Young guns to anchor TT bid
Make a prisoner of the middle leg in Sunday's final Triple Trio of the season for which there's a jackpot of nearly $30 million. The fourth event at Sha Tin should be dominated by the younger brigade and that means, down the card, St Alann, Happy Century, Jeune King Prawn and Premier Treasure.
Jeune King Prawn probably has the most potential and won like an exceptional griffin on debut. He's been rated to a mark of 65 which doesn't look too punitive, even for a two-year-old. But it is because he's still only two and taking on older horses in handicap conditions that he's not suggested as a banker.
St Alann looked unlucky not to run second last time out as he was held up for a run to the tune of about a length on the bottom corner. He's done nothing but improve all season. Happy Century is another youngster on the upgrade who can be expected to progress for his close third to Authorised last time out, his first run in open company.
Premier Treasure found open company far too hot on debut outside of griffin ranks but made significant progress to finish strongly into fourth last time and has been showing plenty of zip and zest in his work. Trainer Wong Tang-ping now opts for Douglas Whyte rather than 10-pound claimer Eric K. W. Lee. It is a jockey change which leaps off the page.
Courage Star looks the natural banker in the sixth event which concludes the TT. He is racing over his favourite 1,400-metre trip and goes well for champion elect Robbie Fradd. He should also get a lovely run just off the speed from barrier two. It is hard to see past him.
Mighty Lantern is getting fitter, while Sterling Star ran well on Wednesday night and is backing up quickly. Financial Supreme is capable of racing well fresh. He seems trim enough and Treasure Island has strong form claims for the tierce, as do Dolbridge and New Asians.
The third event, which opens the TT, looks the hardest hurdle to clear. Ascot Hero has strong form claims, as does Guess What, who should be at his peak following two runs back from a spell.
Sounds Good was probably beaten by the Happy Valley track last time, while King Cobra was badly hampered at his most recent outing, in which Super Star ran a solid placing. Golden Prosperity, Smooth Edge, Kintanto and Osprey Reef are others with tierce hopes.