Tattletale can score for dynamic duo
The festive season has been kind to Tony Cruz and Felix Coetzee, who are enjoying probably a career-best month, and the dynamic duo can bring some Christmas cheer to Triple Trio players with Tattletale in the middle leg of Friday's meeting.
There was a great deal to like about his run on debut when fifth behind Beautiful Sunday over 1,200 metres. He settled well back in the field on that occasion and although racing greenly, was hitting the line with plenty of purpose. He left the impression he would prefer further, and Cruz has given him the opportunity here over 1,800 metres.
The switch back to Sha Tin will benefit Brown Beauty, who ran well in defeat over the same trip at Happy Valley last time. The longer straight will give him a chance to reel in the leaders, and he must be added to the shortlist.
Although he was more than a shade disappointing last time, Cheerful Heart had shown enough promise on his previous outings this term to merit respect.
There were excuses for King Of Spades last time when he failed on the all-weather, but the move back to the turf is a positive and he has strong place claims. Of the remainder, Chinese Kid has shown glimpses of potential and could fill a minor placing.
The opening leg is a tough one to assess as the majority of the field have none or very little experience on the all-weather surface. The best option for banker may be Great Sensation, who was placed at his only attempt on this surface. He has been in better form this term, and often trials well on this surface over shorter distances.
Last-start winner Cyber Gulch beat a moderate field last time but has hit form and must be kept safe. Happy Winning is drawn to get a good run and, having proved himself on the surface, has claims.
Maximum Joy loves the dirt, but is a risk over the mile. A better option may be Seasons Knack, who was placed over the course and distance earlier this season.
The best option for banker in the final leg is Laser Glory, who is sure to appreciate the step back to his pet 1,400-metre trip after failing over the Valley mile last time. His third-place finish behind Bearcat earlier this season over the course and distance looks a good guide, especially as second-placed Keep On Easy also won next time out.
The manner in which Spring Fountain found the line last time was most encouraging and there is no doubt he will appreciate the step up in trip. The debut effort of Spokesman was most encouraging. He had not been overly impressive in work or trials leading up to that run, so there should be considerable improvement to come.
Check Mate strikes easier opposition this time round and looks one to include, as does King Palm who has displayed glimpses of potential.
Agility looks the best option in the third event following a highly impressive effort on debut when second to Beautiful Sunday. He is a nice prospect.
Similarly, Kao And Ming ran well on his first outing and looks competitive again. There were positive signs last time from Zero In, who looks capable of a place, while Gorgeous Years is well weighted and merits respect.
