Gibson searches for Happy Valley win

– After a sluggish start to the season Richard Gibson has his yard gathering momentum and the English trainer can land the Sauternes Cup at Happy Valley with his progressive stayer in Litterateur.

This French import had won three of five starts before arriving in Hong Kong but took a number of months and runs before showing his true potential.

He displayed a remarkable turn of foot on his last win when clocking the best final 400m (22.1 sec) at the meeting on 3 May when rallying from last on the turn. The more patient tactics and the fact that he just appears to have hit his straps, gives him strong claims to win again.

Zac Purton may not be so far back in the field from a low gate, but either way, he should prove hard to beat.

Thunder Stomp will probably lead this field and his effort was equally brave on his last outing over the course and distance when running well inside of standard through the first 800m.

With an easier time on pace, he will prove hard to run down. And Tony Millard's Giant Turtle remains in good form. He should enjoy a good run through the race from a favourable draw and can hit the frame again.

Of the remainder, Ten Flames has hit the line quite well on his past couple of outings and although burdened with top weight, is capable of filling a minor place.

In the opening event on the card, Caspar Fownes has an excellent chance to notch a win with Born To Race who should relish the drop in class.

He has been racing well of late and looks well placed to record his second victory in Hong Kong.