Young Red Ruler ready to show his true colours
Red Ruler hasn't lived up to expectations, but with a switch to Happy Valley for the first time, he should bring the desired result in the middle pin of tomorrow night's Triple Trio.
With the TT failing to go off last Wednesday night, the main prize is expected to reach $16 million, and, despite striking a competitive race, Red Ruler makes plenty of appeal as a banker.
The David Hall-trained gelding showed talent in two appearances as a griffin, and indicated he had returned from a break in good order when a first-up fourth to Favourite Supreme at Sha Tin on November 11.
He then stepped up to 1,400m in an international sale race and performed with merit in finishing a two-length fourth to the promising Mariachi, before turning in another solid effort last start when sixth to Many Gains after being taken back from a wide alley.
Hall has obviously had this race in mind for Red Ruler as he brought him to Happy Valley for a trial prior to his last outing and he handled the tighter circuit with the aplomb of a veteran in running second to So Nice without ever being let off the bit.
From gate four tomorrow night, in-form jockey Brett Prebble should end up with the run of the race, find the lead in the straight and, with only a short run to the line, the three-year-old should find sufficient to land his first success.
Dangers are plenty, with Rich Dragon, Asian Citrus, Big Kahuna, Take It Easy and Towkay Flyer all looking to have legitimate claims.
In the opening leg, Friendship fits the banker bill with a return to his preferred course and distance.
The Danny Shum Chap-shing-trained gelding hasn't managed to win for 23 months, but this is the most suitable race he has struck and significantly his last victory came off a rating of one point higher.
Although he was disappointing at his last run at 1,200m, he will relish a rise in distance, should bounce straight to the lead and be the one they all have to catch.
The main danger will come from a well-drawn Gallant Falcon, while Key Winner, Master Dreamer, Clovis and Sohna are entitled to consideration.
In the final leg, Master Gunner is the one to beat on the back of an outstanding performance last start.
The three-year-old turned in a sound effort at his debut when fourth to Harb, before being unsuited at his next start, given the race was set up for the on-pace horses.
He made his Happy Valley debut last time and was spotting the leaders a huge break turning for home but he rocketed home in the final stages to finish just over a length from High Intelligent.
From a good draw, Douglas Whyte should have the John Moore-trained colt more prominent in the run and, under a light weight, he should finish all over the top of his rivals.
The main danger, and an appealing double banker, is impressive last-start winner Sounds Fantastic, despite taking a rise in class.
He was well held, but ran with merit behind Great Hero after blowing the start hopelessly, and he was a transformed horse last start when put into a leading role, scoring in effortless fashion and landing an astute long-odds plunge in the process.
Others worthy of inclusion are Multi Millions, All Our Way, Add The Fun and California Bishop.
