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Treasure has what it takes

Derek Cruz has conjured four wins from Green Treasure this season and has a great chance to make it five when the classy son of the late Danehill bids to land the Hong Kong Jockey Club Community Trophy over 1,800 metres.

Green Treasure has never missed the frame over the course and distance including two victories.

The consistency of Green Treasure cannot be argued against as he has risen from a mark of 67 at the start of this term to 109 and apart form his run in the Derby (fifth) had clear excuses why he didn't figure in the finish on the other occasions.

Earlier this season he prevailed when carrying 132 pounds, so today's allocation (131 lbs) is not a cause of concern - you know he can carry weight.

French ace Olivier Doleuze knows Green Treasure very well and has been on board for three of his wins this term.

Although Green Treasure comes out of gate nine, there is a long run down the back straight for the field to sort themselves out and he should find himself in a favourable position just behind the leaders.

The pace of this event is likely to be closer to slow than fast which, in theory, makes Green Treasure a very good winning chance.

The likely leader appears to be Liberal's Choice and there doesn't look much to take him on in that role. He was comfortably beaten on a yielding track at Happy Valley in March but prior to that run his form was good. The simple fact he might attain an uncontested lead in this race leaves him with each-way claims. If there is any rain about, it would enhance his chances.

John Moore's Art Trader is competitively weighted with 116 pounds and his overall form this term has been solid. His last effort in the Queen Mother Memorial Cup over 2,400m can be overlooked as he will relish drop back to 1,800m.

He won over this distance in February beating Liberal's Choice. He then finished second to Wind Winner over 1,800m two runs back. With champion jockey Douglas Whyte on board, he can be a strong contender.

Dennis Yip Chor-hong's Industrial Success has the quality to win and especially if the track is wet.

Palette Natural (seventh), Red Pepper (10th) and Healthy Wealthy (12th) were soundly beaten by Green Treasure when they last met over the course and distance.

The trio will once again have tough task to beat Green Treasure.

Palette Natural in particular can hit the frame if able to produce his best.

Tony Cruz has Raider and River Esperanto entered but neither make much appeal.

The former was withdrawn on his last intended start on veterinary advice when it was revealed his action was 'abnormal' the morning of the race.

Stable jockey Felix Coetzee rides River Esperanto, who hasn't competed since last December. It was a decent effort on debut but the lack of racing makes him difficult to include to the shortlist.

All of Successive Gains' six outings this term have come at the city course.

He has never managed to hit the frame from seven Sha Tin attempts and this is another tough test for Manfred Man Ka-leung's galloper.

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