Hong Kong: Caine Handicap at Happy Valley June 23

Followers of Alastair Bull’s Hong Kong previews were rewarded again when 4-1 chance McLucky won at Happy Valley on June 9. Though the trifecta did not come in, those who made the advised $26 in total bets walked away with $38.10.

In the last six Hong Kong midweek racedays, players who followed the advice in the column and invested $125 in recommended bets have received $230.55, a profit of $105.55.

A rejuvenated Telecom Smart can continue his good form with victory in the Caine Handicap (1200m, or about six furlongs) at Happy Valley on Wednesday.

Telecom Smart didn’t show much in Class 3 company when he began racing in Hong Kong this season on a 68 rating. But after six fairly ordinary efforts, he’s improved a great deal in his last five.

Dropping back to Class 4, the former Australian galloper was runner-up on three consecutive occasions before breaking through for a convincing victory on June 9.

His seven-pound penalty puts him back into Class 3 for this race, but he’s running well enough that he can be expected to perform well again for Matthew Chadwick. From barrier six, he should be able to settle midfield, just off the speed, and finish strongly.

Telecom Smart’s biggest danger may well be Alcari, who used up a lot of gas to get to the front from a wide draw at his most recent outing but fought strongly to hold out all but Transcendent. This time, Alcari is drawn much more kindly at five and has the services of leading rider Joao Moreira.

Stoicism has been improving constantly and should go well again, while down in the weights Jolly Good Heart should not be ignored. Jolly Good Heart beat Telecom Smart narrowly at his most recent start, and though the five pound penalty won’t help, he should appreciate barrier two.

BEST PLAY

Hong Kong, Race 7 at Happy Valley

• $4 to win: #8 Telecom Smart
• $10 show: #8 Telecom Smart
• $1 box quinella: #5 Alcari, #7 Stoicism, #8 Telecom Smart, #11 Jolly Good Heart

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BONUS PLAY

New Zealand, Race 1 at Timaru, Thursday June 24 (local time)

Despite a big jump in the ratings, Ringbolt is set to carry only 1.5kg (about 3.5 pounds) more after defeating a similar field a week and a half ago. A similar effort should see him win again.

• $4 win: #1 Ringbolt
• $8 show: #1 Ringbolt