HKIR 2019

Nice win by Waikuku on Sunday, good yardstick in 2nd place that he beat comfortably

Accie, would you know , off the top of your head , what the conditions are for betting online with the HKIR tote ?

You must have an account online yes? directly into the tote - could you use it if you wanted to use it back in the uk ?

If i flew into Hong Kong and wanted to bet online would i be able to have an account opened...then use it when i fly back home?

Waikuku was impressive HK, some of these Irish horses do well in Hong Kong and it looks like you got a cracking bet at 25-1... now 11-1.

Struggling to find the time at the moment to have a good look at these HK races... I need to sort myself out!

All the best with your bets tomorrow Roz... last week was a superb punt.

Roz - I’m certain you can’t deposit from overseas as the hkjc accounts are only linked to HK bank accounts. I’m not 100% sure but I don’t think you can even open an account without being resident.

Not bad Mr D but Dark Dream is still the one to beat, interesting that he’s entered in the 4yo mile this weekend, not too sure he’ll be as effective over thie distance as he will be the derby distance so I’ll look for something to beat him if he does run.

Jan 22, 2019 -- 5:15PM, HKAccie wrote:

Roz - I’m certain you can’t deposit from overseas as the hkjc accounts are only linked to HK bank accounts. I’m not 100% sure but I don’t think you can even open an account without being resident.

I was thinking that

Think you are spot on HK about Dark Dream tomorrow, the Mile looks like it will be on the sharp side for him. The further he goes the better he goes and the Derby is the optimum race for him... looks more of a stayer!

I'm going to forgive Tigre Du Terre's last run (no pace) and he will be the one for me in the Classic Mile. Hopefully I can get a nice EW price tomorrow morning?! I also like Packing Winner at a big price, he ran some decent races last year in France and did OK first up over an inadequate trip at Sha Tin. Tough race this one, with a few likely to improve... guess work which ones will!

I will also have an EW bet on Singapore Sling back over his optimum trip. Wide draw an issue but he has got pretty good gate speed and he gets weight off the big guns. Needs to up his game this season but I think the price will sway me.

*Packing Warrior not Winner!

anything catch your eye today lads ?

It did but was ridden differently to his last run, strange ride by Purton in R5. Have to put it down to one of those things and ignite that ride for his next run where hopefully it reverts back to the previous runs.

This weekend isn’t a great offering either before the new year meeting next Thursday daytime when the betting pools and attendance are huge!

There may be one of interest on the dirt in R8 tomorrow down in grade drawn ok but I’d want a bigger price than the $16 that is currently being shown as it is a bit of a long shot that the move to the dirt will suit. If he’s over $25 by the off time I’ll have a speculative wp bet

There may be one of interest on the dirt in R8 tomorrow down in grade drawn ok but I’d want a bigger price than the $16 that is currently being shown as it is a bit of a long shot that the move to the dirt will suit. If he’s over $25 by the off time I’ll have a speculative wp bet

Sorry - it’s the 2 horse

Doesn’t look like it’ll be getting near the price it should be, it’s into $8 (The horse is Volpino)!! There must be a few people out there who think the same as me but will back it no matter what!

Roz - Warm The Voice runs again today R9, he’s up to 1800m which should suit, he won well last run so I’m backing him again ew at $12 to repeat.

I see that Accie re Warm the Voice - we have to have a play again dont we :) just a small bet this time for me .

I've been looking at this last race - ive decided to play GOLD QUEST EW at 14/1 coming back to a mile in the 1 gate....  on just his second start in HK

I am not sure whats going on i.e if they think they need to get him down in the ratings in lesser races towards the start of the new season later this year  - but i imagine if that was the plan then they would have been running him much more frequently since he got there in September 2018. Has some interesting form lines back in the uk  which surpass marks near 110 through certain lines  - two starts two wins - looks far to early imo  to be on the downgrade so thats why im speculating today.

Did run as well as could be expected when 2nd behind Glorious Forever in that Barrier trial in early Jan - i'll learn much more today to see where they are with him . Definitely one to follow imo.

He also ran 2nd in a trial to Waikuku. I think Circuit Number Two will be hard to beat in the last, I am interested to see how Epic runs first up, it's a tricky race.

Epic is in that list of mine - ive had a bit of 11/1 too - but just thought that Gold Quest looked a bit more unexposed and that it could have more scope being so lightly raced - if he has improved since that listed win at Newmarket last July over a mile then he could have turned out to be a proper group 2 horse in Europe .

