Happy Zero creates a buzz to TT after explosive debut
Happy Zero could not have made a bigger impression in effortlessly claiming his debut and he looks a standout in the middle leg of Sunday's Triple Trio, despite a hefty rating increase.
With the TT failing to go off last weekend after an indifferent set of results, the main prize is expected to reach HK$4 million and players are advised to structure their game around the emerging four-year-old.
After showing good promise in trials in Australia, the John Moore-trained Happy Zero stepped out for the first time at Sha Tin on December 20 and made his rivals look second rate in winning by four lengths and landing a substantial betting move.
He camped on the back of the speed under Darren Beadman, worked into a challenging position 200m from home, and then showed superior finishing speed to quickly put his rivals to the sword.
He was hit with a 15-point rating increase, but on the evidence of that performance he should have little trouble in making it to better class races.
With Beadman on the sidelines due to a recurring injury, the mount has fallen to Weichong Marwing, who is sure to have Happy Zero in a prominent position from gate nine, and the pair should breeze to victory.
In what appears a race light on legitimate winning chances, capable Namjong Hunter looks an outstanding double banker.
The David Hall-trained gelding showed good promise last season, resumed with a satisfactory effort after covering ground, and returned with excuses last start after duelling in the lead for a large part of the race.
Hall has called on promising apprentice Derek Leung Ka-chun for the mount and, after his 10-pound claim, the five-year-old will only carry 104 pounds, which will make him the clear danger to Happy Zero.
Others worth entertaining are Booming City, Finn Maccool, Achilles Of Troy and Horse Win Win.
In the opening leg, it's hard to go past Majestic Heart when searching for the most reliable banker.
The Manfred Man Ka-leung-trained gelding was unlucky not to win second-up, struck severe traffic problems at his next outing, before finding Give Well too strong last time.
He has been freshened up and should end up with a nice run on the back of the speed.
His toughest opposition will come from Danabaa, Diligent II and Best Noodle, while Liverbird and Sea Prince are capable of figuring with any luck from wide gates.
The final leg looks tricky, but promising Moon Chaser fits the banker bill with a rise to 1,400m for the first time. He created a good impression when winning his first start, but wasn't quite as sharp four weeks later when a creditable fourth to Grand Dragon.
The Paul O'Suillivan-trained gelding should get a nice run on the back of the speed and get his career back on track, with his main dangers likely to be All Time High, First Baby, Scoot Da Loot and Mighty Winner.
Zero to hero
Lengths Happy Zero won by at his debut, but his reward was a hefty 15-point rating increase: 4
