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

Hero Star
1.45 Happy Valley
2pts win

Starfire Gems
2.45 Happy Valley
2pts win

Storm Legend
3.15 Happy Valley
2pts win

First-season trainer Jamie Richards recorded the first win of his Hong Kong career last week and can build on that success by taking the 6f Longines Cup (2.45), the feature on Wednesday's eight-race card at Happy Valley.

Richards, 33, took his time kicking off, but those close to the stable say there are plenty more with winning potential waiting in the wings.

Starfire Gems, who makes his local debut in this competitive Class 3 handicap, is among the most promising judged by his three barrier trials where he was partnered by Zac Purton, who has remained loyal.

His most recent trial over 5f at Sha Tin at the end of last month was eyecatching. The gelding showed early speed and then went to the line under a tight hold in fifth, with top sprinter Wellington finishing just ahead of him.

He was 1-4 for Chris Waller in Australia, winning his maiden over 7f at Sandown in Melbourne, having previously been twice placed at the city track. Although it is difficult for previously-raced imports to win first time out in Hong Kong, this four-year-old is primed and ready and has the advantage of a good draw (4). Power Koepp is his danger.

Harry Bentley is poised to extend his good run of form aboard Storm Legend, a 15-start Hong Kong maiden, who can finally break through in the 1m½f Class 3 handicap (3.15).

Formerly with Fozzie Stack, who won two races at Naas with the Night Of Thunder four-year-old, he showed he is now on the right handicap mark to win when second to Nimble Nimbus over course and distance two weeks ago.

Drawn near the inside (2), Storm Legend can enjoy the run of the race and is selected to beat tough campaigner Maldives, who has Purton to assist in overcoming an awkward gate (12). The Anomaly is next best in a competitive heat.

Silvestre de Sousa is fourth on the jockeys' list with seven winners (18 behind tearaway leader Purton) and he has an excellent chance of adding another to his tally with the consistent Hero Star, who looks the one to beat in division two of the Class 4 6f handicap (1.45).

Happy Valley Placepot perm

1.15
4 Super Commander
5 Pretty Queen Prawn

1.45
3 Triple Triple
5 Hero Star

2.15
2 Exceptional Nice
5 Amazing Boy

2.45
2 Power Koepp
8 Starfire Gems

3.15
2 Maldives
10 Storm Legend

3.50
3 Smart Idea
4 Decrypt

2x2x2x2x2x2 = 64 lines

Bets can be placed into Hong Kong pools with the Tote, Coral and Ladbrokes. The first race at Happy Valley on Wednesday is 12.15pm.

Happy Valley Wednesday card

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