GQ is out of a Aiden o Brien mare called SAY - who has only produced him and one other  which has become a Grade 1 Winner for Chad Brown called FOG OF WAR on the dirt - maybe thats where they might be aiming GQ in the long term i.e the dirt.

This is the thing Accie - we could end up seeing this one in months to come lining up in some class 4 and hosing in off a reduced mark in the low 70s - a proper touch ! lol

Volpino - Sick !

unlucky Accie - such a sick finish.

I know, he looked like the winner....still paid $3.1 the place

all good

R9 tomorrow, having an ew interest in Cool Team at 20-1. Ran well first up so if he does improve a bit for that he could go close. Issue is it’s the c+3 so you generally need to sit no worse than midfield.

Outside of that I’m going R1 no 5 and R6 no 3 in a wp all up and singles.

Massive pools expected with 90k attendance!

Good luck Accie - I will go with you on Cool Team  - was once with Hugo Palmer

Ive just woke up to this equine influenza outbreak - jeez !

Got the R6 winner backed in to $4.5 though

wd Accie - I like a couple on Sunday's meeting - will PM you and Dinos soon

R7 First Responder - its in my list to follow - smart Irish form - ive had the smallest of interests just in case - most likely one for down the line

7 Races so far......total of HKD 1 bio bet so far!

The winner looks a decent animal

what a nightmare this flu outbreak is Accie - we are talking weeks with no racing in the UK .

one to keep an eye on - Cool Team

That’s a shocker re the flu - we’ve had all kindergartens closed in HK for flu since middle of jan...KR not running (or due to run) until the end of Feb beginning of March anyway. He’s only likely to have 2 more runs this season anyway, so hopefully it will be cleared up by then.

my selections for today -

R8  Happy Family $26-  makes his debut today but has been over there since last August - i just cant ignore that European 6f form - I can pick a few holes in the top ones in the market so i have to play this one at the prices.

R2 Simply Big $31 - has come down 13lb since arriving in HK - his run last time out at the Valley over 1000m was in this grade and he still didn't show- just taking a chance that coming back here to Sha Tin in the same lesser grade brings some improvement back at this 1200m and in the 6 gate .

Good luck Roz, I can see Simply Big improving but I think they are getting the rating down to have a crack on the AWT with him.

R7 I’m against your bet on Happy Family as I think Hinchinlove will win and have made him my mainbet today.

My longer priced selection today is the Moreira ride in the Lucky last, he’s currently at $14 so an ew price, he’ll suit a step up to 1400m

I’m also having a dirt double (wp) R4 No2 and R9 No 10 - only small.

R3 is interesting for the Derby, expect Packing Warrior to go close, you can ignore his run in the mile race as he was part of the interference that Bowman caused

Unlucky there Roz....got pipped on the line for 3rd

Gutted, pipped for 3rd Simply Big - ran a cracker

thought it was going to do it for a second - lol

Got the ew bet up in the Lucky last, but it was backed in from $16 to $9.8

Early picks for Wednesday as I’m away from HK for the week and can’t access gambling sites.

R5 Super Giant to win (could be ew price), first go at HV but won well at Chester not the best of draws but could be a decent price.
R6 California Fortune EW, interested to see how he goes as he’s been beaten last 2 by Regency Legend who I think is a group horse if he progresses from a 3yo.
R8 Epic EW, one run so far and might improve, has trialled fairly well.

yeah seen that Accie in the last , wd.

I like the speculative chances of Magnificent in R8 now being stepped up in trip - place price $10

I'm  also having a small play in R5 - Imperial Gallantry W/P - Has won here a few times and will be interesting to see if this 7yo can be more competitive now back in a class 3.

So sick - still happy with the $25/1 place starting price

holy **** - it dead heated -omg

paid 188/1 on the Win - think i'll get half of that - unbelievable

Not really anything that stands out tomorrow imo

I’m having 2 bets, Furore ew in the 4yo series as he’s currently around $9. In R2 a small ew on no 7, first up but he’s trialled vet well.

50-50 could run a place in the G1 vs Beauty Generation, leaving the 2000m race completely as the brothers will no doubt ruin each other’s chances again - I think TW is being run by Cruz to do that and then sets up Exultant to win....but he’s not a price you could back. Waikuku running in R5 too.

glad i didnt play today - would have been a disaster for me

I am looking at a few each way tonight - one I am particularly keen on is Shining Gem in R5, not a great draw but he's a good price to make it worthwhile at 10-1. I think the 8 horse will win R6 but and may not be an ew bet now, Callan's horse ew in R7 could go well from gate 1

tough day - didn't like anything tbh.

