New Planet set to open account
Maiden New Planet appears the logical banker selection in the opening leg of the Triple Trio on Sunday's mixed meeting card at Sha Tin. The lightly-raced son of Chief's Crown, who has progressed steadily in his four starts, appears to have struck a relatively moderate Class Four contest and jockey Tony Culhane should enjoy the run of the 1,400-metre race from barrier four.
Round The World has given the impression that he is a shade better than this grade and he can be forgiven his last effort when he may not have been suited by the move to Happy Valley. Prior to that run, he had shown promise and he should figure in the finish tomorrow.
Grand Fighter showed marked improvement last time when the blinkers were applied and he has been a consistent performer over course and distance. While he leaves the impression that he would be suited by a touch further, he could easily make the frame.
Medic Hero has failed to win over this trip in 15 attempts, but he has finished in the frame on five occasions. Robbie Fradd keeps the ride and from a good draw he appears to be one of the leading chances.
The middle pin of the TT will be held over 1,650 metres on the all-weather, and Universal Glory appears to be the safest option for a banker. His narrow defeat by Mr Brinker on his last start was a sound effort, and he has proved to be a more reliable type on the dirt.
Me First ran creditably last time when he set a furious tempo out on the lead. He is a winner over course and distance and, with John Egan riding in great form, must be one for the shortlist.
It is hard to oppose Champion Ranger in any event on this surface as he has been a dependable proposition over a variety of distances. While the step back to 1,650 metres is not ideal, he could still fill a minor placing.
Equus Zephyrus, who is likely to start at decent odds, indicated last time that he is ready to win. While this will be his debut on the all-weather, as a son of Housebuster he could well appreciate the surface and the move up to a mile is just what he is after.
In an open-looking final leg of the TT, Geoff Lane's new recruit Surplus appears the logical banker. He rarely runs a poor race and his work leading up to this 1,400-metre event has been highly promising. On his last start for David Hayes, he was beaten only 1.5 lengths in a Class One event and the drop back in grade should make all the difference.
Delightful Special may have been aided by the yielding track last time, but his overall form at course and distance has been exceptional and from barrier one he must be given strong consideration.
Born Dragon has been freshened up by Lawrie Fownes and, while he may be around the right mark in the handicap, his consistency gives him a chance to fill a minor placing. Huangdi also has a good chance of making the frame as the drop back in grade is in his favour.
In the fifth event, last-start winner Aspiration has every chance of following up over 1,800 metres. Holy Wine can be forgiven his poor showing last time as it was completely out of character, while Welldone Kid should figure in the finish as he is fitter now. Of the rest, My Friends Say went quite well in a recent barrier trial and an improved run is expected.
