Hong Kong Horse Racing Tipster Charene Woo

TheGreatTipOff is blessed with a stack of aspiring young form analysts who represent the new generation of talent in our great sport of horse racing.

Hong Kong racing enthusiast and presenter Charene Woo is amongst those who look destined for a long and successful career in the industry. 

Since joining our site in July this year, Charene has demonstrated time and time again her ability to find winners in one of the world's most competitive racing scenes. 

Ahead of the Hong Kong International Race Day at Sha Tin, we spoke with Charene to learn how she entered the industry, how she goes about form analysis and who you should keep an eye on this Sunday.

 

Watch the interview below.

 

What the stats say

It hasn't taken long for Charene to produce some impressive results. 

Less than three weeks ago, she tipped 5 winners on a 10 race card at Sha Tin, blowing the bookies away in the process. 

Amongst her winners was Frankel gelding Full Power, which paid a thumping $13.50 top tote.

Further demonstrating that Charene is not afraid to stick her neck out, she also bravely tipped Fire Ball at eye-watering $101 odds. 

The Kiwi galloper ran well above expectations, finishing third by over a length to hand each-way punters a very healthy $13.50 place price.

Charene's tipping ability on full show at Sha Tin

 

With a tipping display like that, it's no surprise to see that Charene has a sharp eye for identifying value.

Her betting profile reveals that the average winning price of her tips is an enviable $5.04, whilst 43% of her winners are between $3 and $7.

It's clear that Charene is not afraid of taking on a short-priced favourite.

A keen eye for value

 

The world's racing spotlight shines on Sha Tin this Sunday, with the Hong Kong International Race Day featuring four Group One races including the coveted Hong Kong Cup.

It's one the biggest race days of the year and punters who aren't familiar with the Hong Kong racing circuit should look no further than following Charene's local intel.

Over the last 90 days, Charene has produced 176 tips at the famous track to deliver punters 11% Profit on Turnover. 

Charene's impressive 90 day stats at Sha Tin

 

 

Background

Charene believes racing is in her genes and after talking to her, it's not hard to see why.

"When my grandparents were young, they worked as a bookmaker. Both my father and mother enjoy horse racing as well, and most of my family are also interested."

"Whenever we get together as a family in the New Year or Christmas, our conversations are mostly related to horse racing" 

Charene works as a freelancer, with numerous jobs in the both the media and in the stables. This includes being a live presenter for Sing Tao Daily, a column writer for HKJC social media and newspaper editor for Racing Ahead.

 

Form Analysis

There is no doubt all tipsters and punters can go on winning streaks, but what separates the best from the best?  

Charene suggests that her success is down to hard work and a tireless work ethic. "I work seven days a week, and sleep for only 4 hours a night." 

Charene is a regular at morning track work. That's where her day starts, before heading back to the office to study the form. 

"I'm hard working, but at the same time I really enjoy what I'm doing which helps."

Whilst many punters put significant weight towards the ratings/pricing of each runner, Charene believes a horse's pedigree is the most important factor to take into consideration.

 

Happy Valley Edge

Charene then revealed the important role that speed maps play in her form analysis, particularly at Happy Valley over the 1200m and 1650m. 

"Over these distances, the corner is right after the gates open. When the horses jump from the gates they have to turn immediately"

"It's extremely important that I have a clear picture of the horses which lead, stay midfield and stay back."

 

Advice for aspiring Tipsters

Life as an analyst is not for the faint hearted. As a tipster, you're looking to achieve long-term success and a sustainable strategy.

The challenge is being able to find a balance between picking a horse with a winning chance, whilst identifying true value in the betting market.

Charene prides herself on finding value for punters and her advice to up and coming tipsters is simple.

"Don't rely on the odds, don't be confident just because a horse is favourite. Be confident because of the horse's form factors." 

 

In a game full of aspiring form analysts, Charene also has advice for anyone looking to breakthrough into the racing media.

"In order to differentiate yourself from others, you have to innovate your own ideas and keep improving." 

Sound words from a young lady who is breaking through in one of the biggest racing markets in the world.

 

Horses to follow on Sunday

With the big day approaching on Sunday, we pressed Charene for some runners to keep an eye on. 

 

Hong Kong Mile (R7) #2 Golden Sixty $1.80

His record of 14:13-0-0 says it all.

He's the rising star of Hong Kong racing and is improving day by day! 

 

Hong Kong Vase (R4) #7 Mogul $2.70

This three-year-old from the Aiden O'Brien stable has built a very impressive career record to date (10:4-1-1). 

His price is short but with star jockey Ryan Moore aboard, he's a good bet.

 

 

Quick Fire Q&A

Favourite Race Track in the World

Happy Valley

 

Favourite Race Track outside of Hong Kong?

Oslo, Norway.

Horse racing in Norway has a totally different atmosphere. In Hong Kong people are focussed on punting.

In Oslo there are many families enjoying a picnic with their children, which created a great atmosphere.

 

Favourite horse of all-time

Winx!

 

Who do you admire most in the racing industry?

Aiden O'Brien.

He is the most charming person in the world (behind my father of course!).

He has won many Group 1's and manages a  big stable very well.

He has two sons who are doing great things in the industry and boast good results.

At the same time, he is a good trainer and a good dad!