Sha Tin looks a really tough track to get right from a betting perspective - i could be wrong as im stilling learning about HK racing .....but it just looks like everything needs to drop right in running to land a touch from a trainer's and Jockey's perspective.

I see that the Draw bias at the Valley is more obvious....but i just get a feeling that you just dont need as much luck with the field's running tactics.

Whats your luckiest track Accie,  from a betting perspective ? and which one do you prefer ?

Hi Roz.....I'm equally unlucky (or a bad judge) at both of them!

The best way to bet either course is wait until the last half of the card and see how the track is running, which can be a pain if you've got something early on in the card that you really like. If that's the case I tend to rein in the stake, if I like one later in the card and it suits the way the track is running then i will increase the stake.The other point to note is the course that is being used and how horses tend to run on that course, generally anything on the C you need a handy horse as not much comes from the back. Those that trial well on the AWT generally run well at HV but you cannot underestimate the affect on the lights and the crowd at HV so it's definitely horses for courses.....I suppose it takes years of experience, I've been here 11 years now and I struggle - but that is sometimes down to poor discipline too!!!

On another note, KR has 2 entries for the festival (He's 33-1 for both at the moment), but I wouldn't back him just yet as he may not run as he could run earlier in a different valuable handicap. IT's all ground dependent.....will keep you updated as and when.

Will come back later on my thoughts about tomorrow

Classic Beauty race 8 ew for me, got a 6lb turnaround with the fav for their last run and will suit the step up to 2000m, drawn 2 is a positive too. I also think Volpino should go close in the lucky last - might have a little bit on Gold Chest in R2 if he drifts a bit more

I wont be betting at Cheltenham this year like years past - just on the last day for interests sake - getting a bit too wise to become too involved in all the hype.

I've decided to only follow International Racing from now on - Its where all my profit has come from within the last 14 months.

good luck today - i'll be up early to watch the racing 5am out time

Volpino is currently 8$ - surprised ist so big.

Im going to play Righteous Doctrine  too in the last race - now down into a class 3 - small interest only W/P

Waikuku (my outsider pick a few weeks ago for the derby) runs again today over 1800m. Hopefully he runs well enough to go for the actual race in 2 weeks. He’s carrying top weight so I’m having an ew go on Charity Go as I think he’s the value in the race at 10-1, won’t be too disappointed if Waikuku wins though as that could see him fav for the big race.

Waikuku (my outsider pick a few weeks ago for the derby) runs again today over 1800m. Hopefully he runs well enough to go for the actual race in 2 weeks. He’s carrying top weight so I’m having an ew go on Charity Go as I think he’s the value in the race at 10-1, won’t be too disappointed if Waikuku wins though as that could see him fav for the big race.

Waikuku (my outsider pick a few weeks ago for the derby) runs again today over 1800m. Hopefully he runs well enough to go for the actual race in 2 weeks. He’s carrying top weight so I’m having an ew go on Charity Go as I think he’s the value in the race at 10-1, won’t be too disappointed if Waikuku wins though as that could see him fav for the big race.

That 25-1 Waikuku doesn’t look too bad now.

inspired selection - should have followed you in

I’m having a little ew at 20-1 Vidorra for the Al Quoz sprint.

Well, he's in for Thursday.....rain has come, extra 4f should suit....he's well, but it's Cheltenham!!

Ive had a little bit on Vidoora at 20s

Good luck tomorrow

Thanks Roz, I’m hoping for a bit more rain but g/s and soft should suit him. He doesn’t owe us anything so it’s just amazing to have a horse decent enough to get in. I don’t agree (obviously biased) with the expert views that he was found wanting off this Mark last run, he only had 3 weeks between runs and didn’t really enjoy the ground that much.

All the best HK, hopefully the showers arrive tomorrow for Riko. Tough race, especially with Hughes not riding but he might improve again stepping up in trip. Just hope he doesn't get too far back early on!

I think it will improve him as his better hurdle form was at around 2m 3/4f - just hope for a safe round and a decent showing, can’t believe the price on here! He has raced near to the pace before so I’m hoping he won’t be too far back and he brings his best jumping, if he does that then he’ll be in with a shout.

They have had a good shower at Cheltenham this morning, it might go back to Soft ground all around... hopefully! Waiting to see if I can get some more juice out of Riko's price before having an EW bet. Backed Didero Vallis last night at 25-1 EW and will add Riko later.

Not a great draw for Waikuku in 14 HK. Dark Dream not too bad in 8... Ka Ying Star interesting in 2, he could dictate the pace again from that barrier. A strong pace would make it easier for Waikuku to drop in, could be tricky otherwise.

