Hong Kong Spot Plays: Check out this Amazing Star at Happy Valley

Two promising sprinters will headline Wednesday’s racing action at Happy Valley in Hong Kong, including the as-of-late unchallenged Amazing Star.

What could be better than enjoying breakfast while watching future equine stars in action? Not much, unless you add winning wagers in the mix. Follow our spot plays to add your own personal rooting interest to this exciting morning of racing.

Race 7: Queen’s Road East Handicap (Class 3, 8:45 a.m. ET)

#5 Californiadeepshot arrives from Australia with a perfect 2-for-2 record, having easily won two sprints in quick times. A 3-year-old currently conditioned by Tony Cruz, Californiadeepshot has made a great impression since arriving in Hong Kong, going 3-for-3 in barrier trials at Sha Tin and Happy Valley. He was particularly strong in a 1,200-meter trial on Jan. 18, cruising home in front by two lengths while never asked for his best.

Californiadeepshot appears poised for success in his Hong Kong debut. Wednesday’s 1,200-meter distance should be right up his alley, and he’ll have accomplished jockey Karis Teetan in the saddle. We’ll bet Californiadeepshot to win and play him on top of a trifecta with #4 Victoriam, #6 Hardly Swears, #7 Aurora Pegasus, and #9 Superb Daddy underneath.

Wagering strategy:

$26 to Win on #5 Californiadeepshot
$3.90 Trifecta: 5 with 6 with 4,7,9 ($11.7)
$3.90 Trifecta: 5 with 4,7,9 with 6 ($11.7)

Race 8: Stubbs Handicap (Class 2, 9:15 a.m. ET)

There’s no telling how good #9 Amazing Star might be. This 5-year-old gelding has been an absolute freak since returning from an injury-induced layoff in November, winning a pair of 1,200-meter sprints here at Happy Valley with ridiculous ease.

Just how dominant has Amazing Star been? On Nov. 20, he led all the way to win a Class 4 handicap by 5 1/2 lengths in 1:08.92, a class record. Then he stepped up to Class 3 company and once again led from the start to crush his rivals by 4 1/2 lengths in 1:08.75, just 0.25 off the course record.

Amazing Star has improved his rating by a staggering 26 pounds and will step into Class 2 company on Wednesday, but considering the standard time for this class level is just 1:09.55, Amazing Star should handle the jump just fine. He’ll retain the services of reigning champion jockey Zac Purton and figures to deliver another huge effort.

Wagering strategy:

$52 to Win on #9 Amazing Star

Good luck!