Hong Kong: Selections for Happy Valley Feb. 5

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

Race 1: Hung To Handicap

#2 Super Baby is the likely leader and warrants plenty of respect on his Class 5 debut, especially with Zac Purton aboard and a favorable draw in barrier 3. Provided he isn't taken on too early, he should prove tough to reel in. #1 Smashing Express is knocking on the door after several encouraging efforts in this grade. Although drawn wide, his form is strong enough to see him figure prominently. #4 Confringo made his first attempt in Class 5 last start, running on well for sixth after copping a severe check at the 500m. That effort suggested he has more to offer in this grade. #8 Podium is thriving under David Eustace, having won once from five starts. His narrow second-place finish over this course and distance last time puts him in the mix again.

Race 2: Wai Yip Handicap

#3 Inno Century wasn't disgraced on debut after drawing barrier 11 over 1200m at Sha Tin, rolling forward before fading late into eighth. He should improve naturally and is favored from barrier 2, from where he is sure to endure a kinder run in transit. #9 Super Sixty is on the verge of a breakthrough win, with his get-back run style suited by a race that appears to have plenty of early speed. #4 Excellent Peers hasn't won in 812 days but has shown encouraging signs since dropping back to Class 4, including back-to-back third-place finishes. #7 Solar River, just a three-year-old, continues to improve with race experience. His narrow defeat last time in the same race as Inno Century reads well.

Race 3: Wai Yip Handicap

#1 Sky Jewellery looks a smart prospect for John Size after a convincing debut win over this course and distance three weeks ago. Trialing well since, he remains in top form and should be on his way to Class 3, though barrier 11 is going to make things interesting. #10 Glory B was caught wide last time when finishing seventh to Sky Jewellery. A better run in transit from a low draw (2) can see him improve. #6 Great Spirit is capable of surprising at a price. His recent Sha Tin efforts have been pass marks, and a switch to Happy Valley with a gear change could unlock further improvement. #2 Mega Bonus has the early speed to press forward and is capable of giving a bold sight second-up in this grade.

Race 4: Tsun Yip Handicap

#1 Moments In Time ran fifth as favorite in the January Cup (G3) (1800m), beaten 1 1/2 lengths after making a mid-race move to sit outside the lead. That effort was solid, and he gets another chance here. #6 Flamingo Trillion set a hot tempo in the January Cup and faded late. He should appreciate a smaller field and a softer run from his inside draw. #2 Helene Feeling won the January Cup after capitalizing on a strong race shape. He remains in good form, having trialed well since, and will be closing late again. #8 Red Hare King is better suited over this course and distance. After being held up at Sha Tin last time, he's a lightweight chance.

Race 5: The Volunteers' Challenge Cup (Handicap)

#1 Circuit Duffy is building a handy record and looks primed to bounce back after finishing in the money last time and trialing well since. #2 Golden Rise is due a win after back-to-back runner-up efforts. He was narrowly beaten by #5 Fortune Whiskey last time but meets him better at the weights. Fortune Whiskey has improved significantly since joining David Eustace, winning two starts ago before finishing third last time to Spirit of Peace, which is handy form. #3 Polaris has dropped in the ratings and is having his third attempt in Class 4. After racing wide without cover last time when finishing 10th, he can do better with a softer trip from barrier 3.

Race 6: Hoi Yuen Handicap

#3 Take Action is a progressive four-year-old from the John Size stable. He won well last start over the extended mile, drawing clear by two lengths, and the step up to 1800m now looks ideal. #7 Amazing Award fits a similar profile as a lightly raced four-year-old. He broke through for a deserved win last start and should relish the extra distance. #2 Northern Beast is a consistent performer who reunites with Zac Purton from barrier 1 while chasing his first win of the season after several third-place finishes. #1 Can't Go Wong was no match for Charity Gain last start, but his second-place effort held merit after suffering a check at the 500m.

Race 7: Mut Wah Handicap

#4 Red Elegance will be suited by a fast tempo. He defeated Eternal Fortune at this course and distance four starts ago, and with an in-form Hugh Bowman staying aboard, he is one to hold out. #3 Eternal Fortune has been in top form this season, recording a win and three placings from six starts. He should be well positioned to strike off a strong pace. #6 Heroic Master has been knocking on the door with a string of placings. He will benefit from a race run to suit and should be finishing strongly under Zac Purton's urgings. #5 Fun Elite wasn't disgraced on his first attempt in Class 3, finishing sixth after racing wide throughout. With a smoother passage, he can improve.

Race 8: Yue Man Handicap

#4 Soleil Fighter has been ultra-consistent this season and was beaten only a nose last time despite a tough run. He looks well placed to go one better with Zac Purton taking the reins. #10 Quantum Patch caught the eye first-up, closing hard into third over 1800m after starting from the outside. He has tactical versatility and is in for a solid preparation. #8 Setanta was steadied to the rear from a wide draw last time before running on well for seventh. A more forward ride could see him improve. #6 Definitive led all the way last time with blinkers applied for the first time. With David Eustace's stable in good form, he remains in contention.

Race 9: Shui Wo Handicap

#7 A Americ Te Specso is chasing his first win in nearly a year, but his narrow defeat to #5 View of the World last time suggests he is close. His chances hinge on staying in touch early, and a low draw should help. View of the World is in search of a hat-trick and still looks well placed in the ratings, though barrier 11 poses a fresh challenge compared to his last two wins from better draws. #9 Gallant Valour has performed well despite wide barriers in his last two runs since rising to Class 3. He can settle handier this time from barrier 4, which should improve his chances. #2 Gustosisimo maps well from barrier 1, where he should be up on the pace and out of trouble.