Wind Chaser set to blow hot for Yiu

Times have not been easy recently for the Ricky Yiu stable with the yard experiencing little success after a barnstorming start to the campaign.

But there were indications yesterday at trackwork that the tide may have turned and Yiu's horses could be well worth following in the next few weeks.

Wind Chaser is a recent acquisition from the Ivan Allan stable and the four-year-old looks a sure-fire winner if he remains sound.

With Helene Treasure for company, the two strode over 1,200 metres in one minute and 20.7 seconds, clicking the last quarter in 23.5 seconds and Wind Chaser did the job in great style.

He had a Group Three win to his credit in Australia before coming to Hong Kong and there is little doubt he has the potential to match it with the region's best sprinters.

The lightly raced gelding showed just what he is capable of last season when an impressive second to Oriental Express and he has raced well this term.

Helene Treasure has paid the price for some excellent form at the start of the season, but he is starting to drop in the ratings again and his work was sound.

Yiu has an interesting import in Forever Prosperous and the five-year-old has had a solid preparation.

Robbie Fradd is nearing the end of his suspension and the South African was on board the Irish-bred as he dashed home the last 400 metres of an 800-metre gallop in 22.5 seconds.

Forever Prosperous had the good workhorse Electronic Dragon to accompany him and although there wasn't a lot in it on the line, he did seem to be going a little better.

David Oughton's Gay Nineties may have let his supporters down last time but it could have been a case of the dreaded second-up syndrome more than a true reflection of his real ability.

He certainly looked on good terms with himself as he strode over 1,200 metres in an easy 1:23.2 with Kick The Habit and it may pay to judge him on his impressive first-up run when he next starts.

Oughton has two promising griffins in Bravissimo and Corroborate and the pair worked stylishly over a relaxed 1,200 metres in 1:26.3.

Bravissimo looks the more likely to show up when first produced but Corroborate is definitely one to keep an eye on for the future.

Alex Wong Siu-tan has kept the winners ticking over and he should be able to continue on the good work of stable star Fastest Star with his lower grade stayer Room For More.

The son of Citidancer has been making gradual improvement and he looked a lot more robust as he worked easily over 1,200 metres.

Wong has him entered for a 2,000-metre event next weekend and the youngster should go close if he makes the field.

Meanwhile, three moderate trials were held on the all-weather with gallopers back in the field going into the note book.

Handsome Man went well in the second trial while Easy Win impressed in the final heat.

Others to work well included Footprints, Marquee Universal and Smart Dancer.

SHA TIN DIRT TRIALS First trial - 1,150m: 1, PIECE OF CAKE (D. Whyte); 2, Shining Winner (E. Legrix); 3, Botany Bay (E. Saint-Martin). Others (in finishing order): Good Choice, Country Lad, Romantic Venture, Win For Lily, Happy Champ, Manley's Fortune. Time: 1:10.5 (25.4). Distances: short head, head. Winner trained by Wylie Wong Wai-lit.

Second trial - 1,150m: 1, GOLDEN CHOICE (D. Lee); 2, Viva Boy (P. Payne); 3, All-Winners (W. M. Lai). Others: Made To Figure, Handsome Man, Tres Vite, Johnny's Angel, Surprise Surprise. Time: 1:09.6 (24.7). Distances: neck, head. Winner trained by Peter Ng Bik-kuen.

Third trial - 1,150m: 1, FLOWERS TREASURE (C. W. Mok); 2, Tequila Pop (E. Legrix); 3, Star Fleet (C. K. Tse). Others: Easy Win, Feodor, Golden Jerrang, Sign Of Luck, Shaxi Treasure, Money Game. Time: 1:09.6 (24.4). Distances: length, length. Winner trained by Wong Tang-ping.