Millard's High Intelligent a sure-fire banker

Tough old warrior High Intelligent has been racing in good spirits all season and remains a top chance to add to his laurels in the middle leg of Sunday's Sha Tin Triple Trio, which is estimated to reach HK$8 million.

High Intelligent came up short first-up over the mile at Happy Valley on September 16, but quickly greeted the judge four days later with a gutsy win from gate 14 over this course and distance.

The Tony Millard-trained nine-year-old copped a five-point penalty, but has continued to produce big runs for four seconds, three thirds and two fourths from his next 10 starts, with his only blemish being a three-deep trip for seventh after a bad start.

He has made his mark chiefly over the 1,400m this campaign and gave a cheeky sight after clearing from gate 14 last time, but was nailed on the line by Noble De Best.

High Intelligent has been a fan favourite before the jump in nearly all his 12 appearances and will take plenty of catching from gate six with Derek Leung Ka-chun doing the honours.

Forest Star tackles an extra 200m, but scored a deserved come-from-behind win last start, while Big Winner Again, Wasabisabi, Super Plus, Natural Flame, Steel Nerves and Toy Story are worth considering.

Millard holds the key in the opening leg as well. Gallant Hussar has been near perfect in three runs with a return to blinkers and looks the logical banker.

He charged home well for a second over the 1,000m at the Valley, before opening his account with easy Class Five win, then followed that up with an equally cozy win in Class Four as an odds-on favourite.

Fresh Air, Incredible Eagle, The Kid, Star Legend, Touch Chic, Lots Of Fun, Bumble Bee and newcomer Praising are worth including.

The final leg has plenty of in-form runners, but none more so than Matsukaze - two wins, two seconds, a third and a fourth from seven starts - and, more significantly, has yet to miss a placing over this course and distance.

The son of Brahms should be quickly into top gear from gate four and has bold claims, while Super Gentleman, who has also figured in the placings in his four 1,400m runs, can play a dual banker role.

Of the rest, Travel King, Gold Rush, Cheeky Lad, Apex, Sohna and Happy Cha Cha are definite chances.