Let’s see what is in store this Wednesday at Happy Valley.

Helpful Resources

Happy Valley – November 19
HKJC Resource Page – Free PPs, Pace Projections, Workout Videos, Weather 


Race 1 | 1200M | Class 4

Win/Place - #10 BASIC INSTINCT
Quinella Box – 2,3,10
Grade: B+

Notes: Let’s put this 6/5 Morning Line favorite, #1 SIR CHARGE, on fade alert for the indefinite future. Sure, he’s dropping in class, but my ratings have his last five tries as being woefully uninspiring even when considering the class change. At that price, I wouldn’t bet on him with someone else’s money. A few others intrigue me at solid prices, including #2 WAVE GARDEN and #3 FREE PONY who are both somewhat inconsistent but have banked one solid race in the new season each. Where I’m leaning the hardest is #10 BASIC INSTINCT, who has put in four races in the new season and has improved drastically with each start. He’s going to get a hood and a pacifier for the first time, and I’m hoping they have him dialed in for a shocker to open the card with a 21/1 Morning Line.


Race 5 | 1000M | Class 4

Win/Place - #8 BUNTA BABY
Grade: A

Notes: At 11/1, I think BUNTA BABY is a steal. This five-year-old gelding is going to be carrying only 116 pounds over five furlongs, and I think the weight difference could be what pushes this horse over the line. In his last race, he broke awkwardly and cut his leg and maintained nearly a length’s lead until being taken over at the wire. He’ll get a furlong less to run here, and I’m willing to trust Britney Wong, who’s winning nearly 10% of her starts this season, will have this horse firing out of the gate and never looking back. At his best, BUNTA BABY is the best sprinter in this field, it’s just a matter of whether we get his best. At those odds, I’ll take my shot.


Race 9 | 1600M | Class 3

Quinella Box – 2,3,12
Grade: A

Notes: The problem I have with this race is I like a few too many horses. I think #2 SOUTH STAR is more than deserving of the 7/2 Morning Line, but not unbeatable. #3 HIGHLAND RAHY, when at his best, is more than capable of taking down this field with a Morning Line of 10/1. #12 SUPER UNICORN started the new season pretty slow, tried the All-Weather course, and then bounced back for a race like this and ran a strong figure. There’s a healthy mix of potential meeting overall quality in this race, but I think the prices will be fair and give us a chance to mix the most likely outcomes in a way that still pays itself off. Let’s play these three in a Quinella and root for the best-paying combination to get home.

Good luck!