Hong Kong Preview: Highland can provide good Fortune

#8 Highland Fortune can take advantage of a handy gate to win an intriguing Class 2 race over 1650m (about a mile and 55 yards) at Happy Valley on Wednesday.

The Fleming Handicap pits horses coming back from graded stakes at the end of last season against improving lower class horses, with the added factor of trying to assess fitness levels of horses at the start of a new campaign.

With all of those factors, Highland Fortune looks like a good horse to anchor in multiples. Having drawn gate six, he should get near the front on the short stretch to the first turn. On the tight Happy Valley course, this should give him a significant advantage.

Unlike many of his rivals, Highland Fortune has had two starts this season, improving from his first start, a sixth-place finish, to take the runner-up spot at Sha Tin on September 19. Several of his rivals in this week’s race, including #5 Beauty Fit, #11 Helene Wisdom Star, and #12 Sunshine Warrior, were well behind him that day.

Among Highland Fortune’s rivals are the group performers #1 Reliable Team, #2 Not Usual Talent, #3 Rattan, and #4 Savvy Nine. All prefer different distances bar Not Usual Talent, who has the disadvantage of barrier 12.

Perhaps the best chances to beat Highland Fortune are #6 Savaquin, who was competitive throughout last season at a mile, as well as further; and the consistent #10 Telecom Fighters, who ran nicely for third on his first start this season. Both should be included in multiples.

BEST PLAY

Happy Valley, Wednesday October 6, Race 9:

• $4 win/$8 show #8 Highland Fortune ($12)
• $2 exacta: 8 with 1,2,4,6,10 ($10)

BONUS PLAY – NEW ZEALAND

Race 7 at Awapuni, Thursday October 7:

#4 Rose of Delgatie: Looked useful before failing in Group 3 company at the end of last season. Should be ready to run well first-up over 1400m.

• $4 win/$8 show, #4 Rose of Delgatie