Although not yet at the top of his form, Collection (Weichong Marwing) was bursting with authority as he came clear for his first victory since the Hong Kong Derby, beating the same three horses - Unique Jewellery, Mr Medici and Thumbs Up - who chased him home last March, albeit in a different order. His stablemate and winner of the past two editions of this race, Viva Pataca, was sent out the clear favourite, but could finish only seventh.
Today's feature race at Happy Valley is Race 7, the Wayfoong Centenary Bowl. Find out which horse I think will march home in today's podcast. The clue may be in the photo.
I also give my thoughts on a value pick for the Jockey Challenge bet as well as my Best Bet over the course of the 8-race meet. Tune in below to find out more. VIDEO & AUDIO AFTER THE JUMP.
Racing fans can look forward to several upcoming races with an international flavour: Today's meeting at Sha Tin will feature the Cathay Pacific International Cup Trial and Racing editor Alan Aitken has favourited Collection.
The winner of next week's International Mile Trial usually serves as a guide to the following month's Hong Kong Cup, but Alan doesn't seem to think so. Collection has high hopes to become Hong Kong's leading light for that race.
Jockey Challenge: Brett Prebble has a commanding lead in favourites of HK$1.55, way past Douglas Whyte at HK$6.50. For Best Bet, Alan has his eye on Ecosta Don. Watch out for him at Race 5, no. 9. AUDIO & VIDEO AFTER THE JUMP.
In today's show, Alan Aitken reports that sprinter Sacred Kingdom looks ready for a comeback after blowing through a 1000m trial at Sha Tin. Meanwhile, Hong Kong's most famous sprinter Silent Witness was honoured yesterday.
Douglas Whyte is having a bad start to the season, but the champion jockey says not to count him out just yet.
Alan Aitken also tips his favourite for the feature event, the Community Chest Cup at Happy Valley tonight. AUDIO AND VIDEO AFTER THE JUMP.
Ivan Allan, three-times champion trainer in Hong Kong died, aged 68, in his native Singapore after a long battle with illness. Allan moved to Hong Kong in 1992 after a dominant career in Singapore and Malaysia and became an equally irresistible force.
In other racing news, three jockeys will join the ranks for the winter months ahead. Popular Belgian rider Christophe Soumillon will join Andreas Suborics in early January while North American rider Aaron Gryder will get a four-month license starting from November 16.
Also in this programme, I feature Race 8, the Panasonic Cup, the jockey challenge and give my best bet for today's race meet. VIDEO & AUDIO AFTER THE JUMP.
Since the Jockey Challenge began over a year ago, turnover has reached a staggering HK$9 million. Racing editor asks in today's Off the Rails: When will we see the much-mooted Trainers Challenge?
Alan has tipped Exploding for Race 9's Fakei Cup for his feature race, while picking Eddie Lai for his Jockey Challenge favourite at 15.00. Lai will be racing on Alive and Kicking at Race 1's Phoenix Handicap.
Best bet time, and Alan has given the nod to Fujian Prince of Race 2, ridden by G Cheyne. For more on today's racing guide at Sha Tin pick up a copy of Racing Post or visit racing.scmp.com. AUDIO & VIDEO AFTER THE JUMP.
