Hong Kong racing tips: JA McGrath with three Happy Valley fancies on Wednesday

Helene Allibor
12.15 Happy Valley
2pts win

Amigos Giggle
12.45 Happy Valley
2pts win

Family Folks
2.15 Happy Valley
2pts win

Trainer David Hayes, still reeling from the shock defeat of Nervous Witness at the weekend, can steady the ship by winning with useful type Helene Allibor in Wednesday’s Class 3 1m1f handicap (12.15) at Happy Valley.

There were no immediate answers for the failure of Nervous Witness, who went out like a light at the end of a 5f sprint at Sha Tin, which had seemed a simple task considering his first two stunning performances.

In contrast, stablemate Helene Allibor has sailed in under the radar this season, despite being a Group 2 Sandown Guineas winner in Melbourne, where he gave a glimpse of his long-term potential.

He also indicated this distance should prove ideal when an encouraging third over the trip at Sha Tin last time, and is a good ride for Blake Shinn.

Dangers are course-and-distance winner Savvy Kingman, who has gone up 6lb after making all last start, and the capable Meaningful Star, although the latter faces an awkward draw (stall eight of nine) this time.

It has been slim pickings this season for Michael Chang, who has sent out only three winners from 65 runners, yet the former globetrotting trainer (who had success in Dubai and the United States) could easily land a double on this tricky nine-race card.

Chang saddles the untapped Amigos Giggle in the Class 4 6f sprint handicap (12.45), in which he has much going for him. He is drawn in stall three with Joao Moreira riding, and facing only modest opposition for this grade.

The four-year-old son of Snitzel is 0-5 but has been placed three times, including over course and distance. The Hayes-trained Infinity Win, who has ability and should be handy to the speed, is the main threat.

Chang also has excellent prospects of taking the Class 3 6f handicap (2.15) with Family Folks, who has an impressive 3-11 record, with all wins landed with Antoine Hamelin riding. The trainer has not had a winner in five weeks but this an ideal opportunity to reverse that trend.

Seven Heavens is a rarity, being a sprinting son of Frankel, and with an inside draw (stall four), he should give a good sight.

Happy Valley Tote Placepot perm

12.15
5 Hellene Allibor
8 Savvy Kingman

12.45
1 Infinity Win
4 Amigos Giggle

1.15
2 Sight Success
6 Drops Of God

1.45
1 Heavenly Thought
7 Breeze Of Spring

2.15
3 Seven Heavens
4 Family Folks

2.50
2 Diamond Brilliant
8 Sergeant Pepper

2x2x2x2x2x2 = 64 lines

Bets can be placed into Hong Kong pools with the Tote, Coral and Ladbrokes. The first race at Happy Valley on Wednesday is at 10.45am.

Happy Valley Wednesday card

Bet through the Tote

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