Early form makes TT a tough call
Triple Trios don't come much tougher than tomorrow's on Sha Tin's bumper 10-race card.
As usual, the hugely popular exotic wager operates on races three, four and six, requiring punters to find the first three, in any order, in all of these contests.
The third event is a Class Six affair over 1,400 metres, with any number of apparent chances.
At this stage of the season, the five to take against the field may be American Star, Aqua Princess, Barish, Fit For Royalty and Great Chivalry though, having said that, Well Known Supreme appears to have improved for the move to Lawrie Fownes and Follow Me has very strong form for the bottom of Class Six.
American Star is racing in Class Six for the first time and has done enough work to do himself justice. He's not the most reliable of types but he can certainly place.
Aqua Princess comes into the reckoning as she has the advantage of race fitness and is also dropped into the bottom grade for the first time.
Fit For Royalty has a very good record in Class Six, while Great Chivalry is the type to go well fresh and has been working along as fluently as ever.
But in terms of a banker, Barish could be the best option.
He started to come right towards the end of last season and put in a particularly good effort when caught off the track the whole way yet still battling on to be third to Lucky Day and Sir Valid over 1,200 metres at Happy Valley.
The middle pin, a Class Three 1,400-metre affair maybe solved by a combination of Arrowmint, Mission Sealed, Diamond King, Medic Star and Mediocrity.
Arrowmint has the blinkers off and Basil Marcus on. Trainer David Hayes has put plenty of work into him and he landed a gamble first time out last season.
Arrowmint's stablemate Diamond King could find the 1,400 metres to his liking and looks forward in his preparation.
Mission Sealed had solid form throughout last season and should be finishing strongly and thus have every chance of running into the placings.
Medic Star has been going well in what he's done so far, while Mediocrity is a very game and honest performer who should be suited by the short straight.
The final leg is a dash down the Sha Tin 1,000-metre chute for Class Two performers.
Finally Optic General is racing over the minimum sprint trip which he loves, having performed creditably for a long time over distances which he hasn't stayed. This is his go and he is a worthwhile banker.
Topweight Prince Fortune won his first three races last season and probably came unstuck on his only other start as much due to the rain-affected track as to the rise in the handicap ratings.
Born To Win is a lovely type who appears to have progressed from his griffin season and looks pretty fit.
Fukien Boy goes well down the straight 1,000-metre chute and has to be considered on that basis as this is very much a horses-for-courses distance with time and time again the straight 1,000-metre specialists popping up.
Win Theatre from the John Moore stable is a standing order while fresh.
