Star all set to shine bright – finally

Rookie Star
11.45 Happy Valley
1pt win

Helene Charisma
12.15 Happy Valley
1pt win

You Have My Word
1.15 Happy Valley
2pts win

The theory that there is a race for every horse in Hong Kong is put to the test by two of my selections on a tricky eight-race card at Happy Valley.

Both are maidens in Hong Kong but each has plummeted through the ranks to a handicap mark at which winning is feasible. If overnight betting is to be believed victory is also expected.

I refer to Rookie Star (11.45), who is tipped to win the 1m½f handicap, and Helene Charisma (12.15), who won the 2016 Grand Prix de Paris when called Mont Ormel and can land the 1m1f handicap despite having lost his way in his new surroundings.

Rookie Star, an Australian-bred son of Hard Spun, has not only failed to win in 15 starts, he has never finished in the first three. But, believe it or not, he has shown promise.

The Ricky Yiu-trained five-year-old seemed to appreciate the step up to a mile when keeping on well in fourth last time, and if he can run to the same level he will get the better of Le Pegase.

Helene Charisma was purchased to win the 2017 Hong Kong Derby, but could finish only fifth in the premier Classic, and this time last year he finished last of 12 in the Hong Kong Vase.

He is without a win in 24 starts in Hong Kong but is able to run off a mark 26lb below his highest and looks set to register a long-awaited victory. The booking of Silvestre de Sousa is a big positive.

You Have My Word (1.15) looks perfectly suited to the 1m3f handicap having gone up 5lb for a win over 1m1f at Sha Tin last time. You can rely on champion Zac Purton to keep the winners coming.

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