Green Treasure's form this season should read better than the bare facts suggest, and it is no fluke Champion jockey Douglas Whyte has landed the ride in the absence of Olivier Doleuze, who is suspended.

Even though Green Treasure is tackling Class Two opposition for the first time, this contest is arguably no stronger than the field he beat in a lower grade under top weight of 132 pounds.

He leaves the impression that he is headed for 100-plus in the ratings, particularly when considering he should only improve when competing over further than the Sha Tin mile.

Whyte will be able to place him in the ideal position from gate four and providing he can hold the form from his latest victory, he will prove extremely hard to beat on his first attempt over 1,800 metres.

Green Treasure's only disappointing run this season came in a race won by Wind Winner - Derek's brother's horse - but there were clearly excuses that day - he finished with what the vets described as an irregular heart rhythm. He has bounced back in fine style since that mishap and is a worthy favourite.

The logical danger comes from Tony Cruz-trained Wind Winner, who has never failed to pick up prize money from six local starts. He looked all over a winner on his last outing when kicking clear in the concluding stages of the 1,800 metres contest, only to be caught in the shadow of the post by Perpetual Pleasure.

The winner went close to winning again next time out, when second to Super Combed, and has confirmed the strength of the form. Wind Winner also looks destined to rise higher in the ranks and has strong each-way claims.

It is difficult to know when the winning of John Size's Oscar Star is going to come to a halt, but suffice to say he keeps improving. He has shown how dangerous he can be when allowed to dictate the pace, and there is a strong chance he will be allowed to do so today.

However, this is a major step up in grade for him, and he appeals more as a place chance. The overall form of Strong Sun has been solid, and he leaves the impression the step up in trip for the first time is a bonus. He is well drawn, and has shown enough quality to warrant respect.

The lack of a strong pace will make it difficult for Sean Woods' Northerner to haul in the leading brigade but there were encouraging signs on his latest run at Happy Valley. He is yet to win but can fill a minor place. Dennis Yip Chor-hong and Eric Saint-Martin have been in cracking form recently but will do well to conjure a win out of Ambitious Tycoon. He needs a little relief in the ratings.

Ricky Yiu Poon-fie's Sprinter has won a couple of times this season and as a result is high enough in the ratings now. He will do well to hit the frame. Much the same applies for stablemate Millennium Spirit, who looks better suited to the all-weather on his current rating.

The all-weather surface has seen better form out of Kingfield recently, but there have to be serious doubts whether he can prove as effective on the turf. In any case, he should be outclassed.

The lack of a strong pace is not ideal for Royal Army, who would need to produce something extraordinary to figure in the finish.

David Oughton's Happy Crusader steps up to a more suitable distance but based on his two local starts will be hard to recommend.

Thunder Man has not come back this season in the best of form and is best opposed, and it will be equally as hard to make a case for either Firewheel or Sing Fay, who failed to impress on their respective Hong Kong debuts.