Marcus booking flags Laser Pride as TT gem

Departing trainer Lam Hung-fie appears to have a top chance of going out with a winner courtesy of Laser Pride in the fourth event on tomorrow night's tough Happy Valley card.

Laser Pride certainly looks banker material in this middle pin to the Triple Trio, for which there is a small jackpot of $9.71 million.

It was Ah-fie who did something that has led to racing history in Hong Kong.

He signed the then little known Basil Marcus as his stable jockey for the start of the 1990-91 season.

Marcus' reputation had not been established outside South Africa, though he had made an impact in a short stint in Britain immediately prior to his arrival.

Six championships later, Marcus is one of the greats of the Hong Kong turf and, significantly, it is he to whom Ah-fie has turned to in this important fourth event.

And if anyone can get Laser Pride to win or, at least to place for his TT supporters, it is Marcus.

Earlier in the season, Laser Pride was a runaway winner in Class Four and, after being dropped back into that grade last time out, he ran a much better race to be third to Light Print and Trader Joe. Light Print has won again since.

Mehboob looked to be a slightly unlucky loser when grabbed on the line by King Of Toys last time out. He should be able to reverse that form on the revised weights, but is always a chance to blow the start.

King Of Toys, himself, is racing extremely well and remains a distinct place possibility.

Jet Jackson is much improved of late and has to be considered as does No Competitor.

Leisure Island had very strong form credentials in the context of this race prior to his recent spell.

The third event that opens the TT is a typically trap-laden Class Five affair over 1,800 metres. Good Putt, Chief's Fortune and Time Honour could be the three to take against the field with Wind Catcher thrown in because he could well get another soft lead and Super Lord included because he's in form.

Good Putt, Chief's Fortune and Time Honour are all going to get back in the run and it could be hard to make ground.

However, their overall form gives them a very strong chance compared to tomorrow night's opposition.

Tony Cruz appears to have found the key to Lion's Share, who won last time out and has been looking tremendously well in his work since.

He could prove to be the best banker in the sixth, the race which concludes the TT, and in which Top Light should also go close to winning.

Red Diamond and Tambora Star can race on the speed, which will probably be an advantage.