Englishman Richard Gibson is enjoying a fine first season as a trainer in Hong Kong with 24 winners and Keen Tactics is ready to add to that tally.
The four-year-old turned in a solid runner-up effort in the Class Three Taipa Handicap (1,000m) last Saturday at Sha Tin behind Bear Hero and indicated he has a bright future.
Keen Tactics didn't fare too badly in his opening two starts over the same distance, striking interference soon after a slow break in his opening run on January 8 with a shadow roll behind Vintage Hussler. He then stepped out 34 days later with a further addition of a crossed nose band when a good last-to-seventh finish behind rising star Go Baby Go after drawing the wrong side of the course.
Gibson made a switch to blinkers from the hood following a positive 800m gallop earlier this month and was released from gate 10. The gelding travelled nicely throughout and responded strongly when asked for an effort at the 300m to overhaul Gift Is Gift in the final 50m for second, only three-quarters behind the smart youngster Bear Hero.
With this positive performance under his belt, Keen Tactics will be worth following up on when he next steps out over 1,000m or preferably 1,200m.
Keen Tactics, who raced under the name of Midnight Caller for trainer Michael Kent, arrived off a mark of 68 from Australia for a win (1,000m) and a placing (1,200m) - both on rain-affected tracks.