150/1 on betfair win market , 12/1 place market

Tough for Riko, this race nearly always favours horses up with the pace. Happy to squeak some place money with Didero!

Was always going to be tough for Riko - only a select few horses can act around there.

I backed that Mullins mare  Concertista at crazy prices on the exchange in the 4.50 - so sick beaten by a short head - had never run over hurdles in any country

Crazy race that one Roz!

Good luck today Accie with Waikuku

Ive played a little ew on MARQULA at 30/1 in Race 4 - only $21 on the HK tote at this moment ... which will most likely get bigger as we get closer to the race.

He blew his chances before leaving the paddock, as I said it was a bonus to get to run there, many have the dream! He's still a good horse, and he did run on again at the end....one more run and then a rest for next season.

Not worried b Waikuku's draw but I do think that Mission Tycoon is huge value at 16-1 on HKJC.

Yeah i seen him  running on - its just so brutal there at Chelts , also all the rigmarole in the paddock

any other horses you like today ?

Unlucky Accie

Have BF dropped Hong Kong?

Cards have been missing the last couple of weeks.

I think Betfair do put up the cards at their own prices on sportsbook for the Happy Valley meetings , but to be honest that might have stopped recently , i dont really know.

I cant see how BF can have an SP , as the only official SP is the HK Tote price

B365 are good for HK Racing  as they offer both their prices and access to the HK Tote - Totepool normally have prices up but they are unreliable.

Ladcrooks  offer in shop Tote betting (only on Happy Valley) - they dont offer odds on Sha Tin at all , in shop or online.

Sent you PM - Dinos, Accie

Thanks Roz - been away from HK on a trip to Phuket so the only gambling I’ve been doing is with my liver and on the golf courses!

I’m going to also add Brave Smash in for the Al Quoz tonight.

Will me having a look tomorrow at ST

Chairmans Sprint , any opinions Accie, Dinos ?

RACE 8 - SPIRIT 25/1 uk books

I think this one is interesting dropping back to 1200m and having just his second run for Millard since joining from the aussie trainer Freedman

Its lightly raced and was rated as high as 80 when first arriving in HK on his debut over 1200m in April 2018.

The horse ran a decent barrier trial on the 15/12/2018 when a neck behind today's $4 fav TEAM SPIRIT - I just think the horse has tactical speed and its getting a fair bit of weight today with Victor Wong taking off another 5lb - might be able to get crazy prices on the tote - if a no show today then id be all over the horse next time if turning up in a class 4.

RACE 9 KING OF HEARTS 18/1 uk books

Its the drop in class thats doing in for me this time, but im still hesitant tbh - its in my list of UK/IRE imports that look to have decent 3yo form at Ascot.

It might now be better at 1400m but it has won at 1200m - could be another warm the voice after having its 5 and getting used to the climate.

No strong opinion on the Chairmans Sprint Roz but I will be backing Lys Gracieux in the QEII Cup... hopefully get a bigger price than the 8-1 on offer at the moment. The drop back to 10f at Sha Tin will suit better and she ran a nice prep at Chukyo last month.

Morning Chaps - will have a look at the G1 races after tomorrow, KR running at Cheltenham so hopefully he’ll acquit himself better than last time.

Looks like the going will be pretty quick HK... few light showers around today but warming up a bit tomorrow. It's a worry for me, he looks a better horse on softer ground IMO. Probably still have a little EW bet!

Im going to speculate on this one tomorrow at the Valley as the horse is in my top ten to follow of the Euro imports

R5- Cheers Vanquisher - Im slightly concerned about the trip as 7f could be its optimum distance , but at the same time i think the horse has enough pace for this 6F if trying to make all.

Vanquisher is by Footstepsinthesand who produced many 6f winners as their optimum trip - i would just be sick if it went off and won on debut without an interest

Im in danger of following some of these Irish imports off a cliff,  lol.

Your worries have been realised MrD, off to the paddock for a rest and back out in the autumn.

Looking at the sprint prices, I’m having some of Mr Stunning at 5-1 with B365 - far too big, plus I’ll back Vidorra on the hkjc on the day, hopefully she can get a decent draw and run a place.

The mile is foregone conclusion but the QE2 I’m quite interested in Eagle Way, it all depends on draw and how the track is riding on the day but he ran an absolute cracker last run vs BG

The right move HK, all his best form is on Softer ground. The way he travelled and jumped to victory through the mud at Haydock hit the nail on the head for me. Flat track with soft/heavy ground... Riko will win a good handicap next autumn/winter.

