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

Simply Fluke
1.15 Happy Valley
2pts win

We The South
1.45 Happy Valley
2pts win

Scores Of Fun
2.50 Happy Valley
2pts win

Joao Moreira is like a runaway freight train in the Hong Kong jockeys’ championship and he is set to build up more steam with an attractive book of seven rides at Happy Valley on Wednesday.

Moreira is now on 45 winners, 17 clear of nearest rival Zac Purton, whose absence because of a suspension puts him in danger of losing more ground in the title race.

Heading Moreira’s list is the John Size-trained Scores Of Fun, who is tipped to land the Class 3 6f sprint handicap (2.50), a typically hot contest to bring the curtain down on a card that promises plenty of betting value.

Scores Of Fun may not be in that bracket this time – he will be a cramped favourite – but he is still perfectly placed to build on his impressive record of two wins, two seconds in five runs, on only his second start at the track.

There is little doubt his lack of experience at Happy Valley was a telling factor when he was beaten a short head by Guy Dragon in a similar race on his last start, so expect him to be more streetwise. The opposition is strong with Le Terroir, racing well and back on a dangerous handicap mark, appearing the best of them.

Moreira picks up Kinda Cool from the absent Purton in the Class 4 6f handicap (1.15), and drawn the inside stall one, he will be a hot favourite, and therein lies the chance for decent value by latching on to Simply Fluke, apprentice Jerry Chau’s mount.

Trainer Douglas Whyte won two races in succession with the gelding after his transfer from Dennis Yip last season. Both were over course and distance from wide draws, which is what he encounters again from stall 11. He will be flying home.

Moreira also holds the key to the Class 3 5f sprint handicap (1.45), in which he has given punters a solid pointer in preferring We The South ahead of Wild West Wing. We shouldn’t argue with the Magic Man’s judgement here.

Caspar Fownes introduces another newcomer in Propice, a Listed winner at Flemington in Australia, who has shown promise in local barrier trials since his arrival. Considering the stable’s current form, he should be included in multiples.

Happy Valley Placepot perm

12.15
2 Prawn Yeah Yeah
10 Ready Conqueror

12.45
1 Pegasus Glory
6 Champ Patrol

1.15
1 Kinda Cool
3 Simply Fluke

1.45
6 We The South
11 Wild West Wing

2.15
1 Tashidelek
3 Blastoise

2.50
6 Scores Of Fun
7 Le Terroir

2x2x2x2x2x2 = 64 lines

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