Hong Kong View: Jim McGrath has three Happy Valley selections

Hava Nageela
1.15 Happy Valley
2pts win

Righteous Arion
1.45 Happy Valley
2pts win

Adios
2.15 Happy Valley
2pts win

Zac Purton should be back making headlines again following a rare blank day when partnering Hava Nageela in the Volunteers' Challenge Cup (1.15), over 1m 1f at Happy Valley on Wednesday.

Purton was overshadowed on Stewards’ Cup Day, not only by Vincent Ho on Golden Sixty but by visitors Jamie Kah and James McDonald.  However, normal service is expected to be resumed from the five-time champion on a tough card at the city course.

Purton was aboard for the first time when Hava Nageela caught the eye on his last start when flying home for sixth behind Voyage Bubble over a mile at Sha Tin prior to the latter’s triumph in the Classic Mile. It is strong form and underlines him as the one to beat in this Class 3 contest, even against a New Zealand Derby winner in Rocket Spade. In Ireland, Hava Nageela was 3-8, winning his final three starts for Ken Condon, and he is now ready to open his Hong Kong account.

Frankie Lor has booked Purton for Adios for the first time in the Class 3 6f sprint handicap (2.15) as well as fitting the gelding with cheekpieces and a tongue-tie which should do the trick.

The Snitzel gelding has won two of his last four starts, both over course and distance and from stall four, which he occupies again. Adios is still capable of winning again, even off a 14lb higher mark than his first handicap win. Majestic Knight is very capable, as too is the awkwardly drawn Howdeepisyourlove (12), and they are the dangers.

Tony Cruz has uncovered a good type in Righteous Arion, who has emerged as the likely winner of the Class 4 6f handicap (1.45) in which Purton’s mount Racing Fighter looks the chief threat. Righteous Arion is an Australian three-year-old who went through the sales ring twice, more than doubling his price from yearling to the ready-to-race stage.

He has acclimatised well and is clearly progressive. Vincent Ho replaces Luke Ferraris on the lightly-raced import, whose only negative is his tendency to get back in the field early, sometimes losing touch with the leaders. Beginning from gate two, this could present Ho with a few awkward moments.

Happy Valley Placepot perm

12.15
2 Viva Popcorn
8 Packing Succeeder

12.45
3 Solar Partner
6 Hoss

1.15
4 Rocket Spade
6 Hava Nageela

1.45
4 Racing Fighter
7 Righteous Arion

2.15
1 Adios
4 Majestic Knight

2.50
3 Armour Eagle
7 Gold Gold Baby

2x2x2x2x2x2 = 64 lines

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