Hong Kong form expert Luke Middlebrook provides his thoughts on every race at the Hong Kong meeting at Happy Valley on Wednesday 15 July.
2 Conrad The Great drops into Class 5 for the first time and, just as importantly, finally draws an inside gate. After a couple of strong closing efforts from outside stalls, barrier 2 gives him the chance to settle closer and turn those finishes into something better.
Selections: 2-9-3-4
6 I Am Back steps out for his third career start and resumes for the first time since December, but his trials suggest he has returned in much better order. Barrier 2 gives Moreira the chance to put him straight into the right spot.
Selections: 6-4-9-2
2 Casa Rochester was mapped poorly and caught wide last start, yet still was not beaten far into fourth. From barrier 2 on the quick back-up, he looks set for a much better run in transit.
Selections: 2-10-6-8
3 Light Years Glory ran a slashing sixth from a wide draw first-up at his first run for Eustace, and the move into a mid-draw gives him a much better map today.
Selections: 3-1-8-2
1 Pejibaye had clear excuses on the all-weather last start after botching the start, losing ground, settling at the rear and never getting into the race. He is clearly better than that, and from barrier 4 he will be hard to beat if he breaks cleanly.
Selections: 1-6-12-9
7 Double Alpha has shown ability in two starts up the Sha Tin straight, but he went too quickly in front last time and was entitled to fade. Barrier 2 gives him the chance to land in a good spot at his first look at the city circuit, and Bowman taking over is a positive.
Selections: 7-8-1-6
10 Somelovefromabove comes in fresh, has barrier 1 and maps as the one to beat, even if the trip remains the query. Two lead-in trials suggest he is in good order and the draw gives him every chance to run them along.
Selections: 10-11-3-8
3 Crimson Flash gets back to his pet track and distance, where he is three from four, and the race shape looks made for him. There is plenty of speed engaged on paper, which should give him every chance to prove too strong late.
Selections: 3-2-4-5
4 Thunder Kit simply had no luck last start when third to Mr Incredible, held up for a good portion of the straight after being taken back early from a wide draw. He comes to Happy Valley for the first time with strong form behind him, and barrier 1 is key.
Selections: 4-7-11-1
