Hong Kong Horse Racing Betting Tips: Poon can be a Hero for Valley fans

TRAINER Caspar Fownes may be known as King of the Valley but he could be in danger of losing that mantle if local handler Danny Shum keeps firing winners in at Happy Valley.

This popular and consistently winning trainer, who may be remembered by UK racing fans for saddling Little Bridge to victory in the 2012 Kings Stand Stakes at Royal Ascot, has already visited the winners circle 18 times at the Valley this season – one more than Fownes – and looks set to extend that total this afternoon.

His best chance of success could be the lightly-raced but fast-improving LUCKY HERO (3.50pm) in the finale. This good-looking Australian gelding tries his luck at the Valley for the first time after two encouraging placed efforts at Sha Tin.

His style of running suggests he will be in his element around the tight Valley bends, and with smart 5lb claimer Matt Poon in the saddle, and a low draw number another positive, he could prove hard to beat.

Earlier in the afternoon, it is worth taking a chance with potentially well-handicapped BUOYANT BOY (1.15pm).

This son of Zoffany posted his best effort to date, when dashing fast and late but needing one more stride to catch rival Bond Elegance, over the track and trip in the middle of last month.

Nothing went right for him in that contest, having been caught wide with no cover from an awkward draw, and then taking time to fill up with petrol before exploding down the home stretch.

After only a handful of runs, he will know what is expected this time.

POINTERS

Buoyant Boy 1.15pm Happy Valley

Lucky Hero 3.50pm Happy Valley

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