Hong Kong Preview: Big chance for Resolute success

#3 Resolute can score his third consecutive win when he faces an intriguing Class 3 field in the Longines Cup (1000m, or about five furlongs) at Happy Valley Oct. 20.

Resolute and #2 Harmony N Blessed come into the race with victories at their last outings, both over Heart Conquered. On the face of it, Harmony N Blessed looks the better, as he beat Heart Conquered by 2-1/4 lengths Sept. 22, while Resolute only had a nose to spare in his victory over the same horse Sept. 8.

However, Resolute was giving Heart Conquered five pounds in his victory, while Harmony N Blessed was at equal weights for his. In addition, Resolute has a much more favorable gate of four compared to his rival’s nine, which at the 1000m start on the tight Happy Valley track is a clear advantage.

#4 Harmony Fire should also be a solid chance. He finished third to Harmony N Blessed at his last start, conceding two pounds to the winner. This time around, with apprentice Jerry Chau again claiming three pounds, he meets Harmony N Blessed six pounds better off.

#6 Brilliant Fortune brings a different form line into the race. He tried to take on the very talented Nervous Witness – now unbeaten in two starts – in front at his last start and may have paid for it, finishing 5-1/4 lengths behind in third. His barrier draw of 10 doesn’t help but he does have good gate speed.

The unknown factor in the race is #5 Solid Impact, who makes his Hong Kong debut. The former New Zealand galloper was a winner and twice placed at group three level in New Zealand last season when racing as Explosively. In the second of those he was only a neck behind the five-time graded stakes winner Need I Say More despite racing greenly. The market should be a good guide to his chances.

 

BEST PLAY

Happy Valley, R6, Oct 20

• $4 win/$10 show: #3 Resolute

50c box trifecta: #2 Harmony N Blessed, #3 Resolute, #4 Harmony Fire, #5 Solid Impact, #6 Brilliant Fortune.