Biancone poised to move clear at top
CHAMPIONSHIP-chasing trainer Patrick Biancone could break out of the logjam at the top of the table in the final event today when he saddles up Super Fellow in an intriguing race.
Super Fellow had a solid introduction to local racing when he came home strongly for a fast-finishing third to tearaway winner Dashing two weeks ago, being narrowly shaded by Octagon Star for the quinella spot.
Super Fellow looked to still have something to learn about the game as he was well out of his ground early but there can be no doubt about his latent ability - certainly as far as present company is concerned.
Biancone is on 25 winners for the season but could edge clear today as he has Quicken Away engaged in the ATV Cup and follows up with this one who, despite his outside draw, will surely appreciate the step up in distance to 1,400 metres.
While Super Fellow may start favourite, there will be plenty of money for impressive last start winner, Winning Partners. He simply trotted up down the straight course but trainer Neville Begg has stepped him up to this 1,400-metre trip which, combined with a class rise, may make it a lot harder for the four-year-old this time around.
But Winning Partners won so effortlessly that he must be conceded a solid each-way chance here. There should be value about Racing Ace, to be partnered by Dennis C. H. Yip, after a promising run at the Valley over a mile last time.
He was up on the pace but could not go with the eventual winner, House Honour, who was much too strong in the run home. It may be, however, that today's trip and track will be more to Racing Ace's liking and he is a definite quinella and tierce chance.
Red Star resumes after a lengthy break, having finished second over this trip at his last outing. He is also a course and distance winner from earlier this season so must be respected but he is taking a voluntary promotion and, despite the huge drop in weight, will find this harder.
Tony Cruz partners impressive Namjong whose winning sequence was broken last time when he was switched to the Valley and a mile. This is much more his forte but he hasn't had time to rest on his laurels this season and he may just be feeling the pinch.
