement to come with him and this contest is more than suitable for him to show his best. #4 Red Hare King is in the best form of his life having won two out of his last four starts and in placed four of his last six outings. #5 Show Respect has a pair of wins from his last three starts. He still ran well last time out and can figure once again. #3 Samarkand has the wide gate to overcome.