Happy Valley Wednesday tips & quaddie picks | May 1, 2024
| What | Happy Valley Races |
| Where | Happy Valley Racecourse – Wong Nai Chung Rd, Happy Valley, Hong Kong |
| When | Wednesday, May 1, 2024 |
| First Race | 6:40pm HKT (8:40pm AEST) |
Hong Kong racing returns to the bright lights of Happy Valley Racecourse on Wednesday evening for a competitive nine-race program. The rail moves back to the A position, and although this would usually mean a fair track throughout the night, heavy rain across the region may prove the telling factor as the surface deteriorates. The opening event is scheduled to get underway at 6:40pm local time.
Best Bet: Simply Maverick
Simply Maverick was sensational at this course and distance on April 10, launching a late challenge to miss by a nostril. You can argue the son of Sebring should have won on that occasion, only managing to slot in for cover in the middle stages. He should be able to gain a more economical run from barrier seven this time, and with leading hoop Zac Purton electing to stick aboard, Simply Maverick appears primed to go one better in this Class 3 contest.
Best Bet
Race 8 – 
#4 Simply Maverick (7)
4yo Gelding | T: Ricky Yiu | J: Zac Purton (59.5kg)
Next Best: Volcanic Spark
Volcanic Spark ventures to Happy Valley for the first time on the back of a solid performance at Sha Tin on April 7. After appealing to hit a flat spot with 400m left to travel, he let down with a blistering turn of foot from the 200m marker. The Happy Valley circuit should help the Ricky Yiu-trained gelding slingshot off the bend when the whips are cracking, and provided he can handle the testing conditions, Volcanic Spark should figure in the finish.
Next Best
Race 2 – 
#3 Volcanic Spark (7)
4yo Gelding | T: Ricky Yiu | J: Harry Bentley (60.5kg)
Best Value: Embraces
Embraces impressed at the Happy Valley barrier trials on April 19. He was ridden with cover throughout the journey before being niggled along by Jerry Chau, holding his position comfortably while most of his rivals were ridden out to the wire. Watch for Chau to be a bit more aggressive and slot into the one-one from barrier five, and if he can gain a economical run in transit, Embraces should give followers at sight at an each-way price with online bookmakers.
Best Value
Race 4 – 
#4 Embraces (5)
3yo Gelding | T: Jamie Richards | J: Jerry Chau (a1kg) (57.5kg)
Happy Valley quadrella selections
Wednesday, May 1, 2024
- 2-3-4-9-10
- 3-6-11
- 1-3-4-7
- 1-2-3-10-11