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Dragon fired up for Triple Trio opener

Honest Dragon can improve again to anchor Triple Trio bets in the third event at troubled Sha Tin tomorrow night.

There is a $9.1 million jackpot carried forward to what is programmed as a mixed turf and dirt meeting. But there has to be doubts as to whether racing can take place on the grass due to the numerous and very serious incidents of horses losing their footing during the last two meetings at Sha Tin.

And at night there is always moisture around.

There has to be a distinct possibility that racing will be switched to the dirt after this morning's grass trial, so be careful and check this out before placing early TT wagers.

If racing does take place on the turf, Honest Dragon should give a good account of himself as he put in an improved effort to win on the dirt last time on his first start for the excellent young trainer Peter Ho.

Ho has improved a number of horses who have joined his stable and Honest Dragon had always worked as if possessed of plenty of ability when with Andy Leung. Indeed, early on the stable regarded him as potentially one of their best griffins of last season.

Now Honest Dragon has broken through, he could continue to progress in the same manner Many Happy Returns has done for Ho. This is the impression from Honest Dragon's work since his last win. He has simply flown in his work.

The topweight, Top Class, is a very solid form chance and merits strong TT consideration.

Oakland Hills is now fitter and should also go well but both of these are drawn out and given the bias from last Sunday's meeting, it could be worth looking for those either drawn low or with plenty of early speed.

To this extent, Bold Dancer's chances are enhanced as are those of Tim's Dragon.

Telecom Chief and Great Power should get the run of the race in the fourth event, the TT's middle pin.

Telecom Chief is drawn out wide but he has bundles of natural pace and should be able to go forward and race in the van despite drawing stall 12. He also has good recent form.

Great Power put in a huge run when trapped wide the whole way from his outside barrier last time.

He's now drawn one and Basil Marcus hasn't been six-time champion jockey for nothing. The move to a mile shouldn't be a problem for Great Power either, given the way he kept finding despite his tough run over 1,400 metres last time and he appears open to further improvement.

King Of Jewelry is worth throwing in as he's drawn two, has lots of natural speed and should be fitter for his recent outing.

King Confident continues to work well, has impressed on his only two starts and should also be prominent as he is blinkered for the first time and moving up to a mile.

Scenic Star should get the run of the race in the sixth as should First Honour. Both race on the speed and that could be a considerable advantage.

Simon's Decision is probably the best horse in the race and has to be considered on that basis alone. But he does get back.

Devotee can race forward and is drawn one, which should help while Pleasant Win, who admittedly needs cover, has become well handicapped and is drawn on the inside.

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