Hong Kong Preview: Rock Ya Heart set for bold showing

#10 Rock Ya Heart can take advantage of a kind barrier draw and win the Class 2 Glasgow Handicap at Happy Valley on Wednesday.

Hong Kong Wagers

• $10 win/$30 show: #10 Rock Ya Heart
• $4 exacta box: 3, 4, 9

Rock Ya Heart has been in solid form lately, most recently finishing second to the frontrunning Whizz Kid over 1,000 meters (about five furlongs) at Happy Valley Nov. 9.

He faces a very good Class 2 field here but gets a clear advantage with barrier two at the 1,200-meter (about six-furlong) start. Vincent Ho, currently second on the Hong Kong jockeys premiership, takes the mount.

Rock Ya Heart’s toughest competition could come from #3 Rewarding Together. He won very nicely at Happy Valley Oct. 30 and benefits from the ace barrier on the tight Happy Valley course. However, he earned a seven-pound penalty for his last-start victory and could find that hard to overcome. Matthew Chadwick takes the mount.

Top Australian jockey Hugh Bowman has made a quick impact since beginning his quick stint in Hong Kong, riding four winners from 23 rides, and he looks to have one of the best horses in this race in the form of #4 Handsome Bo Bo. However, he will need serious luck from barrier nine.

The in-form horse is #9 Street Scream, who seeks his fourth victory on end in this event. He will have the services of apprentice Angus Chung, who in his first season of Hong Kong riding has already notched up nine wins and can still claim 10 pounds. Chung’s biggest problem will be keeping Street Scream from covering too much extra ground from barrier 10.

#11 Ping Hai Galaxy continues to run consistently and should have a chance of getting some of the money from gate five, while others to watch include #1 Harmony and Rich and the underrated #6 Astrologer.

Bonus play — New Zealand

New Plymouth, Race 1, West End Bowling Club Maiden

• $10 win/$30 show, #1 Smug: Has put in two very solid runs at his past two starts. Stays well and looks to have a strong chance.