Hong Kong Preview: Harmony can catch Fire at Happy Valley

(Hong Kong Jockey Club)

#3 Harmony Fire can notch a third consecutive victory when he makes his seasonal debut in the Clementi Handicap at Happy Valley on Wednesday.

It's the master & the apprentice! 🤝 Harmony Fire goes back-to-back under @JerryChau15 for @DJWhyteTrainer. #HKracing pic.twitter.com/eiSGCCDJ1b
— HKJC Racing (@HKJC_Racing) June 9, 2021

The son of Brazen Beau looked good when winning three of his six starts for trainer Douglas Whyte in the 2020-21 campaign, the last two in succession at the end of the season.

Unlike some of his rivals, Harmony Fire doesn’t have the advantage of an outing this season. But his ability and a very favorable gate (two) should see him right on the speed, and the five pound apprentice claim for the talented Jerry Chau should be enough to see him through.

Though it can be difficult assessing horses early in the season, Harmony Fire is worth focusing on as a key for multiples.

#7 Heart Conquered, beaten by Harmony Fire at the end of last season, has the advantage of a bit more seasoning than his rival after finishing a close second to Resolute two weeks ago. He should go well again, though his fitness advantage is a little negated by having to negotiate gate eight.

The same goes for #4 Wine and Wine, third behind Resolute and Heart Conquered at his last start; he has the outside gate of 10 but should be trying hard. #9 Jazz Steed, up a grade after winning a Class 4 event at his last start, is also disadvantaged with the nine gate, but he is capable of winning from off the speed.

Perhaps the best chance outside Harmony Fire is #6 Harmony N Blessed, who has the services of leading rider Zac Purton. It’s his first start for the season also, but he showed good form last term and should find a nice spot from gate three. #2 Hong Kong Bet should not be overlooked either.