Johnny Burke: All My Bets | Happy Valley | October 22, 2025

We’re on the comedown from KA YING RISING’s ascent of The Everest (G1), but the action is back at Happy Valley to scratch that midweek itch. Leading jockey, and reigning Everest champion, Zac Purton is on the hunt for his 1,900th win in Hong Kong and will have seven mounts to try to reach the astonishing milestone. Nine races are carded so let’s get into it!

Helpful Resources

Happy Valley – October 22

HKJC Resource Page – Free PPs, Pace Projections, Workout Videos, Weather


Race 1 | 1000M | Class 4

Win – #2 SUPER SIXTY
Grade: A

Notes: The card opens with a Class 4 sprint featuring a handful of first-time starters and a lot of inexperience. I’m willing to play against that and chase one of the more proven, experienced runners in SUPER SIXTY who has been tagged with a 6/1 Morning Line. At his best, I don’t think he’s touchable in this field, and his resume reflects that. I don’t think he’ll go off at 6/1, but his ratings, favorable draw and recent performances are enough for me to pick this runner outright to kick things off.


Race 3 | 1200M | Class 4

Win - #12 PATCH OF WATCH
Grade: B

Notes: This selection is a bit tough to make on paper since there are two very clear early speed horses, and I’m picking one of them, but I think the weight being carried will make all the difference. MEGA BONUS rates highest in the field according to my numbers, but he’ll be carrying six pounds more than the next heaviest rider and when he’s forced to carry this much he doesn’t quite run up to his number. PATCH OF WATCH will only have 117 pounds aboard, and I think that’ll make up the minor difference between the two. I expect PATCH OF WATCH to go for the lead early alongside MEGA BONUS, but I anticipate MEGA BONUS will fade down the stretch and open things up for our top choice to be the remaining runner. I don’t see a ton of quality closers in the field, at least very few that have a solid PBR number or record at this distance, and I’m willing to bank on this sprint going to the fastest horse carrying the more favorable amount of weight.


Race 4 | 1200M | Class 4

Win - #4 RISING POHENIX
Grade: A

Notes: At long last, in Race 4, Zac Purton will get his 1,900th win aboard RISING PHOENIX. The upside of this four-year-old, on paper, is better than nearly anyone in the field. Morning Line favorite, KING OBERON, will be his toughest competitor running well in front of this field as they head down the stretch. I think picking up Purton will give our top choice his best chance at being well-positioned for a breakthrough win at a 10/1 Morning Line. The pace isn’t ideal here for RISING PHOENIX, but I think he is best fit for these six-furlong sprints and it will show tomorrow morning at Happy Valley.

Good luck!

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