Tuesday 03 December 2019 6:12 pm

Hong Kong Racing Tips: Former UK Rocket can card Glorious Happy Valley victory

HONG KONG, CHINA – JULY 10: Horses are seen on the racetrack at the Happy Valley racecourse on July 10, 2019 in Hong Kong, China. The famous racecourse continues to be the center of horse racing in Hong Kong, since 1846 when a group of colonial equestrian enthusiasts decided to have the swamp land reclaimed and made into a racecourse. In 1973 the Hong Kong Jockey Club decided to introduce night racing, the floodlit races were a success, and have become popular amongst the expat and local community alike. Hong Kong is approaching a political crossroads after two months of widespread protests over a proposed extradition bill, which raise more fundamental questions about its relationship with mainland China. Since 1997, when it was handed back to China after 156 years of British rule, it has enjoyed a special status governed by the principle of “One Country, Two Systems.” The arrangement gave Hong Kong a high degree of autonomy over domestic affairs, retaining its independent judiciary, rule of law, free trade and free speech. However, its political candidates must be vetted by Beijing, and in the years since the handover, increased Chinese influence has become a major source of tension. In 2014, hundreds of thousands of protesters occupied the central business district for more than three months calling on changes to the electoral system, in what was dubbed the “Umbrella Movement.” With the proposal of the new extradition bill, many Hongkongers see this as another step by China to assert control and have taken to the streets once again. Faced with the backlash, Hong Kong’s chief executive, Carrie Lam, has insisted the bill is “dead,” but protesters have continued weekly rallies and demanded Lam’s resignation. As protests continue to gather momentum, where they will lead is still unknown – calls for full independence remain scarce – but recent rumblings from China’s military suggest a sustained political storm. (Photo by Chris McGrath/Getty Images)

PERHAPS one of the best things about racing in Hong Kong is the competitive nature of their handicaps.

Such is the ratings system with only around 1,300 racehorses in the territory, it’s unusual to find wide margin winners during the season.

A horse that has bucked the trend and has already been mentioned elsewhere is High Rev, a seven-length winner at the end of last season and then a three-length victor in October.

The handicapper has raised him 30lbs since his win in July and will surely be praying he has finally caught up with him when he tries nine furlongs for the first time in the 4th leg (2.10pm) of the IJC.

Despite a step up in class, a 7lb penalty and the likelihood of a wider than ideal trip, you can guarantee he will be very popular with the betting public which will offer some value about his rivals.

The trouble is this looks a difficult puzzle to solve with at least half-a-dozen horses having gilt-edged chances on their best form, and luck is probably going to play an important role in the result.

The one who looks of interest is the horse lurking at the bottom of the handicap, GLORIOUS DRAGON, who may prove much better than his current mark.

This former UK galloper, known as Stephensons Rocket when trained by Ed Walker, has taken plenty of time to acclimatise to conditions since arriving in HK.

He finally got his act together on unfavourable fast ground when chasing home Splendour And Gold in a hot handicap at Sha Tin last month.

With plenty of water sprayed on the Happy Valley turf, he should find conditions to suit and with in-form Vincent Ho aboard, he makes plenty of each-way appeal.

POINTERS

Glorious Dragon 2.10pm Happy Valley