Bumper Storm issued his challenge to the region's top sprinters with an impressive win in the opening trial at Sha Tin yesterday. The four-year-old has not been seen out since disappointing in blinkers behind Electronic Zone earlier in the season. But the headwear was dispensed with yesterday and the Irish-bred youngster appeared to be a lot more at ease as he went smoothly to the line to narrowly defeat Solid Gold and stablemate Big Mac. Trainer Patrick Biancone would seem to have the Chairman's Prize as the main target for the athletic chestnut. And it is worth remembering Bumper Storm's gutsy effort when finishing third to Quick Action last season in the third leg of the Sprint Championship. He is more mature now, having gone into last year's race with only three runs under his belt, and, more importantly, he is going to strip a lot fresher than some of his rivals who have been campaigning all term. While Bumper Storm captured a lot of attention in the opening trial, Chris Cheung's newcomer Easy Way did a good job to lead all the way and win the second heat in good style. The youngster has had only one start, finishing midfield behind Universal Winner three weeks ago, but there was a sprinkling of support for him that day and the run has brought him on no end. There should be a race for him before the end of the season and the runner-up in this trial, Five Stars Shining, is also one to keep on side. The American-bred really caught the eye on debut when he made up plenty of ground on the all-weather and he impressed again yesterday with his finishing effort. Five Star Shining is one of many good young horses in the Wylie Wong yard and while he was completing his task in the trial, companion Midas looked on good terms with himself as he worked over 800 metres earlier in the morning. Danny Nikolic has not had a lot of luck in his stint as Club jockey but may have had a bit of fortune in picking up the ride on Midas, if he accepts for next Wednesday's Valley meeting. Midas finished down the track behind Universal Winner on debut, but those who lost their money that day may only be making a temporary loan as the gelding looked ready to atone as he strode out strongly at the end of his gallop for Nikolic. Tony Cruz's stable have been running into form in recent weeks and the well-bred Ascot Hero is one who has blossomed under Cruz's patient handling. He looks an out-and-out stayer and there was a lot to like about his work with The Establishment. The pair went over 1,200 metres in 1:20.5 with both only being asked to really work the last quarter. But with Douglas Whyte in the saddle, Ascot Hero left no doubt he is ready to run a race when next produced. Born To Win ran a big race when finishing fourth in the Derby and after being given a quiet time in a trial last Tuesday. Peter Ng asked him to do a bit more serious work over 1,200 metres with Godspeed. The pair stayed together until the last 200 metres where Born To Win left his less-illustrious galloping partner in his wake as he finished off the work in style. He is going to be matching it with the big boys from now on, but Born To Win is well up to winning one of the season-ending features. Others to work well were Lord Of Warriors, Yellow River and Eastern Magnate. SHA TIN DIRT TRIALS First trial - - 1,150m: 1, BUMPER STORM (E. Legrix); 2, Solid Gold (E. Saint-Martin); 3, Big Mac (W. S. Yu). Others: Shaxi Treasure, No Competitor, Sharp Shooter, Coach Maniac, Amza Glory, Danish Heights. Time: 1:08.7 (24.8). Distances: length, head. Winner trained by Patrick Biancone. Second trial - 1,150m: 1, EASY WAY (A. Munro); 2, Five Stars Shining (D. Nikolic); 3, Fred (B. Doyle). Others: Outstanding Lad, Lickety Split, Greenfield, Winner's Special, Super Competitor. Time: 1:09.2 (24.9). Distances: 2 lengths, head. Winner trained by Chris Cheung Ting-pong. Third trial - 1,150m: 1, SINCERELY YOURS (D. Nikolic); 2, Big Thrills (K. M. So); 3, Flying Medic (W. Y. Kan). Others: Ever So Easy, Fast Action, French Fry, Top Cat, Brilliant Leader. Time: 1:09.6 (24.7). Distances: 5 lengths, 3 lengths. Winner trained by Derek Cruz.
