Hong Kong: Happy Valley preview for July 14

#9 Super Winner can continue his outstanding recent form with victory in the Sports Road H. (1,200 meters, about six furlongs) at Happy Valley on Wednesday.

The New Zealand-bred gelding languished in Class 4 company for all 15 starts last season, and his first two this season, and needed to go back to Class 5 to score his first Hong Kong win.

But that victory seems to have done his confidence a world of good, as his five subsequent starts have produced three wins, a second, and a third-place finish in his most recent start, a Class 3 1,400-meter event at Sha Tin.

From barrier 2, and with champion jockey Joao Moreira sticking with him, he should be able to get on the speed quickly and be difficult to run down.

In an even field, #5 Igniting may prove Super Winner’s toughest opponent. He has been consistent most of this season and would almost certainly have been closer than fourth in his previous race, if he hadn’t blown the start. If he gets away cleanly from barrier 3, he should be right in the finish.

#6 Loving A Boom always seems to find at least one horse better than him on the day, but he is usually competitive and should benefit from a five-pound claim from leading apprentice Jerry Chau.

#4 Sparkling Dragon defeated Loving A Boom in their last start, and he should go well again, despite a hike in weight.

Best play

Hong Kong, Race 9 at Happy Valley

• $4 to win, $10 to show: #9 Super Winner,
• $1 trifecta: #5 Igniting, #9 Super Winner/#4 Sparkling Dragon, #5 Igniting, #6 Loving A Boom, #9 Super Winner/#4 Sparling Dragon, #5 Igniting, #6 Loving A Boom, #8 When You Believe, #9 Super Winner.

Bonus play

New Zealand, Race 6 at Wanganui, Thursday, July 15 (local time)

#1 Kick On scored an impressive victory in his most recent start and should be competitive again on his home track.

• $4 win, $8 show: #1 Kick On.