Touch Of Class can atone for his recent near misses
John Moore's Touch Of Class can give Triple Trio punters valuable assistance in the opening leg on Sunday as they chase a pool approaching $30 million.
Douglas Whyte rode him on December 17, when he would have won but for missing the start by a few lengths and then having a far-from-trouble-free passage on the way home. Touch Of Class backed up that run with a solid effort on New Year's Day when fourth to Fruity Fruity when caught very wide. If he can hold the form from those runs, he should have no trouble in accounting for his opponents from gate one.
Happy Kid put the writing on the wall on his last run on the turf on October 19 that he was ready to win. He can be forgiven his failure on the dirt last time, and the step up to 1,400 metres does look favourable.
The recent form of Telecom Tycoon has been excellent and he has taken the rise to Class Four better than most. He will need an ounce of luck in running but is capable of hitting the frame.
Dandy Bunny ran home strongly for fifth behind Fruity Fruity last time and based on that effort deserves respect, while Mystic Spirits has also show glimpses of potential and can fill a minor placing.
The best option for banker in the middle leg is Wealthy Treasure, who will relish the step up to a mile following a fair performance over 1,000 metres on Boxing Day. A little rain would help his cause, but he has been in solid form this season and looks to have a good chance.
Little Elephant is definitely capable of winning this event, providing his health is in order. He was reported on January 2 as having 'some restriction of its forelimb action'. If he is not feeling the effects, he looks a major chance.
Sunny Riviera has been in cracking form for most of the season and has an exciting turn of foot which makes him hard to leave out.
Tom's First (second) finished ahead of Sparkling Star (fifth) when the pair were soundly beaten by Wintrow on January 1. The former defied the slow tempo and has generally been racing with great enthusiasm. With a lack of real pace likely, Chinook is another to consider.
The highly progressive Country Music looks the best option for banker in the final leg, as he was a shade unlucky not to have made it three wins in succession last time (December 17). The switch to Sha Tin should suit and he can atone.
Keep On Easy demolished Class Four opposition earlier this season when clocking 57.2 seconds over 1,000 metres, suggesting he can handle this opposition. That was his only attempt over the straight course and he must be included.
Champion Winner is well weighted in this contest and has shown enough to be considered for a minor placing, while Sight Champion should appreciate the move back in distance and can improve.
Similarly, Lucky Trio won his only start this season over the course and distance and must be kept safe.
Cheerful Heart appears the logical selection for banker in the third event following an impressive win over 1,800 metres on Boxing Day. Both Barracuda and Sunny Desert strike stronger opposition but have hit form and can be considered. Fabulous is rather inconsistent, but on his day has the quality to be in the finish.
