Hong Kong Racing Tips: So many reasons to back Moreira’s mount in the opener
THERE is no doubt that the most difficult puzzle to solve on the nine race card at Happy Valley today has to be the £200,000 Heung Yip Handicap (11.45am) run over nine furlongs.
There may be only seven runners, but this is a race which will have formbook students scratching their heads for hours, with all seven holding a chance on their best form.
The big question is who will dictate the early pace? Though all seven are renowned hold-up performers, the John Size-trained Enrichment, who needs a consistent end-to-end gallop to show his true ability, will perhaps be the one to perform the pace-making role.
Caspar Fownes’ Green Luck has the best recent form, having won over the extended mile two weeks ago from rivals Helene Charisma and Enrichment and despite a 6lb penalty will appreciate the step up in distance again.
Tianchi Monster has to come into the equation, especially with Zac Purton, who has an unblemished three-from- three record on the promising stayer, renewing his partnership again.
It’s interesting that Moreira deserts Green Luck and climbs aboard MR SO AND SO, another from the John Size stable.
He finally has an inside draw in stall three after being handed negative double-figure numbers in his last three races.
He wasn’t far behind Green Luck when the pair clashed over course and distance in June and subsequently bettered that performance when runner-up over the extended mile in July, with his rival a distant third.
Provided there is a consistent gallop from the off, Mr So And So could prove too strong for his rivals in the closing stages and gain his first win since December last year.
POINTERS
Mr So And So 11.45am Happy Valley