Fownes' Military Option looks a sensible choice
A jackpot of $3.5 million is added to the Triple Trio coffers and sophomore trainer Caspar Fownes has the perfect banker option in the final leg with Military Option, who has been knocking on the door for a win.
Since winning in October he has proven a model of consistency, and was arguably more than a shade unlucky not to have won on his latest outing.
On that occasion, eventual winner Shabu Shabu gained first run on Military Option, who had to weave a passage through horses, undoubtedly costing him the beaten (neck) margin.
The return to the Sha Tin mile poses no problem and given a strong solid performances he does look a top chance of notching his second win this term.
The C+3 course can often suit swoopers and connections of Real Partner will hope the pace will be strong enough to enable him to make full use of the potential bias.
His overall form this season has been good enough to suggest he is a leading contender.
The drop back to a mile should suit Pearl Of India, who was a shade disappointing when well beaten by Best Gift over 1,800 metres on New Years Day.
His form prior to that run was good and he deserves another chance.
Spinning City is holding his form well and has place claims, along with Lucky Champion, who has decent form over the course and distance.
The best option for banker in the opening leg will be Lucky Bird, who leaves the impression he will relish the step up to 2,200 metres following a game third over 1,800 metres on Boxing Day.
It was a good performance to catch the eye of four-times champion jockey Douglas Whyte, who has snapped up the ride and he should prove hard to beat.
The step up in distance will also benefit Champion Boy, who usually performs with merit when dropping down into this grade.
In addition, his overall form is consistent and there is little doubt he will figure in the finish.
Happy Fortune has good course and distance form and given he ended a long run of outs last time he must be added to the short list.
Giddy Kipper won earlier this season against similar opposition and can fill a minor place, while Noble Glory ran with credit when second in this grade over the identical trip and based on that run must be given place claims.
The middle pin, over the all-weather mile, is an open contest but when looking for a banker it is hard to go past Winning Smile, who has an outstanding record over the trip.
He has won twice and never missed the frame over the course and distance and has strong claims to add to his impressive tally.
Fairplay beat Winning Smile last term and given he showed a return to form last time when third on this surface over 1,200 metres, he deserves inclusion.
Magic Temple has been highly consistent on this surface all season and must be rated a good chance to figure in the finish.
Join Victory has done very well for Paul O'Sullivan this season and as he handles the specialist surface must be kept safe, along with Super Wongchoy and Smart Horse, who have good form over the course and distance.
The drop to class five looks a major bonus for Fownes' Present Treasure, who looks the best banker selection in the third event.
He will need a little luck from a wide alley but will prove hard to keep out of the frame.
Mr Genki has proven rather erratic this season but has the ability to prove competitive. Fortune Maple is a leading chance, while Arigato will appreciate the step up in trip.
