Dirt lover Doucai in form to prevail
Andy Leung Ting-wah holds the key to Triple Trio riches this Sunday, when progressive dirt specialist Doucai can justify banker status in the opening leg.
The son of Woodborough won his only start on the all-weather on December 3 when prevailing by 13/4 lengths. His form since then has been solid, and from gate eight Wayne Smith should be able to give him every chance.
The 10-pound claim of Jacky Tong Chi-kit brings in Star Warrior competitively weighted. He is a multiple winner over the course and distance and must be kept safe.
Tony Millard-trained Sure Fortune has managed to hit the frame four times from five attempts over the course and distance, and although he will need an ounce of luck from a wide gate he does look one to add to the shortlist.
Felicity has won twice over the 1,200 metres on the dirt and the drop in grade brings him into calculations, while Shogun has been working extremely well and merits consideration.
The best option for banker in the middle leg is Smiling Forest, who displayed a return to form at his last start when finishing second to Upbeat over 1,400 metres on January 18. He remains well handicapped on his better form and strikes easier competition this time. Bountiful has been moving well in his work and trials and if he can capture his form from the end of last season then he should mount a challenge.
Timber City has the blinkers applied for the first time which bodes well for his chances. He may not have won over the trip, but he has managed to hit the frame four times from eleven starts and must be kept safe again.
Kid Galaxy will need luck from a wide gate, but merits consideration on his better form, while Whata Feeling will find this an easier test and can be added to the shortlist.
The manner in which Speeding Molly won over the Sha Tin mile on New Year's Day suggested he should take all the beating again in Race Six. He remains well treated after receiving six points for the win, and should have every chance here.
Being Famous showed some improvement last time when second to Fifty Fifty over 1,200 metres, and with the step up to a mile he makes plenty of appeal.
Kingston Glory will need a strong tempo, but Eddie Lai won aboard him back on January 10 and if he is able to produce his better form then he should manage to fill a minor placing.
Oscar Star should get the run of the race and must be kept safe, as is the case with Harry Harry and Noble Wind, both of whom showed promise on debut. They are open to improvement and must be considered.
Silent Witness is the obvious choice for banker in the third event, where the unbeaten sprint sensation will take all the beating over his pet 1,000 metres trip.
Cape Of Good Hope has strong claims to hit the frame, while Celestial Magic is unbeaten over the course and distance and could get some prizemoney. Planet Ruler went close to beating Silent Witness earlier this term and if able to find that form then he should be right in the finish once again.
