Hong Kong racing tips: Jim McGrath has three Happy Valley selections

Vincy
12.15 Happy Valley
2pts win

Medic Elite
12.45 Happy Valley
2pts win

Ensured
2.50 Happy Valley
2pts win

An influx of talented visiting jockeys hasn't halted the dominance of Zac Purton, who again looks set to take a starring role on Wednesday's eight-race card at Happy Valley.

Purton, with 51 winners, has more than double the total of his nearest rival Vincent Ho (21) and there is good reason to believe he can bring home at least a treble.

Course-and-distance winner Vincy looks his best bet in the Class 4 handicap (12.15) over 1m3f to get things under way.

The five-time champion last rode Vincy two years ago when the gelding finished second in a 1m2f handicap at Sha Tin. Vincy’s rating has dropped 25 points since then, having not won since April last year. But, his most recent run indicated he is on the way back.

He finished third for apprentice Jerry Chau over 1m1f at the Valley, and with a decent draw (3), he can go very close.

Purton has picked up an interesting new ride in Medic Elite, who is selected to open his account in the Class 5 handicap (12.45) over 1m1f.

This New Zealand import has dropped to an attractive low mark following three placings in the bottom grade this season, and he is ready to win.

The four-year-old is prepared by first-season trainer Pierre Ng, who has made an immediate impression with 11 winners, placing him eight behind leader Frankie Lor in the trainers’ championship.

Medic Elite, who he gained from retired Paul O’Sullivan, has Owners’ Star to beat.

Chau has been overshadowed this season by new star claimer Angus Chung but he gets his chance to strike back when he partners useful import Ensured in the finale, the 1m1f Class 3 handicap (2.50).

Ensured showed some ability for James Fanshawe before being shipped out to the Far East, having picked up a Novice win at Sandown last year.

He gave every indication he has retained that ability with two encouraging runs this season, the most recent being a close second over course and distance three weeks ago. Hugh Bowman’s mount Nearly Fine could be the danger.

Happy Valley Placepot perm

12.15
4 Vincy
5 Circuit Elite

12.45
2 Owners’ Star
7 Medic Elite

1.15
6 Hardly Swears
9 Rattan Kingdom

1.45
3 Heroic Master
12 Super Commander

2.15
3 Rewarding Together
6 Astrologe

2.50
2 Nearly Fine
10 Ensured

2x2x2x2x2x2 = 64 lines

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