A time for Excellence to score in the Hong Kong Football Club Centenary Cup

- There are two feature races on the Happy Valley this week, the first of which is The Hong Kong Football Club Centenary Challenge Cup and it might be worth sticking with the luckless Excellence who should have gone close to winning over the Happy Valley mile (1600m) last start.

This son of Castledale is the type of galloper who always needs luck given his racing pattern of getting back in the field. Zac Purton retains the ride from a good barrier and providing there is the expected speed in this event then Excellence should atone.

Joao Moreira rides the logical danger, Casa Master, who also ran well in defeat on his last outing. Then Casa Master made a midrace move only to be found wanting in the latter stages and ended up beaten a length behind Megatron.

He has proven a model of consistency over this course and distance and should be very competitive.

Of the others, Sparkling Sword will go forward and with the apprentice’s claim this consistent galloper should be there for a fair way. Great Treasure has been holding his form very well at Sha Tin and the move up in distance looks a positive one. Robust Momentum might appreciate coming up in distance and is another who can hit the frame.

Race 6, the Police Cup, is the second feature race and looks a little more open on paper. There will be plenty of support for I’m A Witness with the booking of the ‘Magic Man’ Moreira on board, but this might provide a good opportunity to follow Iron Boy who should be Eachway value.

There was plenty to like about Iron Boy’s run when working home stylishly behind D B Pin over the minimum trip at Happy Valley last time, and although he never looked a winning proposition at any stage, he clocked the best final 600m at the meeting.

He will relish the move up to 1200m, gets a significant drop in grade and the blinkers being applied. He is another who needs some luck with the tempo, as he tends to race in a rearward position. However, once again the pace should be solid and he will be motoring late.

The obvious danger and likely favourite I’m A Witness looks the likely leader and it is hard to fault his recent form. However, he often can find one to beat him and unless he gets an easy time, might be vulnerable again. Our Hero beat him last start and although the weight swing and barrier will make it difficult for Our Hero, he is lightly-raced and on the upgrade. Of the rest, Generous Heart might find this trip a touch short but could run well, along with Fantastic Feeling.