Brothers Cruz to strike in seventh

LIGHTLY-raced Allegresse (Next Best) can bring the brothers Cruz back to the winner's enclosure in this afternoon's seventh event at Sha Tin.

Allegresse returned to form last time out, and with Tony and Derek Cruz recently reunited, looks one to follow.

I admire Derek as one of the most accomplished trainers in the territory. Without question, by working a number of his own horses in the morning he has a very good idea of their ability and you will have to go a long way to find a trainer more dedicated to his profession.

Tony is riding in fine form and is second in the standings. However, he is going to need some good stock if he is going to have any chance of catching Basil Marcus and will be doubly keen to make the most of the opportunities, such as Allegresse, that his brother provides.

A first-up winner last season as a private purchase griffin, Allegresse, looked to have the ability to mature in a nice horse.

But, as is so often the case in Hong Kong, it has taken the four-year-old several runs to find his form since that initial win courtesy of the demotion from first of Good Choice.

There was a lot more hope in his last run when he was third to Bounty down the straight 1,000 metres and, with Tony Cruz replacing stable apprentice Ricky C. K. Chung, he is unlikely to miss the start as he did last time.

Indeed, from barrier two, Tony will want to get him out and running in a handy position so that he can take advantage of the rail.