Viddora will be interesting now at Sha Tin with a bend to encounter... but maybe she prefers going left handed. Slight doubt for me!

Eagle Way ran on well last time but I'm feeling confident about Lys Gracieux, really hope she drifts to a nice double figure price on the day. The Hong Kong mob normally like backing the classic runners in this, if they turn up I think they will be a lot shorter than they should be!!!

I’m becoming more and more interested in Rattan for the Sprint, I know he got 5lb off the other 2 last run but it was his first step up in class at the distance and I think will improve, he needs a good pace though which there usually is and he’ll certainly be staying on, Gibson did it before with Gold Fun so why not this time too.

Rattan was 33/1 a week ago

Think the value is long gone Roz!

Had a proper look now and I’m sadly going with The unoriginal BTC, can’t really see anything outside HK winning and he’s currently the best we have, you can’t back Rattan at those odds with the 5lb turnaround from the last run. If he is a bigger price come Sunday over $10 then it’s worth a go but not at 6-1.

MrD - I’m with you on LG for the QE2 I’ve done a double and 2 singles

Perfect draw Mr D

Yep, perfect HK and 9-1 now... she has looked magnificent all week and the draw is a bonus. I will play the patient game with my main bet, hope she drifts to a bigger price on the day.

Struggling to split Beat The Clock and Mr Stunning... probably go with the former!

I think you’ll see double figures come Sunday as there’s no Jockey factor that’s going to shorten the price this time. The ground won’t be GF either as there’s a fair amount of rain forecast for Saturday and showers on Sunday.

I’m having an ew bet on Season’s Bloom in the mile too for interest purposes - to place into BTC as a double

BTC looking an even better bet now with Mr S lame this morning

I hope the BBC weather forecast is more accurate than the Hong Kong Observatory!?

Although Lys Gracieux has run well on a wet track in Japan, her best runs have been on a firm track. Deirdre his very closely matched with LG and any significant rain would enhance her chances... probably be a better bet than LG. The rain will really scupper my bets (done the double like you HK) if it's very wet, especially in the Sprint. Santa Ana Lane will be super hard to beat if it goes Soft.

The betting on the day in Hong Kong normally goes a bit mental, our bookies react and there can be huge price differences. Lys Gracieux has been shortened with a few of them today but I will hold out and back her on race day... could be a big mistake!

What's it been like in Hong Kong HK?

It’s hot and sunny where I am Mr D - but I’m in Vietnam on a family holiday !! I’m gutted as I would have been able to attend with the Vidorra owners had I been in hk.

Mr Stunning is out so that 5-1 is looking good for BTC now, I don’t think it’ll be any worse than good as the heavy rain is due today and the course drains well.

Beat The Clock ran another stormer to win the Sprint Cup, he's so consistent and a wonderful sprinter.

Lys Gracieux's price shortened dramatically on the day which I really didn't think would happen. She once again ran another solid race matching Exultant stride for stride but the winner had first run on them and ran strongly to the line for a deserved win. Win Bright has never shown much in G1 company in Japan but that is three on the trot now (G3, G2 and G1) and appears to be in the form of his life. The Hong Kong classic generation didn't put up much of a show... which didn't surprise me!

I wasn’t surprised by the 4yo being poor either as there’s a line of form through Insayshable that indicated they’d be 5 or 6l behind the top older horses.

Wasn’t a bad day all told as BTC made it a profitable day, be interesting to see BG run in japan as he’s getting Winx like now with beating the same horses over and over.

Yep, I also made a profit on the day HK with Beat The Clock winning (11-2 was too big/took the hit on the reduction) along with the EW double.

Zac Purton tweeted that it looks like they will be going to Japan with Beauty Gen. The Yasuda Kinen will be an awesome race if they all turn up (Almond Eye, Danon Premium etc). The only question mark for him will be going left handed but he seems very uncomplicated and the big galloping Tokyo track will suit his style of racing IMO.

After tonight’s Beauty Generation “team” meeting, the odds have shortened dramatically for a trip to the Yasuda Kinen in Japan. If a few minor details can be arranged it’s going to happen. The fans want it, the owner wants it, racing wants it.

Beauty Generation is not going for the Yasuda Kinen... very disappointing!

backing two runners in race 5 tomorrow - Cruciatus & Exaltation

Whats the Weather like there Accie ?- the Forecast shows its been thunderstorms there for the last 24hrs but not sure if thats accurate - was wondering if we were going to a heavy track at Sha Tin.