Tuesday 10 March 2020 6:58 pm

Hong Kong Racing Tips: You better Be Ready to back Zac Purton’s valley mount

HONG KONG, CHINA – JULY 10: Horses are seen on the racetrack at the Happy Valley racecourse on July 10, 2019 in Hong Kong, China. The famous racecourse continues to be the center of horse racing in Hong Kong, since 1846 when a group of colonial equestrian enthusiasts decided to have the swamp land reclaimed and made into a racecourse. In 1973 the Hong Kong Jockey Club decided to introduce night racing, the floodlit races were a success, and have become popular amongst the expat and local community alike. Hong Kong is approaching a political crossroads after two months of widespread protests over a proposed extradition bill, which raise more fundamental questions about its relationship with mainland China. Since 1997, when it was handed back to China after 156 years of British rule, it has enjoyed a special status governed by the principle of “One Country, Two Systems.” The arrangement gave Hong Kong a high degree of autonomy over domestic affairs, retaining its independent judiciary, rule of law, free trade and free speech. However, its political candidates must be vetted by Beijing, and in the years since the handover, increased Chinese influence has become a major source of tension. In 2014, hundreds of thousands of protesters occupied the central business district for more than three months calling on changes to the electoral system, in what was dubbed the “Umbrella Movement.” With the proposal of the new extradition bill, many Hongkongers see this as another step by China to assert control and have taken to the streets once again. Faced with the backlash, Hong Kong’s chief executive, Carrie Lam, has insisted the bill is “dead,” but protesters have continued weekly rallies and demanded Lam’s resignation. As protests continue to gather momentum, where they will lead is still unknown – calls for full independence remain scarce – but recent rumblings from China’s military suggest a sustained political storm. (Photo by Chris McGrath/Getty Images)

LIFE has been tough for formbook students at Happy Valley over the past few weeks.

Normally horses drawn low, racing up with the pace and along the rail down the home straight, have been a recipe for success, but not so much recently.

The majority of results have seen horses coming from behind and finishing strongly down the centre of the track.

Hopefully with the weather in Hong Kong getting warmer, and track conditions turning quicker again, normal service will be resumed.

Last start winner Massive Pocket returns to the scene of his triumph last month when lining up in the competitive Johnston Handicap (2.15pm) over six furlongs.

Visually impressive when exploding in the latter stages of the race and leaving his rivals toiling, he is going to be a popular choice to follow-up, despite carrying a hefty 8lb penalty.

However, he may find it hard giving 4lbs to the lightly-raced but fast improving BE READY.

This Australian import, representing the successful Frankie Lor and Zac Purton combination, lost nothing in defeat when third to potential sprinting superstar Wellington over six furlongs at Sha Tin last month.

Having already finished fourth to the likes of Beauty Applause and another progressive speedster in Super Wealthy earlier in the season he has the best form on view.

This will be his first time racing at the Valley, but he trialled well enough around the tight turning bends back in September with Purton aboard.

With a positive draw in his favour, expect him to sit just off the early pace from the start and then burst clear down the home straight.

POINTERS

Be Ready 2.15pm Happy Valley