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

Savaquin
1.15 Happy Valley
2pts win

Noble One
1.45 Happy Valley
2pts win

Star Brite
3.50 Happy Valley
2pts win

Not wishing to pre-empt a possible jockeys' title thriller later in the year, but the big two, Zac Purton and Joao Moreira, are currently scrapping over who will be the first to reach the 100-winner mark this season.

Purton leads 97-96 and, as ever, each has a full book of nine rides at Happy Valley with both looking set for multiple winners. But first to the ton? It could go either way.

One of the most popular tips on the card will be the New Zealand import Money Catcher in the Class 2 1m1f handicap (1.15), but there is every chance the John Size-trained Savaquin, Moreira's mount, could upset the likely favourite.

Money Catcher improved significantly on his Kiwi form with thirds in the Classic Cup and Hong Kong Derby, but drawn out in gate 7, jockey Derek Leung is going to need luck in running to get across into a midfield position in the run up the straight the first time.

Savaquin's three wins came over a mile, but he has been placed over course and distance and, if he gets cover in running, he will go very close, with Money Catcher and Sunny Star his main dangers.

Purton has several interesting rides, none more so than newcomer Noble One in the Class 4 5f sprint handicap (1.45). The three-year-old son of Deep Field has trialled four times in Hong Kong with Purton in the saddle on each occasion.

Drawn 8 at the 5f start at the Valley is not nearly as awkward as it appears, and the gelding should give a good sight on debut. Moreira rides Faribault for Paul O'Sullivan and, from an inside gate, he is expected to be handy most of the way.

Purton rides the one to beat, Star Brite, in a tricky finale, the Class 3 sprint handicap (3.50). The gelding was two from six on country tracks in Australia and, while yet to break through in Hong Kong, it is only a matter of time.

He finished a creditable third to Scotch Tycoon and Be Ready on his last start over course and distance and, from the inside gate, he is favoured over Wild West Wing and Lucky Archangel, but if you are not in front by the last it will be tough going.

Happy Valley card on Wednesday

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Happy Valley Placepot

1.15
2 Money Catcher
3 Savaquin

1.45
5 Noble One
11 Faribault

2.15
7 Dr Winning
8 Nothing Impossible

2.45
2 Bingo Bingo
6 Sure Joyful

3.15
1 Fabulous Eight
2 Kokushi Musou

3.50
4 Star Brite
5 Wild West Wing

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