Raider's in pole position as the Derby market heats up
Even at this early stage of the season the signs are there that the 2004 Derby is going to be the best yet. Several candidates have been performing exceptionally well this term, not the least of them being Raider, who finished third in The Asia World's City International Cup Trial (Race 188).
Over the same distance as the Derby (2,000 metres) and against older and elite opposition, Raider managed to come from near last on the turn to get within 13/4 lengths of last season's Derby heroine Elegant Fashion.
He was doing his best work in the concluding stages, and without doubt his was the best run of the race. Indeed, on this performance it would be no surprise if he beat some of the same rivals home in the Hong Kong Mile if that is the path Tony Cruz has mapped out for him.
There is a gap of three months between the Mile and the Derby, so Cruz has enough time to give him a second preparation for the Classic, though it would be an unorthodox approach. Even so, Raider has established himself as the one to beat in the 2004 Derby, and, just possibly, the best local chance in the Hong Kong Mile.
The Pearl Of Orient Handicap (Race 191) also holds relevance for the Derby with Super Kid blazing to success over 1,400 metres in just his second local outing. It is still early days and considerable improvement can be expected over more ground. He looks a very exciting prospect.
The Duke finished second and the former International Sale griffin is maintaining his high level of consistency. He too is eligible for the Derby and is flying the flag for the ISGs at present.
There was a lot to like about the run of Super Marksman (99-1), who flashed home over 1,400 metres to grab fourth to Gallant Horse (Race 185). Considering he had shown little in his previous two outings, and as a consequence was not fancied in the betting, he performed above expectations. He is looking for further and is one to follow.
Chater Lane managed back-to-back wins over the 2,000-metre journey, having to travel three-wide throughout (Race 190) the trip. It was a solid performance, but the slim winning margin keeps him well handicapped (penalty six points) and he can be followed again.
Although the steady tempo was a factor, Happy Contender displayed some improvement in finishing fifth and has dropped to a competitive mark.
A number of promising debutants fared well last week including First Among Equals, who scored on debut down the straight course (Race 176). The victory confirmed some promising trackwork and he can be expected to improve over a longer trip.
The winning effort should be graded higher as his low barrier draw meant he was not on the best part of the track. A direct comparison can be made between his winning effort and those of Kimbo Kid (second) and Auspicious Odyssey (third) in the previous event over the same course and distance. Kimbo Kid ran the journey 0.1 seconds faster than First Among Equals while Auspicious Odyssey clocked the same time.
All three have plenty of scope and should be winning soon, while Top Health (fifth) is bred to handle a shade further and has had a slightly easier preparation so he is arguably open to more improvement than the rest.
Gold Master (96-1) put in an eye-catching effort on his second local appearance when, under top weight of 131 pounds, he came from a long last on the turn to finish eighth behind San Lorenzo over 1,200 metres (Race 178).
The effort was a significant improvement from his debut, and when he steps up to a mile or further he must be given respect.
Ones To Note: Super Marksman, Top Health, Gold Master
