Storm Signal set to strike for Magic Man as rain hits the Valley

Harrier Jet
Happy Valley 2.15
1pt win

Storm Signal
Happy Valley 3.50
1pt win

It is not often HK analysts have to factor the prospect of easy ground into their calculations but a moody forecast means such is the case for Wednesday’s Happy Valley fixture.

Further heavy showers won’t stop punters nosing on the latest round of an intriguing title battle between Zac Purton and Joao Moreira, but the predicted precipitation might just tip the scales towards 'Magic Man' Moreira on the aptly named Storm Signal in the finale at 3.50.

Purton partners an recent impressive course winner in Fast Most Furious (aka Seville Star during his Jim Bolger days) but David Hall’s gelding is 8lb higher now in a race featuring several live dangers.

Shanghai Master rates high among them despite a wide draw, but Storm Signal is well treated having been raised just 2lb for being nosed out in a strong race here two weeks ago and his Australian form suggests he will be better equipped than most if the rain gets right into the Valley turf.

Encore Boy owns a similar profile to Fast Most Furious in that he lines up for the 2.15 with a favourable low draw after an emphatic course and distance success, but once again the question of value from an inflated mark is relevant.

Ricky Yiu’s gelding is 7lb higher in a race featuring several fellow front runners and the well-handicapped Harrier Jet appeals as a solid alternative after catching the eye recording the fastest closing split of the night behind Fast Most Furious on his latest start.

Tipping a horse you are closely involved with shouldn’t be done lightly – especially when the beast has been out of sorts – but Young Empire shouldn’t be under rated in the 12.45.

Chris So’s hardy front-runner has saluted three times in the silks of the club I help run since I moved to HK and is now rated 4lb lower than his most recent success in a higher grade last September.

Recent below-par efforts suggest it would be unwise to go overboard, but Young Empire has finally drawn an inside gate to suit his freewheeling style and that can help him show much sparkle at what could be a double-figure price.

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