Hong Kong: Selections for Happy Valley March 5

Racing at Happy Valley begins at 5:40 a.m. ET. Selections and analysis by Luke Middlebrook.

Race 1: KWOON CHUNG MOTORS HANDICAP

#3 Fury and Gold won over this course and distance two starts ago before backing it up with an eye-catching closing fifth over 1800m. The return to his winning trip is key to his chances, and he should be hard to hold out late. #2 California Moxie drops into Class 5 for the first time while also stepping up in distance. A notable jockey change sees Hugh Bowman take the reins from barrier 2, where he is poised to receive a cozy run, with improvement expected. #1 Smashing Express looks ready to break his maiden, with the step up in trip appearing suitable after some solid performances over 1800m in recent starts. The booking of Ryan Moore adds further confidence. #6 Gold Tack has slid down the ratings and is beginning to show improvement, finishing third two starts ago before a wide barrier last time saw him settle back and charge home late into fourth.

Race 2: INTERCONTINENTAL LIMOUSINE HANDICAP

#10 Lucky Planet piques interest on his stable debut for Cody Mo. A change of scenery might be just what he needs to recapture his best form, having led all the way five starts ago to score over Sight Hero—a result that has since proven to be strong form. Barrier 1 enhances his chances. #11 Harmony N Home has endured a tough run of wide draws this season but certainly has what it takes to figure in a race like this. Moving into a mid-draw in gate 5 should afford him a much better run in transit. #5 E Universe also steps out for a new stable, transferring from Cody Mo to Caspar Fownes. His trial showed promise, and an improved effort is expected. #1 Happy United is having his third run back in Class 4 and always looks a chance in a race like this. The booking of Hugh Bowman adds further confidence.

Race 3: TRANS-ISLAND CHINALINK HANDICAP

#3 Glorious Success tries Happy Valley for the first time and looks primed to break through. His form reads exceptionally well, with placings behind Johannes Brahms and Embraces in recent starts, and this is his chance to get on the board as David Eustace calls upon Ryan Moore to get the job done. #2 Samarkand finds a race with little early speed engaged, giving him the opportunity to roll forward and dictate from barrier 4 under Lyle Hewitson. #5 Ivy League is another who can take up a handy position, and his last-start third to Soleil Fighter is a strong form reference after that horse came out and won cozily again last week. #6 Super Unicorn closed in nicely for second behind Hameron last start, and while his form reads winless in this class, he lost on objection five starts ago. In this smaller field, he deserves a winning chance.

Race 4: KC SMART MOBILITY HANDICAP

#4 Dragon Four Seas makes his Happy Valley debut and brings strong form since breaking through three starts ago, having finished second and third subsequently in stronger races at Sha Tin. He gets barrier 1 and Hugh Bowman in the saddle, making him the one to beat. #1 Endued drops into Class 4 for the first time, and his late-closing efforts in Class 3 suggest he can measure up in a weaker contest like this. #11 Super Charizzard draws nicely in barrier 4 for Luke Ferraris, and with an anticipated sweet run in transit, he will get his chance to figure in the finish. #5 Loveisintheair debuts for the John Size stable, and while his trials haven’t been standouts, he is well-prepared and could surprise at a price.

Race 5: KWOON CHUNG MACAU LIMOUSINE RENTAL SERVICES HANDICAP

#1 Golden Rise will have to earn it from barrier 10, but he is knocking on the door for another win, having finished runner-up in his last three starts, including twice behind the in-form Fortune Whiskey. He’s the one to beat. #6 Colourful Winner may be suited by the switch to Happy Valley for the first time, having shown good form at Sha Tin despite often facing wide barriers. Moving into barrier 4 ensures a better trip, which he can capitalize on. #7 Spicy Spangle is an intriguing runner stepping out for the Cody Mo stable for the first time. His trial was strong, and he will be looking to lead all the way. #4 Star Figure is a newcomer for the Jamie Richards stable and has caught the eye in his trial work. Winning first-up at Happy Valley is no easy feat, but he should acquit himself well.

Race 6: KWOON CHUNG INCLUSIVE & ACCESSIBLE SERVICE HANDICAP

#5 Mission Strike is improving with racing, and now third-up, he looks ready to strike. Second-up, he closed in nicely from eighth to be beaten less than a length into third. Barrier 4 should afford him the right run for Luke Ferraris to extract a win from Mark Newnham’s three-year-old. #1 Beauty Alliance still has improvement to come, and this marks his second attempt at Happy Valley after an excusable first try at the city circuit two starts ago when caught wide throughout. #11 Hakka Radiance is likeable on the quick backup after a game runner-up effort over 2200m last week, where he raced too keenly throughout. Barrier 10 is awkward, but his form is strong enough to keep him in contention. #2 Can’t Go Wong had no luck at Sha Tin last start, but he is better suited back at this course and distance, especially with a favorable draw in barrier 2.

Race 7: THE KWOON CHUNG BUS 60TH ANNIVERSARY CUP (HANDICAP)

#4 Sunny Da Best comes to the city circuit for the first time and will be looking to go one better after his narrow defeat to impressive debut winner Mid Winter Wind. #8 Beauty Infinity turned in a slashing late run into fourth behind Beauty Destiny first-up from a wide barrier. He has had plenty of chances in Class 3 but looks to have returned in great order, while barrier 2 can help him settle in a better position this time. #6 Romantic Son was caught wide throughout over 1400m at Sha Tin last time but stuck on gamely for sixth. He has since trialed well, and a return to this course and distance looks key to his chances. #3 Francis Meynell has been up against it from wide draws in his four Hong Kong starts, but his form is encouraging, including a runner-up finish to The Boom Box two starts ago. A mid-draw here can turn his luck around.

Race 8: SICHUAN BIPENGGOU TOURIST ATTRACTIONS HANDICAP

#7 Wah May Wai Wai deserves another chance after being used up early from a wide draw last time, leaving him entitled to weaken in the straight. The speed map is in his favor here, and he should give a sight. #8 Sky Vino is trending in the right direction, having placed third in his last three races. He will be up on the pace again and gets his chance to break through. #10 Jumbo Fortune is on the quick backup after a narrow second over this course and distance last week. He is only a one-time winner from 50 local starts, but David Eustace has him racing well. #4 Happy Daily has a strong jockey booking with Ryan Moore engaged and can show second-up improvement after charging from near last into fourth first-up over this track and trip. The seven-year-old is in good form and will be making his usual late bid.

Race 9: NEW LANTAO BUS HANDICAP

#2 Eason is well drawn in barrier 4 under Hugh Bowman and is set to receive all the favors in running. He has been in solid form this season, notching three placings from four starts, and a win looks close. #5 Spicy Gold has had four attempts to break through in Class 3, finding one too good on two occasions, including last start behind Gustosisimo. He warrants another chance here in what looks an ideal race to break through in the grade. #8 Legendary Impact is one to watch second-up in Hong Kong. He was unwanted in the betting on debut and finished a little over five lengths away in fourth, but the way he found the line late was encouraging. The step up to 1200m should suit. #4 Sports Legend will strip fitter second-up after fading late into fifth first-up, beaten just over three lengths. He will be up on the pace from barrier 1 and should give a sight.