Whyte can add Sparkle to the TT
Douglas Whyte is very much the jockey to rely on in the opening two legs of the Triple Trio at Sha Tin tomorrow, where he has top chances with last start winners Sparkle and Bountiful.
Whyte is the logical banker on Sparkle in race four following a relatively easy victory over 1,400 metres last month.
He clocked an impressive time of 1:22.5 in victory, under a hands-and-heels ride from the leading jockey. Sparkle looks good value for an eight point penalty, particularly given that he strikes similar opposition. He is drawn ideally in gate one and will prove hard to beat.
There is a chance of a double-banker in this event with Timber City also looking a top chance on the strength of his only start for Paul O'Sullivan. He led from start to finish when beating Sparkle earlier this term and meets him better in the weights.
David Hayes-trained Cheerful Boy is another that makes plenty of appeal in the same event. He flew home over the minimum trip at Happy Valley when third to Noble Victory, and will clearly relish the step up in trip.
High Price caught the eye in a recent all-weather trial and his form this season has been good enough to suggest he can fill a minor placing, while Perfect Score has proved consistent in this grade and is hard to leave out of calculations.
Whyte must be commended for a masterful ride aboard Bountiful when winning over 2,000 metres on the all-weather track earlier this month, and the ease of victory suggests he will be hard to beat on the specialist surface once again. The drop back in distance to 1,800 metres is not a concern and he should enjoy a charmed run from gate three.
An obvious inclusion is Clean Sweep, who has been holding his form well all season. The fast early sections may have cost him last time when beaten by Magic Touch over the all-weather mile, but he should appreciate the step up in trip. Magic Touch won well and is another that can be added to the short list.
Joy Trumps finished third in the same event, finishing the race off superbly.
Magic Temple has performed well all season and is another that is capable of hitting the frame.
The final leg is arguably the most difficult event in which to find a banker but Being Famous must be given the vote of confidence for his overall form over the all-weather mile (1,650m).
He has recorded two wins and a second place from three starts, and although he will need an ounce of luck from gate 11, he should figure in the finish.
Smart Horse hinted at some improvement on his latest outing and his overall record on this surface is good enough to prove competitive.
Providing Asset Play is not pressured too much in the lead then he will take some catching in a front-running role. He handles the surface and is one to strongly consider.
Whyte has a decent chance with Amazing, who steps up to the mile for the first time. He handles the all-weather surface extremely well and providing he copes with the rise in trip he'll prove competitive.
Split Seconds will appreciate the move back to the specialist surface and has the ability to hit the frame.
The best option for banker in the third event is Lifeline Rapide, who has been placed on both starts over 1,400 metres this term. His form has displayed improvement and he gets his chance to finally prevail.
Hikari and Fortune Warrior are both on the upgrade and merit consideration, along with Time Supreme, who will relish the step up in trip. Joyful World has been holding his form well and has been a shade unlucky not to have won more than one race. Quick News should have won last time and also merits respect.
