Thunder Storm can add to Moore score
John Moore has amassed 46 winners this season and Thunder Storm looks like he can add to that fine tally after catching the eye in the first of two dirt trials at Sha Tin on Friday.
Anthony Delpech was easy on the son of Jade Hunter, who has been freshened up following three poor performances this year. He travelled strongly in the concluding stages for the former South African champion who could have won if he had so desired.
Thunder Storm looks fit and well and is on target to notch another win before the season ends. The trial was won by decent sprinter Arabian Wager, who was shaken up inside the final 200 metres by Olivier Doleuze. He displayed his customary speed in the early stages and moved reasonably well on the way to victory, but he does not look as sharp in his work as he did earlier in the season.
Tony Cruz and Felix Coetzee teamed up to win the second trial with dirt specialist Salentino, who was given a testing workout. He looks fit and well and is taking his racing very well indeed.
There was a lot to like about the effort of Sweet Smile in finishing a hard-held second under Glyn Schofield. This piece of work was much better than anything he has shown in the past. He is yet to fill the frame in six local starts but there are promising signs and he could be a value chance the next time he appears.
Stablemate Kiwi Dash finished strongly for third and looks in good enough order to warrant respect the next time he faces the starter.
On the riverside on Thursday, Alex Wong Yu-on's Pepperoni displayed a little improvement in a solid gallop on the grass. The import has been disappointing since arriving, failing to hit the frame in 11 local starts, but there have been positive signs in his recent work. He stretched away from his work partners, clocking 50.3 seconds for the workout.
Also working in a nice manner was David Hayes' unraced galloper Wyndam Plenty, a son of Secret Savings. He was given a steady task over 800 metres where he clocked 50.8 seconds hard held on the bridle. He is a stylish mover who clearly has plenty of ability.
One To Note: Sweet Smile
