The patently honest and well-tried Quick Speed gets what could be his final chance of the season to make it to the winner's circle at Happy Valley tonight after a series of gutsy displays.
This Class Two event over 2,200 metres is what he requires and he gets a bit of relief in the weights with the move by champion trainer Ivan Allan to use claimer Martin C. K. Tsang.
In his most recent outings, Quick Speed has been beaten by Casey's Drum and Good Connection respectively. He has finished a fighting second on both occasions and prior to that had finished third to Flirting Dancer.
Four starts back Good Connection also had the edge at Sha Tin over 2,000 metres in Class Three when there were two heads separating first and third - and the winner was in receipt of 12 pounds from Quick Speed.
Last time out Good Connection, with maximum claimer Willy W. Y. Kan in the saddle, carried 109 pounds while Quick Speed, a short-head away at the line, carried Basil Marcus and 20 pounds more.
The weight factor today must swing heavily in favour of Quick Speed as with the allowance of Tsang - well worth his seven - he will be giving away only five pounds to Good Connection, who will be ridden by Felix Coetzee.
Even without the consideration of claims and senior jockeys, Good Connection really does have it to do on the handicap against Quick Speed. There has never been much in it anyway and the biggest hope connections of Good Connection might have is that Quick Speed may be feeling the pinch of a long season.
