Hong Kong: Selections for Happy Valley Sept. 11

Racing at Happy Valley begins at 7:10 a.m. ET. Selections and analysis by Luke Middlebrook. 

Race 1 - CHUNG HOM KOK HANDICAP

#1 Daily Trophy will benefit from barrier 1 and apprentice Ellis Wong's seven-pound claim. He's the one to beat with plenty in his favor. #3 Super Eagle makes his debut in Class 5 with Zac Purton in the saddle — a strong pairing. #8 Viva A La can make early use of his inside draw in barrier 2, where he succeeded six starts ago. #4 High Rise Power transferred to trainer Dennis Yip's stable ahead of his return. He responded well in his recent trial and is set for improvement in his second attempt in Class 5.

Race 2 - SHEK O HANDICAP

#5 Sight Happy showed potential in three runs last season, and natural improvement will see him make further inroads this campaign. Under Hugh Bowman from barrier 2, he is the one to beat. #2 Joy Coming returned to Class 4 last time, but a wide trip diminished his chances despite not being beaten by far. He looked good in his trial. #3 Scotch Tycoon found form in his final three runs last season, and his last-start third to Packing Hermod looks solid here. #4 Sixth Generation needs more distance but caught the eye in his trial. He could be worth considering at his odds.

Race 3 - SHEK O HANDICAP

#1 Packing Power made a lasting impression on debut with a decisive course-and-distance win in June. Trainer Danny Shum's charge looks destined for greater things and can win again. #4 Aurora Lady is ready to fire with two promising barrier trials. He was nearing a win in three runs last season and can challenge. #7 Colonel switches to Mark Newnham's stable after leaving Ricky Yiu's. His frontrunning style is likely unchanged — he'll try to lead throughout. #2 Flying Wrote won one of four starts last season and was never far off. He can grab a good position early and figure in the finish.

Race 4 - STANLEY HANDICAP

#7 Precision Goal turned his form around last season after moving to David Hayes, winning one and placing twice in seven starts. Zac Purton stays on board, and he's well placed to continue his good form. #5 Reliable Profit was getting close to a win late last season. The Danny Shum-and-Hugh Bowman combination is one to respect. #3 Invincible Missile is poised to improve in his second start in this grade, but he must take advantage of the low draw early. #8 Right Honourable is a veteran performer who remains in solid form. Barrier 2 will aid his cause.

Race 5 - KIU TSUI HANDICAP

#7 Sweet Diamond benefits from barrier 1. He posted back-to-back wins late last season but had valid excuses when attempting the hat-trick. #1 Ma Comet was runner-up in his last three races, suggesting a win is near. The drop in class has worked in his favor, and his first Hong Kong victory is within reach. #5 Less Is More showed flashes of ability last season despite not placing in five starts. His recent trial performance was eye-catching. #12 Happy Horse might be better suited to Class 5, but his early speed gives him a chance to hold on in this contest.

Race 6 - THE COMMUNITY CHEST CUP (HANDICAP)

#1 Red Majesty makes his second attempt back in Class 4, where he has solid form. Zac Purton's booking and barrier 1 strengthen his winning prospects. #12 Kasa Papa was transferred to Tony Cruz late last season and ran well despite some excuses. He's dropped in ratings and is a strong lightweight chance. #11 Matsu Victor showed improvement with racing last season, finishing a close second at this course and distance in his final outing. He'll need some luck from a wide gate, but a strong tempo will suit him. #7 D Star won first-up last season and now resumes 10 points lower than his previous mark — expect improvement.

Race 7 - HOI MEI HANDICAP

#4 Helene Warrior displayed plenty of potential last season, highlighted by a strong win over this course and distance two starts ago. He's progressing well and is the one to beat. #11 I Can returns to his preferred track and distance, having run a solid fourth at Sha Tin in his last outing. #3 Lovero is another specialist at Happy Valley who, from barrier 1, will be favorably positioned on pace to make his mark. #10 Setanta will need luck from the back, but he has improved since joining Mark Newnham's stable and is worth considering.

Race 8 - LIDO HANDICAP

#8 Super Joy N Fun is a promising type, winning two of six starts and running against strong company last season. His last-start third to Packing Hermod suggests he's well placed here. #10 Ka Ying Cheer has had multiple chances to win in Class 3 but hasn't broken through yet. His two trials were impressive, and he's capable of an early-season victory, especially with Zac Purton atop first time. #9 Righteous Arion will be charging home late off what should be a genuine tempo. #1 Reward Smile finds this a more winnable contest than previous assignments but will need to overcome barrier 11 first-up.