But for those who want to have a throw at the stumps, the Brian Kan Ping-chee-trained Ironic Commander looks as good a keystone as any. For one, he's in the eighth event which concludes the TT. This is the leg where, with a limited bank, it is best to go thin as by concentrating on the first two legs of the TT, the chances of at least getting a share of the consolation dividend, is maximised. For another, Ironic Commander has strong, consistent form and he may just strip a tad fitter than when a creditable fourth at the Valley last time. Prior to that he had to be scratched from his intended start due to a slight leg problem.

He's also drawn well in barrier three on Sunday and should get the run of the race just behind the speed under Eric Legrix. The 1,800-metre trip is well within his scope and he comes into this Class Two contest well weighted against the likes of last-start winner, My Heart.

Win For Lily is always a chance in this kind of race as the Class Two grade looks very suitable. Don Sebastian is another of the leading form chances as is Toymark, who was poorly ridden last time.

Of the others, Top Light looks to be coming to himself in the mornings and High Sky is approaching peak condition.

The first two legs to the TT look terribly difficult though the likes of Platinum Express, Aqua Prince and Flight Of Fancy should all relish the move up to 1,800 metres in the fifth event and could add value to payouts.

The better form picks, however, are the likes of Enormous Way and Super Splendid.

The Alex Wong Siu-tan-trained Enormous Way ran on well late to snatch third last time out and, even by his own fluent standards, has worked sweetly and strongly for this and represents a stable in good form - especially with its stayers.

Super Splendid has thrived since making the move to Kan's in-form yard and has put together two strong efforts over staying trips of late.

Cyber Gulch, down in grade, and Lifo, look best of the others.

Dolbridge and All For You could be the main form chances in an open sixth event. Dolbridge came with an eye-catching late run first-up and appeared to work well on Tuesday morning while All For You has put together back-to-back successes and looks open to further improvement. He's eventually going to show his full potential at genuine staying trips, but for the time being has enough raw ability to compete meaningfully in Class Three at this mile. If anyone can bring him from off the pace and into the placings it is that man Shane Dye.

Island West Treble returned to the fray with a spanking reappearance victory and both Red In Green and New Asians have strong form claims. Koh-I-Noor's last run can be forgotten, but Super Goal Striker has more to do as he's up seven pounds for his last-start success when he had a very cosy run in front.

Full Throttle, back to Sha Tin, could go well while Pegasus Star should have gone close to winning last time out and is now blinkered for the first time.