He Jiong – Hong Kong racing returns to Happy Valley on Wednesday, 11 June, for an exciting 9-race
fixture with highly competitive action expected throughout the evening.
Progressive four-year-old HONG LOK GOLF aims for a fourth consecutive victory when he lines up in
the Class 2 Handicap over 1650m at Happy Valley this Wednesday.
Although he bypassed this season’s 4YO Series, HONG LOK GOLF has firmly established himself as
one of the standouts of his age group, boasting an impressive five wins from just six starts. After
back-to-back victories in Class 3 company, the son of Grunt made a seamless transition to Class 2 last
time out, sitting on the pace and winning comfortably over 1600m at Sha Tin.
That form has since been strongly franked, with runner-up PRAY FOR MIR going on to capture a
Group 3 race—further underscoring HONG LOK GOLF’s credentials as he chases another success.
In-form four-year-old KING MILES looks ready to land a deserved victory in the Class 3 Handicap over
1200m at Happy Valley this Wednesday.
The Francis Lui-trained gelding has hit great form in recent starts, finishing runner-up in each of his
last three appearances. Two runs back, he produced a powerful late surge to grab second, and last
time out, he adopted a more positive racing style to be narrowly denied in a photo finish over this
track and distance.
His main rival this week appears to be CHATEAUNEUF, who beat him by 2.25 lengths in their
previous clash. However, with a favourable weight swing in his favour, KING MILES looks well
positioned to turn the tables.
Track Spy
Video Stars
Race 7 – 4 PRIME MORTAR
When questioned by the stewards after his last start, the rider explained that he had been instructed
to ride conservatively from a wide draw. Despite this, the horse was caught racing wide and without
cover throughout, which left him with little to offer in the Home Straight.
It was clearly a troubled run best overlooked, and with better luck in transit this time, a Top 3 finish
would not surprise.
Race 8 – 8 LUCKY TOUCH
Adopting a more positive racing style from a wide draw did not work out last time, as he was used
up early to race on the speed before fading in the straight, finishing sixth—beaten 2.75
lengths—over this track and distance.
However, his earlier solid performances suggest he is more effective when allowed to settle off the
pace and finish strongly. With a return to those tactics, he is worth another chance this week.
Sectional Stars
Race 4 – 3 GAMEPLAYER ELITE
He has hit the line strongly in his last two runs, finishing fourth and fifth with sharp final 400m
sectionals over this track and distance. Not beaten more than 2.25 lengths in any of his past three
starts, he looks close to breaking through for his first local win.
Race 5 – 7 STORMI
Wide draws have hampered his winning chances in his last two starts, where he still managed to
clock the second- and third-fastest final 400m sectionals, finishing eighth and seventh, respectively.
With a more economical run this time, he could represent good value.
He Jiong’s Selections
R1. 7-5-11-8
R2. 4-3-2-6
R3. 8-10-7-5
R4. 3-1-6-5
R5. 1-2-4-8
R6. 4-5-8-9
R7. 1-4-2-9
R8. 8-2-6-7
R9. 4-1-5-8
Betting Strategy:
R4 #3 Win
R6 #4 Win
R7 #4 Each-Way
R8 #6 Each-Way
Race-by-Race Previews
Race 1: Podium ran on sharply off a slow pace to finish third last start, and with Purton taking the
reins, he shapes as a leading contender. Windicator Family has shown great form at the city circuit
recently and looks capable of bouncing back anytime. Harry’s Hero finished a solid fifth despite being
held up at a crucial stage last start, and could make amends with a smoother trip. Fairy Horse if he
can settle closer to the speed from an inside draw this time, he should deliver a strong performance.
Smiling Emperor possesses versatility in running and could cause an upset.
Race 2: Harmony Fire on a very winnable mark, he comes off a slashing fourth over this track and
distance and should be highly competitive. Happy United showed signs of regaining form last start
and must be included among the better chances. Candlelight Dinner produced an improved effort
last time out and could go one better if allowed an uncontested lead. Winning Cigar a newcomer
who has trialled well for his debut, and is worth considering with Purton aboard. Spicy Spangle
stormed home for third last time out, but another wide draw raises concerns.
Race 3: A wide-open contest with several horses having winning claims. Soaring Bronco his recent
runs have been encouraging, and based on form, he looks a standout. Smart City has dropped in the
ratings and appears ideally weighted to run a bold race, especially from a low draw. Sight Supreme
his first-up effort was honest, and with added fitness, further improvement is expected. Iconical a
fast beginner, he could secure a spot in the Top 3 if the race unfolds in his favour. Our Lucky Glory
caught the eye running home strongly last start, but has yet to place from seven starts over this
distance.
Race 4: Gameplayer Elite finished strongly into fifth from a wide draw last start, and with a
favourable gate, he looks primed to break through. Know At Heart produced an improved effort at
his second start in Class 4 and looks one to follow. Victor The Rapid a good draw could spark a
surprise this time and he should not be overlooked. Happy Park if he can crosse early from a wide
gate, he may sneak into the placings. Smart Fighter a proven performer in this class, he was narrowly
beaten last start and remains a chance, though the big weight could pose a challenge.
Race 5: Glorious Journey resuming from a break, he boasts a great record in Class 4 and looks one to
follow first-up, especially with Purton aboard. Forever Glorious let down well to finish third last start
and should map closer to the speed from an inside draw this time. Satirical Fan a low draw suits his
positive racing style, so expect a bold showing up front. Capital Legend on a seven-day back-up, he
could go one better in a genuinely run race. Stormi has a strong turn of foot but draws wide again.
He is worth considering if his odds offer value.
Race 6: Hong Lok Golf a highly promising horse, he looks primed to extend his purple patch of form
in this small field of nine. Soleil Fighter has been ultra-consistent and his versatile racing style holds
him in good stead here. Steps Ahead boasting strong Sha Tin form, and with a favourable weight
swing, he may turn the tables on favourite Hong Lok Golf. Embraces with a lightweight on his back,
he should run well on his Class 2 debut, following a strong win in Class 3. Helene Feeling suited by
the return to turf and could surprise at odds with the apprentice claim.
Race 7: Galaxy Witness signalled his readiness on his return to Class 4 last start, and with Bowman
staying aboard, he is primed to score. Prime Mortar is better than his recent form suggests and could
cause an upset from a decent gate. Fortune Whiskey ideally placed with the apprentice claim, he
should run a big race in this field. Country Dancer likes to get back and charge home, and will make
his presence felt if the pace suits. New Power overcame a wide trip to score a tenacious win last
start, and remains a chance despite the weight rise.
Race 8: Lucky Touch adopting a more positive racing style didn’t work out last time, and he deserves
another chance here. Excellence Value has been in great form recently and can continue his strong
run with a good gate. Prestige Always showed tactical speed and stuck on well for third last start. He
could prove hard to run down if he crosses early from a wide draw. Stellar Swift will find this field
more manageable than his recent Sha Tin runs, and should be competitive if he handles the rise in
trip. King Of Fighters has been costly to follow recently, but remains worth considering if his odds
offer value.
Race 9: King Miles appears overdue for a win after three consecutive seconds, and looks a standout
despite the wide draw. Chateauneuf has regained his best form recently and is well placed with the
apprentice claim to deliver another bold performance. Nordic Dragon will launch a strong late surge
if they go too hard up front. Very Grateful finishing strongly into fourth on his local debut and expect
more to come with added fitness. Everstar caught wide last start but still ran well. He could cause an
upset with better luck in running, which seems likely from a low draw.
This article was originally published on TAB and is reposted here with permission.
