Monards to swoop for Egan

Monards is hard to oppose in this afternoon's feature event, the Police Cup.

The John Moore-trained four-year-old has shown consistent and improving form on each of his three runs this season. There may be a few ready to oppose him because his recent second to Lucky Six has taken a bit of a knock, with Lucky Six having come out and been beaten, as has the third, Premier Treasure.

Beaten they have been but not in any way disgraced. Lucky Six, in particular, ran a solid race behind Magic Hands in a competitive final event on International Day.

Monards flew home when only just failing to catch Lucky Six last time and is likely to be ridden in a similar fashion today by John Egan.

Monards can also be expected to make further progress as trainer Moore does not push them that hard in the morning, as is reflected, season after season, by his late flourishes in the trainer standings.

If there is going to be a bit of an upset, it could come from the Derek Cruz-trained Prefect. On the bare form of his two runs since arriving here, he should be at good odds. Cruz' treble at Happy Valley on Saturday will trim a few points off, as will the demon Douglas Whyte's decision to stick with this four-year-old Australian gelding.

Last time out Prefect stayed on at one pace to run 3.75 lengths seventh to Smartlord over the Sha Tin 1,400 metres. He travelled well on the rails just behind the pace before being tapped for speed from shortly after they straightened. But he was noted battling on again in the last 200 metres and is almost certain to appreciate the move up to a mile. In time this galloping sort is likely to come into his own over 1,800 metres or farther.

Top Light is worth close consideration. His last run should be totally forgotten. He can go much better if this time ridden with cover. Corey Brown should be able to manage this from barrier four, as Hornet from gate two should lead. Happy Champ gave signs of a return to form last time but it did come on a rain-affected track. Strikers has run well on each of his last three starts, having had little luck prior to his second to Millennium Supreme on International Jockeys' night.

Graphic: S1600glo