Patrick Biancone lowered his binoculars and allowed a brief smile of quiet satisfaction to show as he watched Michael's Choice win the second trial of the morning at Sha Tin yesterday.
With stable jockey Eric Legrix aboard, the exciting Michael's Choice looked every inch a horse capable of discharging his immediate obligations when readily accounting for Master Eagle in the 1,150-metre all-weather trial.
Legrix let the son of Theatrical settle midfield as Feel Legend set the pace but the Class One galloper, who was unlucky not to win more than one race last season, was moving very fluently.
Legrix did little more than shake the reins at him on straightening and he strode through to take it up and easily hold off the late finishing effort of Master Eagle who was officially three-quarters of a length behind him at the line.
There was a lot to like about both horses but Michael's Choice has clearly done well and Biancone said: 'It was a pleasing trial but I do not get carried away with trials. He is a good horse as we know and I am sure there will be races for him.' Feel Legend, who moved sharply up the classification ladder to the top grade on the back of successive victories, also ran pleasingly in what was the best of the morning's three trials.
Michael's Choice was clocked in 1:11.3 and the last quarter was easily the fastest of the morning. It was a smart 24.5 but Michael's Choice - and to a large extent the runner-up - were both doing it well.
