Perfect draw and tempo to suit My Way
An eye-catching leap-up run, an ideal draw and suitable tempo make My Way a perfect proposition to help players narrow down their options early in tomorrow night's Triple Trio at Happy Valley.
The TT carries a jackpot of HK$3.75 million and is expected to reach HK$6 million, and the Caspar Fownes-trained seven-year-old looks a solid banker in the opening leg, a decidedly skinny Class Four handicap over 1,650m.
My Way was scorching home for a close-up fourth at his last start, another Class Four handicap over this trip two weeks ago behind Great Renown.
My Way has drawn gate one, and with the rail in the 'C' position this time, Vincent Ho Chak-yiu can make use of the gate and position himself a touch closer to the speed. Last time out he spotted the leaders too much off a break to make up down the short Happy Valley straight. Pace seems guaranteed, with the hard-going Brothers In Arms drawn out in nine and likely to roll forward.
That gives Ho the perfect chance to use My Way's sit and sprint qualities. Next best, and another to benefit from a strong clip in front, is last-start winner Yuan's Fortune (Jeff Lloyd). Me Tsui Yu-sak's five-year-old took 12 starts to break through, but the nature of his victory suggested another grade win was in store.
The rest are mainly an out-of-from bunch. The best of them might be Istide, who seems to be finding his right mark. He has dropped three pounds and gets another five off for Keith Yeung Ming-lun's claim. Happy Seven drops to Class Four for the first time in two years. He has been racing hopelessly, but, near his best, kicks forward from his gate (two) and could give a sight at odds. Easy Ahead comes in off an encouraging trial.
Another Fownes-trained runner, four-year-old Lucky Together, holds the key to the second leg, a Class Four over 1,200m. Lucky Together (Ho) is likely to be solid in betting after three solid thirds as a griffin. He has since been gelded and trialled beautifully seven days ago. His early speed should have him handy. First time at Happy Valley is a risk for an inexperienced galloper, but he needs to be included.