The Caspar Fownes-trained Marco Polo was spotted flashing home late last start and seems a progressive individual ready to take advantage of barrier one at Happy Valley on Sunday.
The three-year-old can act as a banker in the middle leg of an extremely difficult Triple Trio, a bet made more difficult by a wide-open Class Five as opening leg and a tricky Class Four to close.
A son of speed sire Not A Single Doubt, Marco Polo has paraded well prior to his two starts this season after a griffin run last term when he was still an under-developed two-year-old.
He was the eye-catching run of the night as he worked home late when others weren't closing, stretching out after being last in the run to finish fourth.
The gelding was taken back from the start at both of his last two runs, but more out of necessity and inexperience, the youngster drawing wide gates both times.
It's not like Marco Polo doesn't have any speed though, and this time from barrier one, with the rail in the B position, Tye Angland can maintain an ideal spot three back on the rails.
There should be genuine pace with Hinyuen Paladin (Alvin Ng Ka-chun) drawn 11 and this should favour Marco Polo, as well as another backmarker drawn well in two, Team Work (Zac Purton).
Plenty of punters will drop off Holyangelholy (Douglas Whyte) - but he has had his excuses - and, with the right run, could easily challenge in this sort of race.
Also consider Genuine Leader (Richard Fourie), first up from his good draw.
The opening leg is a quality Class Five handicap, if there is such a thing, where at least half the field have some sort of claim.
Best as a banker is the one horse dropping in grade, Kingston Elite (Whyte), drawn two, and with a solid course and distance record in the grade.
Also go with Gorgeous Life (Derek Leung Ka-chun), after his breakthrough last-start win and stepping up to 1,650m.
Others to consider are Dark Secret (Purton), Hong Kong Fat (Weichong Marwing), Scent Of Osmanthus (Angland) and Young Supreme (Tim Clark).
The anchor leg may lack depth, but it's hard to find a stand-out banker, with the horses dropping back in grade meeting a mostly out-of-form lot.
Ho Wongchoy is the likely leader from barrier three with Matthew Chadwick aboard and could take some catching. Billion holds the key to the race as he has not been able to muster the necessary speed to take up his usually front-running positions of late.
Blossom Daily (Vincent Ho Chak-yiu) will benefit if the pace does go on, although he is drawn awkwardly, and two other swoopers who could storm into reckoning are Noble De Best (Angland) and Nordic Star (Whyte).
With the Jockey Club offering its customers betting on three races from Caulfield Cup Day and four from British Champions Day tomorrow, the club's new preview programme Racing 360 will be back on air tonight with some pointers.
Racing 360 is hosted by former Australian racing presenter Jo McKinnon and will preview the seven simulcast races from 6pm on Cable 18/HD 203, from 7pm on Cable 64/HD 204 and at 11.20pm on ATV World.
TRACK STARS
RACE 1:
(2) gracytom, (3) fastalot, (4) dashing ace, (9) megabucks.
RACE 2:
(1) Golden Bauhinia, (3) Flashing Guy, (5) Golden Harvest, (14) Assure.
RACE 3:
(3) Yuan's Fortune, (5) Burgundy Mac, (8) Horseshoe Fortune, (10) Regal Army.
RACE 4:
(3) Hong Kong Fat, (5) Telecom Top Star, (9) Scent Of Osmanthus, (10) Gorgeous Life.
RACE 5:
(1) Genuine Leader, (5) Walk On Grass, (7) Hinyuen Paladin, (8) Marco Polo.
RACE 6:
(3) Jun Hua, (6) Ho Wongchoy, (8) Super Brand, (10) Blossom Daily.
RACE 7:
(1) All Round, (5) Noble Deluxe, (7) Enthusing, (8) Legend Express.
RACE 8:
(3) Gamekeepers, (6) Fresh Air, (7) Prolific Champion, (9) Uwillbeglorious.
RACE 9:
(2) Frederick Engels, (3) All Victory, (5) Diamond Elegance, (6) Simple.
RACE 10:
(1) Legendary Dragon, (2) Time After Time, (6) Go Baby Go, (7) Turbo King.
Read Michael Cox's blog - Pulling a name out of the hat. Go to: http://www.scmp.com/author/michael-cox-0
