Zac Purton and Hugh Bowman are the most popular picks to win Wednesday night’s Longines Hong Kong International Jockeys’ Championship (IJC) at Happy Valley, but it looks to be a wide-open affair according to the Post’s tipsters and the betting market.
Three-time IJC victor Purton and Bowman each got the nod from two of the Post’s tipsters, with the latter sharing $6.5 favouritism with Joao Moreira and the former close behind at $7.5.
In what many rate as one of the best IJC line-ups ever assembled, seven of the 12 riders are under double-figure odds, with Vincent Ho Chak-yiu, James McDonald, Ryan Moore and reigning champion Mickael Barzalona all at $9.
Who will win the HK$600,000 first prize? Here is what our analysts think.
Sam Agars – racing editor
There looks some value to be had with outsider of the field Umberto Rispoli if his $20 quote holds up in what shapes as a wide-open edition of the IJC.
A live chance for points in the opening leg thanks to Harmony Fire, it is last-start winner Tourbillon Golfer rising in grade for the final leg who can propel the much-loved Italian to victory in his maiden appearance in the competition.
Also worth a look is James McDonald, who has an even book and could bag points with Star Mac, Another Zonda and Akashvani.
Jay Rooney – form guide editor
A win and a placing or two might be enough to secure the title this year and Hugh Bowman can do just that, with Silvery Breeze boasting undeniable claims in the third leg.
Zeta Hedge can secure the Australian ace valuable points in the opening leg after a solid second on debut, while Power Koepp could also figure without surprising in leg four.
The value could be $18 chance Christophe Lemaire, who looks well placed to strike in the opening leg on Honest Witness and points from any of Take Action, Solid Win and Mighty Commander would put him right in the mix.
Owen Goulding – racing reporter
In what shapes as a tight battle, with this year’s IJC the most talent-laden in years, Mickael Barzalona can successfully defend his crown thanks to an overlooked book of strong rides.
Amazing Gaze has been banging on the door and looks to be his strongest chance in leg two, while Ivy League in the third leg will be hard to fend off with a strong pace set to give him leading claims.
At a decent price of $12, do not rule out Rachel King, who has secured plum rides on in-form David Hayes-trained pair Samarkand and Romantic Son. A win on either could be enough to bring her into the argument.
Phillip Woo – racing writer
Woo’s tips have McDonald claiming his first IJC comfortably courtesy of victories aboard Healthy Healthy and Akashvani and a second on Star Mac.
Vincent Wong (Shannon) – statistics editor
Wong has Purton coming out on top, with Beauty Thunder and Flying Fortress tipped to score maximum points in their respective races.
Racing Post Online
The ratings are also in the corner of Bowman, predicting Zeta Hedge to win the first leg and Silvery Breeze to salute in the penultimate leg.
Tom Wood – Jockey Club commentator
Wood is tipping Purton and Hollie Doyle to share the spoils in a tie, with the riders securing a win and second each.
