New Leader hit form with a smart victory last time out over this course and distance and should take a power of beating in the second leg of tomorrow's Triple Trio at Sha Tin, which is expected to reach HK$5 million.
The Me Tsui Yui-sak-trained three-year-old finished off well for third in his final start as a griffin last season over this course and distance, and resumed this campaign with a steady late bid to finish eighth behind five-time winner Implied Volatility over the 1,200m on National Day.
He then made late headway in two subsequent outings in January and February after returning from a swollen neck in December.
Pouring on the trackwork, New Leader returned to action on March 28 with the services of leading rider Brett Prebble and with the blinkers removed. He travelled at the rear before pulling out wide to steam home for a comfortable win.
The HK$3 million 2008 sale graduate is on his way to better things and, despite an eight-pound rise in weight, looks the logical banker from gate two with Prebble retaining the ride.
It's not an easy choice beyond New Leader, but in-form Ambitious Owner, Cheeky Lad, Namjong Hunter, Lucky Tycoon and Confucius Fortune can fight over the minor placings.