Hong Kong Preview & Best Bets – 24/04/2024

Hong Kong Tips for Wednesday, April 24

Our form expert provides Hong Kong tips for today’s horse racing at Happy Valley Racecourse and gives his best bets.

BEST BET 🏆

Race 9:  No.3  NOBLE PURSUIT

The Caspar Fownes-trained NOBLE PURSUIT started the campaign off with a bang but lost his way a bit at his past couple of starts but is more than capable of bouncing back tonight in this contest. Last start, the Savabeel gelding came off a horrid run at Sha Tin (finishing a dozen lengths from the winner), when he took home fourth prize in a Class 3, here over the mile. He covered more ground than Bourke & Wills in the run, sitting second-last in the 12-strong field. With Vince Ho aboard, he took the turn via the Sydney heads and still spotting the leaders more than eight lengths, did a magnificent job to finish less than a length from winning glory that night. The Sardinian rider, Andrea Atzeni is the new pilot for this assignment and over a bit more ground here, we should see a better result.

NEXT BEST 🥈

Race 5:  No.9  HUMBLE STAR

The Pierre Ng-trained HUMBLE STAR resumes off a 21-week spell tonight and boasting a strong first-up record, looks in the mix for victory in this contest. Last start, the Star Witness gelding ended a very successful campaign winning his last starts on this track. After winning a Class 3 over 1000m he then franked that victory by taking out a similar contest over the same journey, with Zac Purton aboard for both rides. Trialling twice since then, he lines up here with a new pilot as Karis Teetan takes the reins. He tackles Class 2 company for the first time here where he draws nicely in gate four and maps to be box-seating on settling. With a clear run to the line, he should prove hard to hold out.

BEST VALUE 💰 

Race 8:  No.5  THE PERFECT MATCH  

Danny Shum saddles-up THE PERFECT MATCH here who has just his second race-start tonight and looks to improve with a change of scenery. Last start, the Complacent colt made his debut at Sha Tin down the straight course where the 1000m looked a bit short for him. He ran an honest race, finishing mid-field just 2.5 lengths from the winner in the end. He can only improve on that and moving to Happy Valley tonight, he will tackle the longer 1200m trip with Jerry Chau as the new pilot. After the claim, he carries 2kgs less than his debut run and fitter for that first-up run, he can give this contest a real fright tonight.