Feb 26 Hong Kong (Happy Valley) form analysis

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Race 1 (1,200m)

3 Copartner Prance looks the likely leader in a small field of just five runners, setting up nicely for him to be hard to reel in under Ryan Moore, who takes his first ride of this short-term stint.

2 Raging Blizzard saw his winning streak come to an end last time when chasing a hat-trick, but the lack of competition here puts him right back in contention.

1 Taj Dragon ran an unlucky fifth last time, beaten under three lengths after being held up. Though winless for some time, he is trending in the right direction.

5 Brave Star should land in an ideal on-pace position from barrier one, giving himself every chance to figure in the finish.

Race 2 (2,200m)

7 Good Good broke through for his first win over 2,000m last start and should relish stepping up in distance. The John Size-trained galloper remains relatively untapped against more exposed rivals and could have more to offer.

5 Serangoon draws an inside gate after a long time, which should allow him to settle closer in the run and boost his chances.

4 Affordable returns to a course and distance where he has won before. Barrier 10 looks tricky, but Moore's presence is key.

2 Fortune Superstar drops into Class 4 for the first time. The booking of Hugh Bowman adds intrigue, as does the first-time application of a tongue tie.

Race 3 (1,650m)

3 Soleil Fighter did not settle in the leading pack as he usually does last start, but he still closed off well for third. In a race lacking early speed, he can revert to an on-pace run, which will give him every chance to bounce back to winning ways, especially after drawing perfectly in barrier one for Moore.

7 Jumbo Legend pulled up with a throat issue last time and has since undergone surgery to correct an epiglottic entrapment. He resumes here and looked well in a recent trial, while the smaller field should allow him to settle within striking range before launching his trademark late surge.

1 Telecom Fighters, despite drawing widest, will attempt to dictate. He will give a sight under Bowman but may be vulnerable late.

2 Red Hare King drops back into Class 3, where he is better suited.

Race 4 (1,200m)

8 Super Sixty gets his chance to win here. He charged home late into second against the race shape last time, but looks well-placed to break through from barrier two.

5 Travel Golf has had three runs under Mark Newnham this season, and he has been closing off well. A low draw and a sharp trial bring him into contention at odds.

1 Yee Cheong Spirit has missed the placings only once in six starts this season and has trialled very well between runs. His last-start second behind Motoman has proven to be of strong form.

6 New Power returns since early January and has trialled well in preparation. Though unplaced in five runs this season, he has produced encouraging efforts, including a fast-finishing fifth behind Hong Lok Golf last time, which reads well here.

Race 5 (1,650m)

2 Encountered returns to a course and distance where he thrives, having won four from five attempts. This is also his first run since joining David Hall this season. He takes a significant class drop and, with gate one in his favour under Karis Teetan, should be right in the firing line.

4 Moments In Time has not had the best of luck at his last two starts, but with a smoother run, he can bounce back into the money from an inside draw under Moore.

1 Nimble Nimbus takes a major drop in class after competing at the top level, where he has produced encouraging runs, including a third-placed finish to Romantic Warrior three starts ago. This course and distance suit him well.

6 Mr Ascendency won with something in hand last time. He remains in form and is a strong contender again.

Race 6 (1,200m)

2 Sight Happy lost no admirers last start, finishing second after a troubled run. He is set to atone, having trialled impressively.

4 Fun N Fun Together will be giving them all something to run down in the home straight. He brings solid form into his first run at this course and distance and is overdue for a win.

1 Charming Babe finished a close-up fourth at Sha Tin last time. This marks his third attempt in Class 4, and he is trending in the right direction.

3 Judy's Great can prove hard to catch, but he had excuses last start when finishing a disappointing eighth after having endured a tough trip.

Race 7 (1,650m)

4 Sturdy Ruby charged home from the back from a wide draw last time. From gate two, he should enjoy a closer run to the speed and be within striking range to go one better.

7 The Azure, who was chasing a hat-trick of wins last start, remains a strong contender with Moore aboard. He has been kept ticking over with a sharp trial and looks ready to fire again.

2 Red Majesty warrants serious consideration back over this course and distance at his second attempt since the class drop. Barrier one and Bowman in the saddle are key positives.

8 Good Luck Win will need some luck from a wide draw, but his form has been solid. His last-start third had plenty of merit.

Race 8 (1,200m)

5 California Touch returns to the races since finishing a close-up fifth in September last year. He has trialled well in preparation, winning his Happy Valley heat in good style. If he brings that effort to race day, he will take some catching.

6 Gallant Valour broke his Class 3 duck last start after finally drawing an inside gate, and he remains well drawn in barrier four. He can be followed up off that win.

2 Aurora Lady's last-start fading ninth can be overlooked. He was unsuited by a fast-run race and pulled up with respiratory distress as well as lameness. Back to this course and distance, he is a better chance and can improve.

1 Bundle Of Charm drops in grade and has not been finishing far away in recent Class 2 runs. He warrants respect in this company.

Race 9 (1,000m)

7 Heroic Master has not won for some time, but his string of four placings suggests he is close to another win. With plenty of pace engaged and an inside draw, the race sets up well for him to score.

4 Healthy Healthy is on the quick back-up after running fifth, beaten under two lengths on Feb 23. He had traffic issues late and can improve with a clearer run.

2 Red Elegance capitalised on receiving all the favours in the run last time to win well. Once again, he warrants strong consideration as he maps to enjoy another ideal trip from barrier four.

6 Majestic Express is never far away at the finish. He must be respected.

Comments courtesy of The Hong Kong Jockey Club

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