Hong Kong: Selections for Happy Valley Feb. 26

Racing at Happy Valley begins at 5:40 a.m. ET. Selections and analysis by Luke Middlebrook.

Race 1: Blue Pool Handicap

#3 Copartner Prance strikes an ideal race to bounce back to winning form. He looks the likely leader and won't face much pressure in a small field of just five runners, setting up nicely for him to be hard to reel in under Ryan Moore, who takes his first ride of this short-term stint. #2 Raging Blizzard saw his winning streak come to an end last time when chasing a hat-trick, but the lack of competition here puts him right back in contention. He will be doing the late chasing, trying to reel in the leaders. #1 Taj Dragon was an unlucky fifth to Lucky With You last time, beaten under three lengths after being held up for clear running between the 350m and 100m marks. Though winless for some time, he is trending in the right direction. #5 Brave Star should land in an ideal on-pace position from barrier 1, giving himself every chance to figure in the finish.

Race 2: Yuk Sau Handicap

#7 Good Good broke through for his maiden victory over 2000m last start and should relish stepping up in distance. This is a highly open race, but the John Size-trained galloper remains relatively untapped against more exposed rivals and could have more to offer. #5 Serangoon draws an inside gate for the first time in a long while, which should allow him to settle closer in the run and boost his chances. #4 Affordable returns to a course and distance where he has been successful. Barrier 10 looks tricky on paper, but Ryan Moore in the saddle is a key booking. #2 Fortune Superstar drops into Class 4 for the first time and has shown early speed in prior runs, which could allow him to negate the wide draw. The booking of Hugh Bowman adds intrigue, as does the first-time application of a tongue tie.

Race 3: Tsui Man Handicap

#3 Soleil Fighter didn't settle in the leading pack as he usually does last start after being slow to begin, crowded between runners, and forced to settle midfield. He eventually closed off well into third. In a race lacking much early speed on paper, he can revert to an on-pace profile, which will give him every chance to bounce back to winning ways, especially after drawing perfectly in barrier 1 for Ryan Moore. #7 Jumbo Legend has been rested after pulling up with a throat issue last time out and has since undergone surgery to correct an epiglottic entrapment. He resumes here and looked well in a recent trial, while the smaller field should allow him to settle within striking range before launching his trademark late surge. #1 Telecom Fighters, despite drawing widest, will attempt to dictate as he likes to do. He will give a sight under Hugh Bowman but may be vulnerable late. #2 Red Hare King drops back into Class 3, where he is better suited.

Race 4: Wang Tak Handicap

#8 Super Sixty is knocking on the door for a maiden win and gets his chance here. He was last seen charging home late into second against the race shape, producing a strong run, and looks well-placed to break through from barrier 2. #5 Travel Golf has had three runs under Mark Newnham this season, and while finishing 10th each time, he has been closing off well. A low draw and a sharp trial between runs bring him into contention at odds. #1 Yee Cheong Spirit has only missed the placings once in six starts this season and has trialed impressively between runs. His last-start second behind Motoman has proven to be strong form. #6 New Power returns for the first time since early January and has trialed well in preparation. Though unplaced in five runs this season, he has produced encouraging efforts, including a fast-finishing fifth behind Hong Lok Golf last time out, which reads well here.

Race 5: Shan Kwong Handicap

#2 Encountered returns to a course and distance where he thrives, having won four from five attempts. This is also his first run here since joining the David Hall stable this season. He takes a significant class drop and, with gate 1 in his favor under Karis Teetan, should be right in the firing line. #4 Moments in Time hasn't had the best of luck in his last two starts as race favorite, but with a smoother run, he can bounce back into the money with a measured ride from an inside draw under Ryan Moore. #1 Nimble Nimbus takes a major drop in class after competing at the top level, where he has produced encouraging performances, including a third-place finish to Romantic Warrior three starts ago. This course and distance suit him well as a four-time winner over the city circuit's extended mile. #6 Mr Ascendency won with something in hand last time, overcoming a steadily run race to charge home impressively. He remains in form and is a strong contender again.

Race 6: Wang Tak Handicap

#2 Sight Happy went down as the odds-on favorite last start but lost no admirers, finishing runner-up after a troubled run. He raced keenly in midfield, copped a check at the 500m, and blundered at the 200m before going down by just half a length. He is set to atone here, having trialed impressively between runs. #4 Fun N Fun Together is poised to get a soft lead and will be giving them all something to run down in the home straight. He brings solid form into his first run at this course and distance and is overdue for a win. #1 Charming Babe attracted strong betting support last time when finishing a close-up fourth in a competitive 1400m race at Sha Tin. This marks his third attempt in Class 4, and he is clearly trending in the right direction. #3 Judy's Great can prove hard to catch, but he had excuses last start when finishing a disappointing eighth while attempting back-to-back wins, having endured a tough trip.

Race 7: Yik Yam Handicap

#4 Sturdy Ruby moves into barrier 2 after charging home from the back when ridden cold from a wide draw last time. In one of the more open races on the card, he should enjoy a closer run to the speed and be within striking range to go one better. #7 The Azure, who was chasing a hat-trick of wins last start, remains a strong contender with Ryan Moore aboard. He has been kept ticking over with a sharp trial and looks ready to fire again. #2 Red Majesty warrants serious consideration back over this course and distance on his second attempt since the class drop. Barrier 1 and Hugh Bowman in the saddle are key positives. #8 Good Luck Win will need some luck from a wide draw, but his form has been solid. His last-start third had plenty of merit, given he reared at the start and lost ground before finishing strongly.

Race 8: Sing Woo Handicap

#5 California Touch returns to racing for the first time since finishing a close-up fifth to Wunderbar in September last year. He has trialled well in preparation, winning his Happy Valley heat in good style while leading under fast sectionals. If he brings that effort to race day, he will take some catching. #6 Gallant Valour broke his Class 3 duck in fine fashion last start after finally drawing an inside gate, and he remains well drawn in barrier 4. He can be followed up off that win. #2 Aurora Lady is another pace influence, and his last-start fading ninth over 1400m at Sha Tin can be overlooked. He was unsuited by a fast-run race and pulled up with respiratory distress as well as lameness. Back to this course and distance, he has a much better chance and can improve. #1 Bundle of Charm drops in grade and hasn't been finishing far away in recent Class 2 runs. He warrants respect in this company.

Race 9: King Kwong Handicap

#7 Heroic Master is the model of consistency, and while he hasn't won for some time, his string of four placings suggests he is closing in on another win. With plenty of pace engaged and an inside draw to aid his cause, the race sets up well for him to finish over the top. #4 Healthy Healthy is on the quick backup after a better-than-it-reads fifth-place finish, beaten under two lengths by Magic Control down the Sha Tin straight on Sunday. He had traffic issues late and can improve with a clearer run. #2 Red Elegance capitalized on receiving all the favors in the run last time to win well. Once again, he warrants strong consideration as he maps to enjoy another ideal trip from barrier 4. #6 Majestic Express is never far away at the finish, and with John Size's stable firing on all cylinders, he must be respected.