Easier for Encountered to Win

Feb 26 Hong Kong (Happy Valley) form analysis

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RACE 1 (1,200M)

3 Copartner Prance looks the likely leader in a small field of just five runners, setting up nicely for him to be hard to reel in under Ryan Moore, who takes his first ride of this short-term stint.

2 Raging Blizzard saw his winning streak come to an end last time when chasing a hat-trick, but the lack of competition here puts him right back in contention.

1 Taj Dragon ran an unlucky fifth last time, beaten under three lengths after being held up. Though winless for some time, he is trending in the right direction.

5 Brave Star should land in an ideal on-pace position from barrier one, giving himself every chance to figure in the finish.

RACE 2 (2,200M)

7 Good Good broke through for his first win over 2,000m last start and should relish stepping up in distance. The John Size-trained galloper remains relatively untapped against more exposed rivals and could have more to offer.

5 Serangoon draws an inside gate after a long time, which should allow him to settle closer in the run and boost his chances.

4 Affordable returns to a course and distance where he has won before. Barrier 10 looks tricky, but Moore's presence is key.

2 Fortune Superstar drops into Class 4 for the first time. The booking of Hugh Bowman adds intrigue, as does the first-time application of a tongue tie.

RACE 3 (1,650M)

3 Soleil Fighter did not settle in the leading pack as he usually does last start, but he still closed off well for third. In a race lacking early speed, he can revert to an on-pace run, which will give him every chance to bounce back to winning ways, especially after drawing perfectly in barrier one for Moore.