IMPRESSIVE English import Pine Fame can have excellent Australian rider Steven King back in the winners' enclosure at Sha Tin tonight. King, whose early morning dedication has put him the good books of a number of trainers, got smartly off the mark for the new season on Sunday when he scored on landmark winner, Esteemed. That was the first Hong Kong winner for former Australian champion trainer David Hayes and King is certainly hoping it will be the first of many for him over the next few months.
Pine Fame has the credentials to win this Class Two, 1,400-metre race and his trainer, popular Wong Tang-ping, has certainly set him for an early success. Pine Fame had two starts last season, finishing second and third, and was noted down as a likely type - particularly as his English two-year-old form had been impressive. Any worries that might have been over the Lugana Beach gelding centred on his size. Pine Fame is far from a strapping individual and, more often than not, a lack of size mitigates against real scope for improvement.
But Pine Fame has unquestionably summered well and showed that last week when responding eagerly to the promptings of King in taking an equitrack trial. It is unfortunate that trials on the grass have not taken place yet because of inclement weather as it does leave punters guessing. The equitrack trials have obviously produced winners, but the real value of them as a guide to race-day success is questionable. But Pine Fame certainly did everything asked of him by King and went to the line a game winner.
There can be no doubt that Pine Fame is in good shape and he looks certain to give a real account of himself in this potentially entertaining 10-runner event. Ping's decision to step him up to 1,400 metres first-up is an interesting one and, possibly, something of a gamble. Pine Fame ran an excellent debut race behind Regal Ridge, when finishing second, and was then third to Green Supreme over 1,200 metres - the quinella split by the useful Irish import, Casey's Drum.
Pine Fame, who was midfield for much of the run, made steady progress on straightening but went rather one-paced to the line - a trait which suggests the extra distance may be the answer. He has gone well and Pine Fame does look particularly sharp at the moment. He should see out the 1,400 metres and seems fit enough for the task. However, connections were done no favours at the barrier draw as Pine Fame will jump from the complete outside of the field but they do have King going for them.
The Australian is not one to be caught out in the boondocks if he can possibly help it and should snare a decent position once the field has settled. But the draw is not a help and, if there is any weaknesses in Pine Fame's make-up, they could be exposed. Most likely to do that could be leading trainer Brian Kan Ping-chee's Medic Star who has also been working particularly well and has the form to be right there. Medic Star, like most of Kan's horses, saw plenty of racetrack action last season going round no less than 14 times for two solid wins and a number of minor placings - generally in good company.
