Bank on Acceleration and high-flying Saint-Martin

Dennis Yip Chor-hong and Eric Saint-Martin can provide valuable assistance to Triple Trio players at Sha Tin tomorrow where Acceleration makes plenty of appeal as a banker selection in the middle pin.

There was plenty to like about his third start when flashing home to finish fourth to runaway winner Solar over 1,400 metres. He should relish the step up to the Sha Tin mile.

Courageousheart was decisively beaten by Fashion Jewellery last week over the course and distance, but the winner spaced his rivals and there was merit in the performance. He should find this an easier task. Magnificent finished third to Courageousheart earlier this season and he will appreciate the drop back in trip.

Telecom Tycoon and Pro Joy must be given a good chance of hitting the frame.

The best option for banker in the opening leg is X-Speed, who displayed marked improvement when second to Cotton Ball over 1,800 metres on the all-weather surface last month. The drop back to a mile also looks a bonus.

The step back to a mile isn't ideal for Smart Chief, but he is very well handicapped and showing improved form. Shining Gem finished fourth to Cotton Ball and based on that run is another to consider.

The booking of Douglas Whyte aboard Modern Prospect is worth noting, especially as this fellow has been dropping rapidly in the handicap following some moderate performances on the turf.

The switch to the specialist surface and the drop in grade should bring about major improvement.

Star Of Northern leaves the impression that he will relish the step up to a mile as he is holding his form well over the shorter distances on the all-weather.

The safest option for banker in the final leg is Pionero. It is interesting to note Whyte has jumped aboard the progressive galloper.

Whyte won aboard Wafer King last week, but has opted to ride Caspar Fownes' galloper.Wafer King can figure in the finish once again, while Silverbird should find this an easier test and from a decent alley merits respect.

There was plenty to like about the victory of Joyful World over 1,400 metres last month, and that win followed a string of consistent efforts. Zhi You Spirit strikes stronger rivals but remains in good form and is competitively weighted this time round. The best option for banker in the fourth event is exciting Universal Komissar. He was gallant in defeat on debut, and prior to that outing had impressed in an all-weather trial, suggesting he handles the surface very well.

Doucai can hit the frame over his pet course and distance along with Strawberry Kisses, who caught the eye when running on strongly on his first start for Almond Lee. South China Ninety displayed marked improvement on his last start and has place claims.

Jockey Club stewards yesterday concluded their inquiry into Michael Rodd's handling of Happy Kid at Sha Tin on January 23 without taking any action.

Rodd was told his riding of Happy Kid between the 200 metres and the 100 metres had come under notice and the stewards advised him that 'in slightly different circumstances he could be found in breach of a serious rule' and he was expected to take greater measures to improve his position when opportunities present themselves, particularly at such a vital stage of races.