By Ed Culham
BE READY for the unexpected once again when Hong Kong racing gets under way with a midweek nine-race programme at Happy Valley.
Over the past six weeks or so, unpredictable weather patterns of sweltering heat, followed by intermittent heavy rain and thunderstorms, have caused chaos for regular form book students, with surface conditions turning from one extreme to another in the blink of an eye.
It happened again last Sunday at Sha Tin when, in the latter stages of the raceday, a sudden tropical storm of rain and lightning delayed proceedings for over an hour, turning the official going description of good into heavy for the concluding races.
Unfortunately, there seems no respite for the foreseeable future, with the forecast predicting temperatures in the 30s, and heavy rain and thunderstorms likely to strike again at any time during the week.
Although the weather may be unpredictable, a familiar pattern has surfaced at the city track in the past month, with a track bias favouring horses that race close to the early pace from the off.
Last Wednesday at the Valley the majority of winners came from low numbered gates and raced up or near the front from the off.
Bearing that bias in mind, make a note of both Happy Angel and Born The Same Day in the Shouson Hill Handicap (12.15pm) over nine furlongs and speedy newcomer Fast Serve in the Stanley Gap Handicap (12.45pm) over five furlongs.
Top-weight One For All is another who performs best when dashing to the front from the off, and this time will be attempting a four-timer in division two of the Wong Nai Chung Gap Handicap (2.15pm) over six furlongs.
Having already won on a rain-softened surface, his chance looks obvious, although a steep rise of 18 pounds in the handicap is a worry, especially if he gets taken on for the lead in the early stages.
A more attractive proposition is the Caspar Fownes-trained DANCING CODE, who seeks to get his first win after a couple of encouraging efforts, in the Tai Tam Gap Handicap (2.45pm) over six furlongs.
This Australian import, a son of Group 3 winner and soft ground specialist Panzer Division, found inexperience count against him in the closing stages, when chasing home the rejuvenated Bundle Of Charm over six furlongs at Sha Tin last month, with smart sprinter Supreme Lucky back in fourth place.
On that occasion, having broken smartly from the gates, he looked the likely winner turning into the home straight, before momentarily floundering and then running on strongly in the closing stages.
Further encouragement will come if Aaron Kwok, Dancing Code’s owner and local superstar, is in attendance at the racecourse.
The heart-throb pop singer and Fownes have been good friends for many years, and the owner never misses the opportunity for a photo in the winners’ circle if told his chances are good.
POINTERS
Dancing Code 2.45pm Happy Valley
