All weather racing (dirt track) makes for only a small portion of the racing done in Hong Kong. Most of the racing here is done on the turf (grass). Most of the AWT (all weather track) races are for the lower graded horses in Hong Kong. This can make these races difficult to handicap. Another factor is horses moving from the turf to dirt quite often or horses that have not yet run on the AWT. This often makes for some of the best payouts in Hong Kong.

Here are some important factors to lookout for when handicapping the AWT events.

1: Speed

Horses who win races on the AWT are usually sitting up close to the lead. You will see many more wire to wire winners in AWT racing.

2: Pedigree

Many of the horses who perform well on the dirt track here have a dirt track pedigree. Many of the USA sires excel in these types of races. I would say that the USA sires are much more well known for producing dirt winners. 

3: Jockey

There are a few jockeys here who have dominated AWT racing for the last few seasons. The jockeys who seem to do the best on the AWT are those who can get their horses to break quickly and get a forward spot in the running.

4: Barrier Draw

Horses who have an outside barrier draw are at a distinct disadvantage on the AWT. Being that the run to the first turn is generally short horses being caught wide on the turn will lose considerable ground. Generally it is best to be drawn near the rails or toward the middle of the track. Speed horses who can cross over from an outside post may at times be able to overcome this disadvantage.

5: Prior Dirt Experience

Horses who win races on the AWT generally have had prior dirt experience. They have generally shown at least some ability on the AWT.

6: Odds

Again, don't be afraid to take the longer odds in many AWT races. As these are the races that can often light up the board with big prices.

Hope you have enjoyed this assessment of dirt track racing in Hong Kong and Good Luck at the windows!! by Kerry Zangara