Given the early market for this event there looks to be two runners at great prices, STAR OF JOY and POWERMAX. I think each can settle in handy positions from low draws and each of their respective last performances rated well enough for them to go close to winning this one. Star Of Joy is yet to win in Hong Kong from 17 starts, so that is of some concern. Powermax bounces back up in grade after narrowly missing  in Class 4, but with a light weight can win in Class 3. There should be plenty of speed here, with the pace drawn high, and that might work in to the favour of PERFECT GLORY who scored a nice win on Hong Kong debut when picking up the pieces late in the race following a fast tempo. He should strip fitter and whilst he carries more weight this time, he can definitely figure again. SMART BOY should be running on late as well and made my SID files following doing just that last start. Of course his pattern does lead itself to highlighting him as a “next start” horse.

From Sweet In Defeat:

SMART BOY

CALIFORNIA ARCHER