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Lion's Share goes to sidelined Whyte

Douglas Whyte's bid for the jockey's premiership suffered a stutter yesterday when his appeal against a one-day suspension was dismissed.

But the South African would have left trackwork earlier in the morning knowing that there is plenty of ammunition available to him in the closing weeks.

And heading the list is the talented Lion's Share, an outstanding winner on the all-weather recently.

There have been few more impressive debut winners this season than Lion's Share and the four-year-old looked on good terms with himself as he sped home the last quarter of an 800-metre gallop in 22.7 seconds for Whyte.

The International Sales graduate now finds himself in Class Three but few who saw the dirt win would doubt his ability to handle the promotion.

Whyte and trainer Tony Cruz have forged a formidable partnership this season, with Cruz's patience and horsemanship bringing the best out of his charges.

Cruz did a masterful job to get Lion's Share through the gates after the gelding showed an early aversion to the barriers.

And he seems to have also worked the oracle on Danetop, who looks set to follow on from his last-start win judging by the quality of his work yesterday.

The son of champion sire Danehill impressed as he dashed over 800 metres in 49.4 seconds and is one to keep on side when next produced by Cruz.

Whyte also appears to have picked up the key ride on promising griffin Footprints, who strode out stylishly over 800 metres with stablemate Owner's Bliss.

Footprints was sensationally supported on debut but after an early check, which surprisingly escaped censure by the stewards, he failed to run on in the straight.

But his work yesterday was first class and the three-year-old should go close to returning his supporters' losses before the end of the season.

Bruce Hutchison has been enjoying a good run of luck and it is often advisable to stick with a yard once they strike form.

Hutchison has produced a couple of promising young horses this term, none more so than the progressive Red Zone, and appears to have another good type on his hands in Indian Lancer.

The griffin is yet to start but has looked to have what it takes in his work.

He was only asked to click up the last 400 metres yesterday with Glen Boss aboard at the end of a 1,200-metre gallop, but he did it in an easy manner which suggests he is well above average.

The three-year-old is by Pip's Pride, sire of Made To Figure, likely favourite in the opening event today, and the youngster is more than capable of adding to the stallion's success when Hutchison brings him to the races.

Another griffin to keep tabs on is the Andy Leung-trained Honest Dragon, who had a hard run when well beaten first-up.

The well-bred son of Danehill is a strong looking youngster and exuded quality as he strode over 800 metres for Brett Doyle.

He looks the type to come back to racing next season a much better horse.

Meanwhile, two trials were held on the all-weather with the classy Smart Kid racing away to win the first heat by six lengths in an impressive effort.

Chief Competitor ran on nicely to finish third and is one to follow while, unfortunately, Lord James bled and will now be an absentee until next season.

Kinling Superstar took the second batch where the improved behaviour of Universal Star saw him given the okay to race.

The talented son of Marscay was ridden by Patrick Payne, who has been a regular rider of the two-year-old in his work, and Payne seems to have developed an affinity with the youngster.

He worked home strongly from midfield to finish third and could easily atone next start.

Others to work well were Speedy Dragon, Deuce Of Hearts and China Game.

SHA TIN DIRT TRIALS First trial _ 1,150m: 1, SMART KID (A. Munro); 2, Prince Fortune (D. Nikolic); 3, Cheif Competitor (R. Fradd). Others (in finishing order): Lucky Glory, The King Of Cloyne, Lord James, Encore, Super Competitor, Pine Fame. Time: 1:08.1 (23.3). Distances: 7.5 lengths, 3.5 lengths. Winner trained by Wong Siu-tan.

Second trial _ 1,150m: 1, CHEERFUL (C. F. Chan); 2, Kinling Superstar (S. M. Tam); 3, Universal Star (P. Payne). Others: Mannidear, Billion Delight, Good Luck Star, Fortune Ring, Guts. Time: 1:11.1 (26.5). Distances: 2.5 lengths, 3 lengths. Winner trained by Francis Lui Kin-wai.

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