Ferrule's ready to deliver in return to all-weather
The switch to the all-weather dirt track is a major reason why Gary Ng Ting-keung's Ferrule is a value proposition at Sha Tin today in the Lions Clubs International District 303 Trophy over 1,200 metres.
Ferrule has failed to finish closer than ninth from seven starts under Ng's tutelage but indicated in a 1,050 metres dirt trial earlier this week that he was much improved. He hit the line strongly under Robbie Fradd and it was clearly his best piece of work for some time.
The robust son of Danehill won his only start over the course and distance, although that was back in February 2002. It was an impressive victory and although his recent form has been relatively poor his work has indicated improvement. Providing the rain does not give leaders on the dirt track too much of an advantage, he is worth following on an each-way basis and should represent some value.
Ferrule, Victory Warrior and Sparky are the only runners in this field that are proven winners over the course and distance, with Our Class and Winning Counter having won over the old 1,150 metres journey.
Victory Warrior was never going to be in contention on his latest outing (May 12) after failing to find the lead, finishing seventh behind Always Welcome. His form prior to that had been sound, however, and if he is able to lead and strikes a track assisting on-pace runners he looks a sound chance.
Tony Cruz-trained Our Class finished ninth to Always Welcome but is another runner who is most effective when allowed to dictate the pace. He has fallen to a competitive mark, handles the surface and warrants plenty of respect if on-pace runners are suited.
Winning Counter never loomed as a threat at any stage when finishing sixth behind Always Welcome earlier this month. However, he showed the ability to handle a 'wet-fast' all-weather surface when winning in those conditions back in November 2000. More recently ( February 7) he finished a long last behind Multidandy in 'wet-slow' conditions, but many horses were busted that day by the Cruz-trained galloper's breakneck speed.
If conditions are suitable and Winning Counter runs up to his best, he looks capable of hitting the frame.
Record-chasing Douglas Whyte sticks with Golden Care, who is competing on the surface for the first time. He caught the eye when flashing home to finish fifth behind Always Welcome in arguably his best local performance. He has often impressed in his work on the all-weather track but it is difficult to have a strong conviction about his chances based on that aspect alone. There should be a race for him in this grade but he may have to wait a little longer for it.
The recent form of Sparky has been excellent, with a game second to Amazing over the course and distance last start following a victory on March 24. This is a significant step up in grade but he is still competitively weighted and looks a genuine each-way hope on his preferred surface.
Apprentice Ernest Chan Kwok-hung has his ninth career ride aboard Fantasy, who has managed to hit the frame on both runs on this surface. The obvious concern is that the inexperienced lad may be kept wide from the outside gate. Even with the drop in grade, Fantasy has a tough assignment.
One of the more interesting entries is Stardane, who ran very well on his local debut when third to Always Welcome over 1,200 metres at Sha Tin on May 1. The form looks even stronger now with the winner notching another victory at Happy Valley 10 days ago.
Stardane will be fitter now but it is difficult to assess how effective he will be on the all-weather surface on his first attempt. He looks one of the more progressive gallopers in the line-up, having won an all-weather trial back in April, and is one to treat with caution. The betting market may be the best guide to his chances.
The step up to 1,200 metres looks beneficial for Kingston Glory, even though he failed on his only attempt over the course and distance. There is no doubt he would have been the one to beat if this event was on the turf but there are major concerns about his ability on the all-weather dirt.
David Ferraris' South African import Supremacy makes his debut, having won three of eight starts in his country of origin. He showed speed in his all-weather trial on May 14 but weakened noticeably in the final 100 metres. Based on his trial, it is difficult to recommend him at this stage.
English import Cop Hill Lad has shown little potential in two local starts and will be competing on the all-weather surface for the first time. He may need more time to settle in.
Danhero competed over the course and distance earlier this season in 'wet-slow' conditions, finishing 261/4 lengths adrift of Multidandy.
If conditions are similar tomorrow he can be ruled out, but he looks safely held no matter what the state of the track.
