Hong Kong: Selections for Happy Valley Nov. 26

Racing at Happy Valley begins at 5:40 a.m. ET. Selections and analysis by Luke Middlebrook.

Race 1: FORTH ROAD BRIDGE HANDICAP

#5 Legend Star backs up quickly from an unlucky ninth that was better than the result suggests. He was winding up nicely before being stopped in his tracks at the 150m, which completely ended his run. With blinkers back on for the turnaround, he can rebound. #1 Always My Folks should take full advantage of barrier 1 to settle in a handy spot. He only faded very late into fourth last start, beaten half a length, and the drop in class sets him up to run well again. #9 Double Bingo moves to a wider draw as he chases consecutive wins, but his recent form is hard to fault and he remains a live chance if he finds a back to follow. #4 Glory Cloud will welcome the return to this course and distance after a fair all-weather run where he was caught wide from the 700m. He is well placed in Class 5 now to land a win.

Race 2: QUEENSFERRY BRIDGE HANDICAP

#1 Star Brose gains a map upgrade stepping into barrier 4 after jumping from 12 last start. He was dragged back to last on that occasion yet still closed hard into fourth, and being able to settle much closer here gives him every opportunity to convert. #7 Panda Legend has been holding his form well since dropping into Class 5, placing in three of four and never beaten far. His last-start second from a wide draw was full of merit and a midfield gate presents a kinder scenario. #8 Draco is edging toward a breakthrough after a string of encouraging runs, and while he has had chances, this is only his second start for Brett Crawford. With Purton staying on, he gets another genuine chance. #3 Thunder Blink drops in grade and should find this level more suitable. His recent form has been plain, but the downgrade gives him the platform to build on.

Race 3: GLENFINNAN VIADUCT HANDICAP

#3 Francis Meynell has yet to show much in Hong Kong with only one placing from eight starts, but he has now had time to acclimatize, slides into Class 4, and his recent trials have been quietly encouraging. This looks like a race for him to show improvement. #2 Fun Elite faces a tricky draw, but with little speed on paper he may still be able to slide across. He drops back into Class 4 and his first-up run was better than it reads in a strongly-run race. #6 Bits Superstar showed he is ready to win again when leading most of the way second-up before being collared late. Purton taking over is an upgrade and he maps to control the speed again. #10 Golden Luck is capable off this mark and from barrier 2 should settle close to the pace which gives him a chance to go one better.

Race 4: BRIG O' DOON HANDICAP

#5 New Power had no favors from barrier 12 last start, drifting back before closing off well into sixth. He now draws barrier 3, which allows him to settle closer to his usual pattern and gives his winning prospects a lift. #1 Fatal Blow will need some early luck, but Luke Ferraris should be able to push forward and hold a handy position. A drop in grade and a return to his proven course and trip make him an improver back on turf. #10 Roman Crown is still searching for his first local win but is edging closer. His second on his first spin around the city circuit was full of merit and suggests the track may be the key to unlocking him. #4 Everstar draws far better in barrier 4 after a closing fourth last start. He is third-up in Class 4 and his lone win came fourth-up, which fits his profile nicely.

Race 5: THE ST ANDREW'S CHALLENGE QUAICH (HANDICAP)

#2 Supreme Agility finally broke through at start 24 and has been an honest operator all season. He stays in Class 4 after that win which keeps him well placed, and there is no reason he cannot repeat the dose. #3 Hakka Radiance shares a similar story after taking 25 starts and a big ratings slide to land his first win, but he has since flourished with three straight victories. He is thriving, though barrier 11 makes his map more interesting. #9 Ocean Impact gets the J-Mac lift and his first attempt at this course and trip was encouraging, closing into third behind Hakka Radiance. He is trending the right way. #6 Ping Hai Comet shaped as though he had more to offer last season before vet excuses in his final run. He resumes off quiet trials and barrier 1 should give him a kind map.

Race 6: CLYDE ARC HANDICAP

#7 Yee Cheong Spirit reunites with James McDonald who was aboard his sole win last season. The timing looks right to get back on him again, coming off back-to-back placings and landing barrier 2 which gives him a perfect map. #1 Robot Lucky Star is a four-year-old on the rise, but the widest draw gives him a task. If Purton produces something special he can still win, but he will need that type of ride. #9 Dan Attack showed another dimension last start by kicking up, controlling the race and winning well, his second victory from three runs this term. He does not have to lead again with more pace engaged here, which may actually suit him better. #6 Rising Phoenix is one at odds to consider. Nothing went right when 10th last start, but he is lightly raced, still improving, and capable of better with a cleaner run.

Race 7: KYLESKU BRIDGE HANDICAP

#5 Amazing Gaze is an untapped four-year-old on his fourth start and is ready to win. His first-up second was full of promise, and his latest fourth was luckless after being held up at a crucial stage when only half a length from the winner. Purton takes over from barrier 4 which strengthens his case. #8 Fortune Star gets blinkers first time and has been sound in two runs back this term. Most recently he drifted back from barrier 10 and closed strongly into fourth. He has been favorite in both runs, but should be a greater price this time. #2 Allcash also gets the shades on and is a major player. He had vet issues in his first-up run, has been freshened, and trialed well since. #6 Take Action is building toward a win and his last start fourth had merit considering the interference he copped at the 1000m.

Race 8: GLEN OGLE VIADUCT HANDICAP

#4 Storming Dragon backs up quickly and is due some luck since rising to the extended mile. Both runs are better than they read, as last week he struck traffic late and was eased down. A soft draw and James McDonald are two key factors that can help him rebound. #6 Keen Molly was a well-backed favorite when sixth last start but endured a tough trip, so it's worth forgiving that effort and giving him another chance. #3 A Americ Te Specso is suited dropping back to 1650m after doing his usual late work over 1800m for a close fifth. He finds it hard to win off this mark but remains honest. #2 The Boom Box is intriguing on his first spin around the city circuit. Still lightly raced with just eight starts, barrier 4 can hand him the soft trip he needs to launch late as he has in his three wins.

Race 9: CULLODEN BRIDGE HANDICAP

#4 Akashvani gets the ideal set-up to go back-to-back. Barrier 1 ensures he maps perfectly, his trial between runs was strong, and he still has the potential to rise in the ratings. #7 Prestige Always will appreciate what looks a genuinely run race after closing nicely into third second-up behind Regal Gem. #5 King Miles has improved since the blinkers went on, winning first-up and then finishing a game second after trying to make all. They may ride him quieter here which suits given he has a sharp turn of foot. #6 Charming Babe steps back into Class 3 where his record is plain, but he's a more polished horse this season and comes into this off a dominant Class 4 win. He deserves a chance to measure up now.