Treasure looks to make amends
Derek Cruz's Mercedes-Benz Hong Kong Derby aspirant Green Treasure can atone for a narrow loss last time by winning the $1 million Indigenous Handicap over 1,800 metres at Sha Tin today on the Gold Cup undercard, and thereby confirm his place in the field for the prestigious event next month.
Green Treasure is currently a borderline case regarding Derby eligibility, but his rating (96) should increase as he looks the one to beat in this lead-up race.
This season, Cruz has taken Green Treasure from a rating of 67 to his current mark following three victories, and it looked like his fourth of the season when narrowly touched off by Best Gift on the wire over 2,000 metres a month ago.
All in all, the well-bred son of the late Danehill has proved a model of consistency this term.
Douglas Whyte will have to be at his best to navigate a passage from gate 11, but over this course and distance he has plenty of time to weigh up his options.
It doesn't look as though the pace will be all that strong, so the early tactics are crucial as far as Green Treasure is concerned.
The two obvious dangers are Summerland (third) and Super Combed (fourth), who both finished just behind Best Gift and Green Treasure.
They both ran creditable races, given the steady tempo, and deserve plenty of respect this time round.
Summerland is probably less affected by the drop back to 1,800m, and from gate four should enjoy a charmed run. Super Combed is not as well suited by the drop back to 1,800m, and he is clearly looking for more of a test of stamina.
Tony Cruz's stable jockey Felix Coetzee would appear to have opted to ride Wind Winner in preference to Super Combed, which is no real surprise.
Coetzee was aboard Wind Winner in his final workout on Thursday morning where the robust colt worked exceptionally well.
Cruz has gone for the gear change - side winkers and tongue tie, each for the first time - and that may be just what Wind Winner needs to spark him back to form.
David Hayes' pair of entries, Moscow Ballet and Stable Mail both have the blinkers applied for the first time. It would be very difficult to recommend either entrant based on their form this season.
Sean Woods' Soprano is another attempting to gain entry to the Derby and he made a fine impression on debut when third to Pretty Trio over the Sha Tin mile nine days ago. There is no question he will appreciate the step up in trip.
Soprano's stablemate Mine Host hasn't competed since November 2003 and, despite coming through a serious preparation, must need the outing after such a long absence.
The recent form of Himalaya hasn't been overly encouraging, but this looks a slightly easier task.
The jury is still out on John Size-trained Day Or Night, who was well beaten on debut.
No doubt, there will be a fair amount of improvement to come, but at this stage he is best watched for the future.
It would be difficult to consider Northern Gold Ball or Ambitious Tycoon a threat, given their recent form and they are best opposed at the moment.
The best value chance is John Moore's Luckswell, who looks the likely leader. If Christophe Soumillon can attain a soft lead, Luckswell may prove hard to get past.
He ran well in defeat behind Vengeance Of Rain last month and is a multiple winner over the course and distance.
ready to win stable
Last week's winner: Gold Striker (paid $38.00).
Stable deletion: Thousand Wins.
Today's runner: Yellow Diamond (race 10, No 3).
