The clear horse to beat in this event is NICCONI EXPRESS. Perhaps the 1800m tested his stamina last time but ultimately he was too close to a quick tempo and it took its toll late in the race. Back to the mile will suit Nicconi Express and he should map nicely from gate 3 for Moreira in a race that could lack tempo overall. ENCOURAGING has to be given decent claims having won two of his four starts for John Moore since leaving Michael Freedman. With the extended rating band of this event, he can run well and go close again in this class. EPIC was sound on his first Hong Kong start when fifth to Good Standing over the Sha Tin mile and he will no doubt derive a lot of fitness from the experience. He ventures to the Happy Valley for the first time but promotes some interest. Of the remainder, SACRED IBIS should be running on strongly but is unlikely to get the pace to suit him while NORDIC WARRIOR shouldn’t be far away and could be a horse to include in the thin end of multiples.