Hong Kong racing tips: Jim McGrath with three bets at Happy Valley

E Honey
1.15 Happy Valley
2pts win

Stock Legend
2.15 Happy Valley
2pts win

Charity Fun
3.50 Happy Valley
2pts win

Progressive sprinter Stock Legend is reunited with Joao Moreira in the Class 3 6f handicap (2.15) in the most significant jockey change on the nine-race card at Happy Valley.

The Francis Lui-trained four-year-old had won three of his previous four starts (two with Moreira aboard) when the ‘Magic Man’ deserted him for Soaring Tower in a similar race three weeks ago, one of those rare occasions in which his judgement was wrong.

Stock Legend ran a cracking race with Karis Teetan aboard, storming home from a rearward position after sitting many lengths off the lead, eventually finishing sixth, a length and a quarter back from the winner. With a better start, he could have been much closer.

Moreira is back in the saddle on a horse he knows well – and possibly rates more highly now – but of equal importance is that this time he can make full use of an inside gate (stall 3) to maintain a position just off the pace.

Teetan remains loyal to Jazz Steed, a remarkably consistent sprinter, who is 2-20 but with seven minor placings to his credit. He has an awkward draw (8) but can be in the frame yet again.

Caspar Fownes has six runners on the card, with a chance for value offered by another Teetan-ridden contender, He tackles the Class 4 6f handicap (1.15).

E Honey has an interesting background, having won two barrier trials for astute New Zealand trainer Nigel Tilley, who knows what is required in Hong Kong.

The three-year-old has had a quiet introduction to the local scene, displaying some promise in five starts. He can break through here, with Inno Legend his main danger.

Promising stayer Charity Fun is selected to win the finale, the Class 2 1m1f handicap (3.50), and should be taken in a forecast with Righteous Doctrine, a versatile and talented type.

Charity Fun fluffed his lines when trying to make the cut for the Derby – he finished a disappointing eighth – but then bounced back to win over 1m2f last month. He has run well at the city track before and this should prove to be ideal.

Happy Valley card

Bet through the tote

Happy Valley Placepot perm

1.15
7 Inno Legend
10 E Honey

1.45
5 Cheerful Days
9 Winning Steed

2.15
4 Stock Legend
10 Jazz Steed

2.45
3 Joyful Union
8 Shouson

3.15
9 Right Honourable
10 Surrealism

3.50
7 Charity Fun
8 Righteous Doctrine

Bets can be placed into Hong Kong pools with the Tote, Coral and Ladbrokes. The first race at Sha Tin is due off at 5.30am

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