Hong Kong racing tips: Jim McGrath's three tips and Placepot at Happy Valley

Atullibigeal
1.45 Happy Valley
2pts win

The Irishman
2.15 Happy Valley
2pts win

Comet Splendido
2.50 Happy Valley
2pts win

Fresh face Jye McNeil can take advantage of the chaotic situation that developed when top jockeys Zac Purton and Hugh Bowman were ruled out of Happy Valley's nine-race card due to Covid regulations.

Purton tested positive on Sunday and is out for a mandatory seven days, leaving newly arrived Bowman to pick up four attractive rides. However, the Sydney jockey was then also stood down after a family member travelling with him returned a positive test result. There was another twist in the tale when this turned out to be a false positive, but Bowman remains unable to ride at this meeting.

Melbourne Cup-winning jockey McNeil may be third choice for the talented Comet Splendido in the 1m½f Class 3 handicap (2.50) but he should enjoy the run of the race and can justify favouritism.

Comet Splendido won his final three starts in Britain, including a handicap at York, and his success under Purton last time suggested he can win again in this grade, even after going up 5lb in the ratings.

It has been a long wait but the David Hall-trained Atullibigeal finally looks likely to fulfil his early promise when he contests the Class 3 sprint handicap (1.45) over 6f with Luke Currie taking the ride.

This four-year-old was 2-5 in New Zealand, including a Listed win at top track Ellerslie, and he has twice shown glimpses of that ability, including when flying home for second over this course and distance.

He finished behind Excellent Peers and is expected to reverse the form, although the Tony Cruz-trained Beauty Glory, who benefits from rider Angus Chung’s 10lb claim, is also a serious rival.

Arguably the most intriguing race is the 1m½f Class 2 handicap (2.15) in which The Irishman is tipped to cope with his first experience of the Valley track and a reasonable 6lb increase for his solid Sha Tin win last time. Packing Award and Fa Fa look next best.

Happy Valley Placepot tips

12.15
2 Darci Joy
9 Chater Pins

12.45
1 HZ Tourbillon
2 Gold Gold Baby

1.15
2 Adios
3 Gallant Waking

1.45
1 Beauty Glory
2 Atullibigeal

2.15
2 The Irishman
8 Packing Award

2.50
5 Comet Splendido
6 Never Too Soon

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