Gary Ng Ting-keung can celebrate the National Day Cup meeting with his first winner this season in Able Eagle, who looks a great winning chance in the seventh event. The son of 1994 AJC Galaxy (Gr 1) winner Jetball was desperately unlucky last time over the 1,200 metre journey at Happy Valley, when he struck interference on a number of occasions.
Nothing really went right for him, and there is little doubt he would have won under more equitable circumstances. And he only has to hold the form from that event to make up for the lost opportunity as he does appear to have struck a relatively weak Class 4 field.
Douglas Whyte should not encounter the same traffic problems at Sha Tin, particularly from gate four as he should get the run of the race over the 1,200 metres circuit. Although he will be a short price, he should win, but there is little doubt there will be more value in the quinella and it may be worth adding Northern Rose to those selections.
This giant son of Distinctly North weighs in at 1,196 pounds. He won a trial in good fashion recently and has generally picked up in his work this term. Connections seem to have a relatively high opinion of him, given the level of support he received on debut last season when heavily backed in the final minutes. He may not have handled the soft conditions on that occasion but, in any case, he is working better and may fulfil his true potential.
Winning Parade won over the course and distance on his seasonal reappearance and the form has held up reasonably well from that event with King Palm and Choice And Chance performing relatively well at their next outings. With the stable in such fine form it is hard to rule him out.
Bullish Kid should appreciate a return to Sha Tin after fading over the Valley mile last time when fifth to Olive Or Twist. In addition, the drop back in trip looks more suitable and from gate one, Anthony Delpech should have every chance to make a race of it.