Hong Kong Horse Racing Tips: It could pay to be Loyal to Cruz’s pair at Happy Valley

REGULAR readers of this column won’t need reminding, alongside thousands of disgruntled bettors, that when red-hot favourites Country Star and Red Warrior lined up at Happy Valley three weeks ago, both went home empty-handed.

The John Size duo had previously made successful excursions to the inner-city track and looked like ‘penalty kicks’ to complete hat-tricks that afternoon. However, as always in racing, nothing is straightforward.

Both are in action again this afternoon, and punters will have to ask themselves, did they both have an off-day, or has the handicapper caught up with them?

They will again be up or near the forefront of the betting market, especially Country Star who lines up in a competitive handicap at 1.10pm over six furlongs.

This time, though, the Hugh Bowman-ridden three-year-old has the awkward draw of nine to overcome, particularly with two speedy rivals drawn around him, and needs to dictate the early speed from the start.

It could be worth taking a chance with the Tony Cruz-trained BEAUTY LOYAL who has run better than his final finishing positions have suggested recently, after suffering slow starts.

Jockey Zac Purton is guaranteed to make sure he bounces out of the stalls in line and draw four is a bonus.

In the finale at 2.50pm, Red Warrior steps up in distance to 1m1f, but will do well to reverse the form with another Tony Cruz contender, SUPER CHIC, who beat him just under two lengths over the extended mile recently.

Despite a penalty he is rated a much better horse over this extra distance. The obvious threat is course specialist Victory Boys.

POINTERS

Beauty Loyal e/w 1.10pm Happy Valley

Super Chic 2.50pm Happy Valley