Happy Valley: Jumbo Blessing's three-straight run leads the Valley card

Hong Kong racing heads to Happy Valley for a special Sunday meeting, with ten competitive races on the programme.

Several promising gallopers are looking to continue their winning runs, while a number of runners have attractive opportunities following luckless performances or favourable changes in barrier draws.

The strongest chances appear in the opening race, the Shantou Handicap and the exciting Class 3 sprint featuring Jumbo Blessing.

Race 1 — Dongguan Handicap

3:45pm · 1200m

Falcon Hunter looks extremely difficult to beat after consecutive runner-up finishes this preparation. He was narrowly denied at Happy Valley last time and now draws barrier one, with Nichola Yuen's valuable apprentice claim further strengthening his prospects. Von Baer is the danger after an improved second last start and should enjoy a favourable run from barrier three.

Race 2 — Foshan Handicap

4:15pm · 1650m

Luck Is Back was narrowly beaten last time after a race that did not unfold ideally. There appears to be limited early speed here, giving him an opportunity to settle prominently despite his wide draw. Grit Spirit has been improving since dropping into Class 4 and gets a much better barrier, with Jerry Chau returning to the saddle.

Race 3 — Huizhou Handicap

4:45pm · 1200m

Incredible Moment made an encouraging debut for his new stable when second at Sha Tin despite jumping from barrier ten. He now draws the inside gate and should enjoy a considerably better run. King Oberon also gets a major barrier upgrade after covering ground last time and should be prominent throughout.

Race 4 — Shantou Handicap

5:15pm · 1000m

Georgian Sigma has been remarkably consistent, winning two starts ago before producing another excellent performance when second after racing wide last time. He finally gets a favourable draw and should be able to settle much closer without spending unnecessary energy.

Dragon Sky Force was desperately unlucky first-up, losing ground at the start before being held up in the straight and finishing strongly once clear. He looks ready to improve.

Race 5 — Hong Kong College of Emergency Medicine 30th Anniversary Cup

6:10pm · 1200m

World Hero was narrowly beaten in stronger company last time and looks well placed dropping into a more suitable contest. Winning Money has also attracted strong support and appears a genuine threat. Bullish Nova is an interesting improver from barrier one, but his recent finishing positions make him harder to assess.

Race 6 — Shenzhen Handicap

6:40pm · 1800m

Kyrus Treasure returns chasing three consecutive victories after winning both starts at Happy Valley late last season. The step up in distance brought out significant improvement, and his recent trial suggests he is ready to resume in excellent order.

Barrier ten is a concern, but he has demonstrated the ability to overcome difficult circumstances. Absolute Honour has been racing consistently for Frankie Lor and draws barrier two.

Race 7 — Kwangtung Handicap Cup

7:10pm · 1200m

Turquoise Velocity has been excellent in defeat at his past two starts, finishing runner-up to Victor The Winner and Ka Ying Attack. Those are strong form references, and he gets another opportunity to return to winning form.

Rising Force has performed well at Happy Valley previously and receives valuable weight relief through the apprentice claim. Son Pak Fu is another serious contender from barrier one.

Race 8 — Zhaoqing Handicap

7:40pm · 1000m

Jumbo Blessing is flying, winning his past three starts and looking capable of progressing much further through the grades. His latest victory was particularly impressive, producing a powerful finish to defeat Georgian Sigma, who subsequently franked the form.

He now rises into Class 3 but drops significantly in weight and draws barrier two. Glowing Praises is the main danger after an excellent third in stronger company over this course and distance.

Race 9 — Zhuhai Handicap

8:15pm · 1650m

Dazzling Fit looks ready to win after two encouraging Happy Valley performances. He was narrowly beaten on his first appearance at the track before enduring a luckless run last time when unable to find clear running.

The Boom Box has strong support across the selections and appears the main danger. Prestige Good and Turin Champions also have claims in a race with reasonable depth.

Race 10 — Guangzhou Handicap

8:50pm · 1200m

Danica's Choice returned with an impressive victory and has continued to please in his trial work. He is a progressive galloper who appears capable of winning again as he moves through the grades.

Flying Wrote has been racing consistently without winning and gets an excellent opportunity from barrier one. Meowth is an interesting danger after working hard from a wide barrier first-up and now drawing considerably better.

Best bets

Best bet – R8, 7:40pm | No. 8 Jumbo Blessing — Three consecutive victories, excellent course form and significant weight relief stepping into Class 3. A progressive sprinter who looks capable of winning again.

Next best – R4, 5:15pm | No. 2 Georgian Sigma — Consistent recent form and finally gets the favourable barrier he needs. Should enjoy an ideal run and looks extremely difficult to beat.

Best early – R1, 3:45pm | No. 1 Falcon Hunter — Two narrow defeats this preparation, now third-up with barrier one and a valuable apprentice claim. Everything points towards a strong performance.

Value chance – R3, 4:45pm | No. 11 King Oberon — Gets a significant barrier upgrade after racing wide last time and should enjoy a much better run. An interesting alternative to Incredible Moment at a suitable price.