The Peter Ng Bik-kuen-trained Flying Chaparral has been dealt wide gates at both his starts this season, resulting in runs closer to the car park than the rails.
But a perfect barrier and the navigation skills of Douglas Whyte make the five-year-old a bankable proposition in the middle leg of Sunday's Triple Trio at Sha Tin.
Flying Chaparral was a brave first-up fifth over 1,200m, but it was his remarkable effort last start over 1,400m that put the writing on the wall. Howard Chang Yue-tin was never better than four wide and never had cover, yet the gelding had the cheek to keep running on late.
With Whyte aboard, fresh from his four straight winners at Happy Valley on Wednesday night, Flying Chaparral might not remember the inside fence looks like when he jumps from gate two in a Class Four over 1,600m. But the rails is right where he will be and he should be running a place.
The race forms part of a TT worth an estimated HK$6 million to the winners and carrying a jackpot of HK$3.5 million.
Flying Chaparral will benefit from some speed and it seems assured with Let's Goal likely to drive forward along with last-start winner Ferrabosco from his wide barrier.