This event is a good contest and I see FANTASY and HAPPY ALUMNI as the top-two chances with the market leaning heavily toward Fantasy who did coast to victory over the track and trip last time to score by two lengths. On that occasion, Moreira made a reasonably early move but drew clear and from gate 1 today he should get the ideal trip behind a strong speed. He can win again but I wouldn’t take a short price and there might be better value with Happy Alumni who blew the start when he last went around. He was outstanding in defeat and should he jump on terms, then he is a very good chance to upset the likely favourite. Many will drop off GRADE ONE following his win in a lower grade, but some of his efforts in this class were very good indeed and I expect him to perform well. HANDSOME BO BO meets Fantasy on better terms (4kg) and will also strip fitter given he was first up after a break. He also has second-up form with the key for him being not having to sustain too much pressure in the running – this doesn’t look likely though. There seems to be good value in the quinella market here and am happy to take quinellas with Fantasy and a quinella place/duet with Happy Alumni and Grade One.

*ADDITION

The purpose of Hutchi’s Honkers is to provide quality information and strategies pertaining to Hong Kong racing and I have had many clients ask “why do you bet Quinellas and what’s a Quinella Place?”

Firstly it is worth noting that in Hong Kong, the biggest hold in any bet type on their tote is the Quinella pool. For the uninitiated that’s selecting the first and second horses past the post in any order.

The Quinella Place pool is generally marginally smaller than the Win pool in Hong Kong. In Australia the Quinella Place is called the Duet and it pays out on selecting two horses that both finish in the top-three placings past the past, in any order.

Those outlaying from Australia via the SuperTAB will being doing so into a commingled tote with the HKJC. The pools are the Win, Place, Quinella, Quinella Place (Duet) and Tierce (Trifecta).