Hong Kong tips: Jim McGrath's three selections at Happy Valley on Wednesday

MM Nebula
2.15 Happy Valley
2pts win

Comet Splendido
2.45 Happy Valley
2pts win

Kungfumaster Panda
3.15 Happy Valley
2pts win

Zac Purton is set to carry on where he left off at the weekend by dominating Wednesday's card at Happy Valley, where his nine mounts will all be under the odds but many still capable of winning.

Purton chalked up a seven-timer at Sha Tin on Sunday but, typically, the ultra-competitive Australian claimed he was disappointed to not make it eight. Nevertheless, he knows he has never had a better opportunity to capitalise than now.

Joao Moreira will be on the sidelines for months and even talk of an 'elite' jockey from another country being lured to Hong Kong with the promise of big money will not lessen the grip Purton has on owners and trainers locally.

Two of the five-time champion's best chances are new rides, with the Danny Shum-trained Comet Splendido in the Class 3 Hkex Cup (2.45) looking the most promising following a solid second in similar company at his last start.

The drop back to 1m½f will not hinder his prospects, though his wide draw (ten of ten) will make his task harder. Expect Purton to be aggressive from the start with a forward position before the first turn.

Comet Splendido was 3-5 in Britain for trainer Grant Tuer and locally has been placed in three of his four outings but is yet to win. He can break the ice at Happy Valley, with Majestic Victory his danger.

Purton has also picked up a new mount in Kungfumaster Panda in the Class 4 1m1f handicap (3.15). The eight-year-old will appreciate the step up in trip, having been twice a winner over 1m2f at Sha Tin. The frustrating Tailor Made is also worth another chance.

Silvestre de Sousa is another who can make the most of a new association when he partners MM Nebula for the first time for staunch supporter Manfred Man in the Class 4 6f handicap (2.15).

A recent suspension proved costly for De Sousa, who may have missed out on several winners, but he can bounce back. His style will suit the maiden MM Nebula, who was a good third over course and distance last time and is now ready to win.

Happy Valley Placepot perm

1.15
3 Savaquin
6 Fa Fa

1.45
1 Handsome Veggie
8 Smiling Face

2.15
8 MM Nebula
12 Birdsville

2.45
4 Comet Splendido
6 Majestic Victory

3.15
5 Kungfumaster Panda
7 Tailor Made

3.50
2 Harmony N Home
9 Young Victory

2x2x2x2x2x2 = 64 lines

Bets can be placed into Sha Tin pools with the Tote, Coral and Ladbrokes. The first race at Happy Valley on Wednesday is 11.45am.

Happy Valley Wednesday card

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