Cruz pair hold the key for TT players
The Tony Cruz-Felix Coetzee combination is the one to follow for punters hoping to win millions in Saturday's Triple Trio as the in-form stable provides solid banker selections in the final two legs with Zerubbabel and Better Boy.
Zerubbabel looks the best option for banker in the middle leg following a determined win over 1,800 metres on January 4, when he hit the line strongly enough to suggest he should appreciate the step up to 2,000 metres this weekend. His performances this season has been solid and if he is able to hold his form then he should have no trouble in hitting the frame.
Chater Lane clearly had excuses when beaten by Ricardo over 2,200 metres at Happy Valley on December 10, and with the move back to Sha Tin he must be given plenty of respect. He has won twice over the course and distance this term, and is capable of winning again.
Ricardo was soundly beaten by Zerubbabel last time, but is capable of bouncing back and is one for the shortlist.
Good Fit is a multiple winner over this distance and can improve with the move to his pet trip, while Happy Contender is another who offers some appeal, having fallen to a competitive mark. He looks competitively weighted now.
The standout selection in the final leg is Cruz's Better Boy, who arguably should have won his second local outing when runner-up to Athletic Gold over 1,400 metres. The winner has since saluted again, and with more improvement expected Better Boy looks an obvious banker pick.
Laser Glory has a superb record over 1,400 metres at Sha Tin and the form from his third-place finish behind Bumper Bumper on Boxing Day looks good enough for him to warrant serious attention.
There was a lot to like about the win of Kingston Glory over the course and distance and the booking of Douglas Whyte is worth noting. It would appear the champion jockey has chosen that one in preference to Lucky Marauding who also has place claims.
Both Magnificent and Oscar Star strike stronger opposition but are competitively weighted and merit respect.
The opening leg looks an open contest, but Ball Of Fire has been showing enough quality to justify banker status. He should get the run of the race from gate one and prove hard to beat.
Triumph was not helped by the steady tempo when second to Speeding Molly over 1,600 metres on New Year's Day. He has hit form now, however, and warrants inclusion. The same could be said for East Ocean Dragon, who finished third in the same event.
Ching Hoi Boy has been somewhat disappointing this term, but a return to his better form could see him figuring in the finish.
Flashing Star appeals as a banker selection in the third event as he has left the impression he will appreciate the step up to 1,200 metres.
Helene Pillaging has hit form recently and can hit the frame, while Kimberley Mines won well over the course and distance on January 4 and must be kept safe. Honour Supreme strikes easier opposition this time and is another to add to the shortlist.
