Sky Heart and Refusetobeenglish Highlight Hong Kong Racing Action at Happy Valley
As racing resumes in Hong Kong with a nine-race programme at Happy Valley today, bettors are advised to proceed with caution. The handicaps on the card present fiendishly difficult puzzles to solve, yet recent strong performances by certain gallopers offer promising winning chances. In such uncertain conditions, following the fortunes of Caspar Fownes, the 'King of the Valley,' is a wise strategy. Fownes currently leads the trainers' championship table, having saddled 23 of his 36 winners this season at the city track, and is expected to improve on that tally by the end of today's action.
Sky Heart: A Strong Contender in the Main Event
While Fownes' Lucky Generations appears to have a winning chance in the opener, the Bowen Handicap over six furlongs, this Class Five contest features many inconsistent and unpredictable gallopers. A much better proposition from the stable is Sky Heart, who competes in the main event on the card, the Class Two Magazine Gap Handicap over nine furlongs. The son of Ardrossan has only tried this trip a few times in his career but performed well when finishing fifth over the course and distance in December. This time, the race is likely to be run to suit him.
With only half-a-dozen rivals to contend with and in-form five-pound claimer Ellis Wong in the saddle, Sky Heart should bounce out in front and be hard to pass down the home straight. Notably, Sky Heart was beaten by a neck by probable favourite Huge Wave over the extended mile back in November and is now 17 pounds better off with that rival, including Wong's valuable claim, which further enhances his winning potential.
Refusetobeenglish: Poised for Victory in the Wan Chai Gap Handicap
Later on the card, it is worth persevering with the Pierre Ng-trained Refusetobeenglish to finally visit the winners' circle in division two of the Wan Chai Gap Handicap over six furlongs. The son of Churchill has suffered numerous hard luck stories in his seven career runs to date, particularly in his last couple of performances. Double-figure gates have cost him dearly, leaving him too far back in the early stages of both contests.
In his most recent race, he came from last turning into the straight before delivering a barnstorming finish, posting the fastest closing sectional time in the contest, yet finished just out of the frame in sixth a fortnight ago. This time, drawn in gate seven, he is mapped for a midfield journey with the major plus of Andrea Atzeni back in the saddle. The Sardinian-born pilot is riding winners for fun at present, with nine already this month, and currently lies third in the jockeys' championship table. Provided Atzeni finds a trouble-free spot from the off, it will be disappointing if Ng's four-year-old does not produce a winning dash in the closing stages.
Key Pointers for Today's Races
- Sky Heart – 11.40am at Happy Valley
- Refusetobeenglish – 2.50pm at Happy Valley
Today's programme at Happy Valley offers challenging handicaps, but with expert insights and strong performances from top trainers and jockeys, Sky Heart and Refusetobeenglish stand out as key picks for bettors looking to capitalize on the action.
