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Master Ying set to improve from promising first trial

Due to the large number of turf barrier trials earlier in the week, there was a distinct lack of entrants for the two all-weather trials held at Sha Tin yesterday, but Gary Ng Ting-keung's unraced Master Ying could be worth noting. The son of Gilded Time showed plenty of early dash under Eddie Lai before his condition gave way in the concluding stages, allowing Geoff Lane's Bruin Supreme to win the trial. It was Master Ying's first trial and there is plenty of improvement to come.

The second heat was won by Wong Tang-ping's Ferrule, who has been desperately unlucky not to have picked up a race in his rookie season. The maiden has caught the eye of many track-watchers this season and he impressed again yesterday. He is a winner waiting to happen and, while he will not be any spoils in the market when he next appears, it is encouraging to see him ticking over nicely in his work.

In behind, John Size's Chiu Chow Brother went a good deal better after not impressing all that much in a trial earlier this month. He has improved significantly in that short space of time and finished off strongly under Steven King.

Tony Millard's Just In Time, who settled towards the rear of the field, was making good headway late in the trial. He has been freshened up and one can expect a solid performance from him when he next appears.

In other work, Francis Lui Kin-wai's unraced Bacchus was most impressive in his 800-metre Riverside gallop on Thursday when he clocked a solid 47.8 seconds. The striking son of Danzero has shown up in a number of barrier trials as one to watch and the only surprising aspect is that he is yet to have his first race start after so much positive work. He looks fit and well and must be kept safe when he makes his debut.

Andy Leung Ting-wah's Back Seat Driver worked a shade more steadily down the Riverside, clocking 52.5 seconds over 800 metres. The speedy son of Pompeii Court appears to have taken his last run very well and judging on his work will be an interesting prospect on his next outing.

Tony Cruz has his string generally looking in tremendous condition and it was interesting to see the Chinese Club Challenge Cup winner Our Class being given a steady piece of work on the all-weather on Thursday. The talented son of Masterclass is being kept fresh by Cruz and is clearly on top of his game at present. Much the same can be said for Successful Spirit, who galloped over 1,200 metres in one minute 23.3 seconds on the all-weather. He looks in tremendous condition and may be able to string a couple of wins together now that he has strengthened up.

YESTERDAY'S SHA TIN TRIALS

First trial - 1,200m (dirt): 1, BRUIN SUPREME (E. St-Martin); 2, Master Ying (W. M. Lai); 3, Key Largo (M. W. Leung). Others (in finishing order): Highlight, High Sky, Ace Of Pace, Truly The Best, Elephant Dance. Time: 1:12.3. Distances: 1.25 lengths, 2.5 lengths. Winner trained by Geoff Lane.

Second trial - 1,200m (dirt): 1, FERRULE (W. C. Marwing); 2, Silent Partner (B. Marcus); 3, Chiu Chow Brother (S. King). Others: Landlord, Just In Time, Gonlargo, Cellini, Resourcesful Prince. Time: 1:11.8. Distances: 6 lengths, 1 length. Winner trained by Wong Tang-ping.

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