Rocket Win looks a home run for Prebble
Brett Prebble's decision to switch to Rocket Win in preference to Sydney Express looks set to be proved spot on after the in-form gelding came up with gate one in the final leg of tomorrow afternoon's Triple Trio at Sha Tin.
With the TT only being partially won on Thursday, the main prize is expected to swell to $5 million and on his terrific recent all-weather track form, Rocket Win looks a standout banker.
The Ricky Yiu Poon-fie-trained gelding returned to the artificial surface for the first time in 16 months two starts back and scored a commanding win over 1,800 metres after being given every chance on the back of the speed from gate three.
He fronted up on the same surface 22 days later and turned in an honest effort to finish third to Fujian Prince, but the slight drop in distance to 1,650m appeared to play against him as he was caught flat footed when the tempo increased.
Although 35 days has elapsed since Rocket Win's last race, the five-year-old showed he had retained his form by trialling well on May 18, closing off nicely from the tail of the field to finish fourth to Barracuda.
From gate one and with a return to 1,800m, Rocket Win should be gifted the run of the race by Prebble and have little trouble continuing a terrific season for both jockey and trainer.
Sydney Express makes his debut on the all-weather, but looks a serious danger on his improved form since joining the Paul O'Sullivan stable.
The five-year-old opened his account with an impressive display two starts back at Happy Valley before failing to measure up to a rise in class behind the promising Young Hero.
He will be improved by one run at 1,800m and should be able to stalk the leaders after coming up with gate five.
The other main chances are Victory Treasure and Royal Falcon, while surface specialists Wadadelight and Lucky Champion are always worth keeping on side.
The opening leg, for Class Five horses, is tricky but from a good barrier Daneprint shapes as the safest banker option.
The Dennis Yip Chor-hong-trained gelding was back to his best with a smart victory four starts back and his last two performances have indicated there is another success in him before the season is out.
He should get every chance from a good draw, while his main dangers will come from Star Prodigy, Sniper, Knight Templar, Rena's Wunderbar and Show Bravely.
In the middle pin, Steel Nerves fits the banker bill after his impressive last-start victory when appreciating the rise to 1,400m.
He should balance up early from a wide alley and finish all over the top of his biggest threats - Big Kahuna, Active Valour, Tremendous Plus and Sweet Baby.
