Hong Kong racing tips: Jim McGrath with three selections at Happy Valley on Wednesday

Grand Nova
2.45 Happy Valley
2pts win

Monarch County
3.15 Happy Valley
2pts win

Bienvenue
3.50 Happy Valley
2pts win

Caspar Fownes can continue his bright start to the season with Monarch County, who looks set to make use of an attractive inside draw in division one of 6f handicap (3.15) on a tricky nine-race card at Happy Valley.

It is sometimes the subject of debate when a horse gets beaten because of bad luck in running. Would they have won with a clear run, or not? How much was left in the tank when the horse was blocked for a run?

But in the case of Monarch County at the opening meeting of the season at the city track, there is no doubt. The form book shows the gelding finished ninth, beaten four and three-quarter lengths, but with a clear run he would almost certainly have won or been second.

Andrea Atzeni, who was on board that day, had Monarch County in a handy position behind the leader coming to the turn but found himself angling for an inside run that never materialised. 

Many times a gap will appear miraculously when the jockey most needs it, but not on this occasion. He was hard held for around 100 yards and the race was all over when he got clear. Storming Dragon, full of momentum, finished over the top of them, winning by two and a quarter lengths.

Atzeni, who, incidentally, was fined for weighing in 2lb over weight, has been replaced by Lyle Hewitson, who will take advantage of the stall one draw to take up the box seat. Let's hope the son of Per Incanto gets a run at the opportune time. Sovereign Fund looks next best.

Zac Purton and David Hayes, back in Hong Kong after a fleeting visit to Sydney for Ka Ying Rising’s barrier trial, can combine for another win with Bienvenue, in division two (3.50). The five-year-old overcame a wide draw to storm home last time for an easy course-and-distance win.

John Size has been steadily chipping away since the start of the season and could well add another win to his tally when the useful Grand Nova lines up in the Class 4 6f handicap (2.45).

The five-year-old’s two wins were over a furlong less, but it is noteworthy that he also came home strongly over six furlongs on his final run last season. With Hugh Bowman on board, he is likely to arrive late with a well-timed finish. World Hero is best of the opposition.

Happy Valley Placepot perm

1.05
4 Mighty Steed
8 Fortune Star

1.40
1 Parents’ Love 
5 Harmony Fire

2.15
1 Embraces 
4 Prestige Good

2.45
3 Grand Nova 
6 World Hero

3.15
5 Sovereign Fund
12 Monarch County

3.50
4 Kyrus Dragon
5 Bienvenue

2 x 2 x 2 x 2 x 2 x 2 = 64 lines

Bets can be placed into Hong Kong pools with the Tote. The first race at Happy Valley on Wednesday is at 11.35am.

Sign up to the Tote here. New customers online only. Eligibility restrictions apply. Only valid with code B10G30 on registration. £10 min qualifying bet at 1/1 (2.0) odds or greater across sports or racing (if EW then min £10 Win + £10 Place). Receive £20 Tote Credit, £10 Free Sports Bet and 50 Free Spins on Big Bass Bonanza within 48 hours of qualifying bet settlement. 7-day expiry on free bets & Tote Credit. Your first bet will be your qualifying bet. One per customer. UK & ROI customers only. 18+. Full T&Cs apply. gambleaware.org.

Commercial notice: This article contains affiliate links. Offers are handpicked and come from operators that our experts have first-hand experience of. Opening an account via one of these links will earn revenue for the Racing Post, which will be used to continue producing our award-winning coverage of horseracing.