Allan's charge a Popular choice
There are not many trainers who send their charges out for work on race eve.
But when one of them is multiple-champion trainer Ivan Allan (right), it is time to take heed.
The Singaporean is languishing in 10th position in the trainers' premiership but is still only seven wins adrift of leader David Hayes.
And the signs are there that he is ready to make a charge at the title that he lost to Hayes last season.
His Popular Acclaim finds himself back in Class Five for today's Yat Sin Handicap over 1,650 metres and in a race devoid of a lot of pace, Douglas Whyte should be able to get him into a forward position from the outside draw without too much trouble.
Yesterday he looked on good terms with himself as he went over 800 metres, quickening up slightly the last quarter, and this son of Citidancer looks ready to add another win to his sole success over course and distance last season.
Yoyo Express, an entrant in the opening race, had Red Diamond and Speedy for company as they went over a relaxed 800 metres.
Yoyo Express has been improved by a couple of runs, and although the trip is well short of what he is looking for, the three-year-old has the ability to finish right over the top of his rivals.
He finished his work off in style and whatever he does today he will surely be improving on in the near future.
Allan has put the blinkers on Lucky Ahead in the Sung Tak Handicap and they could easily bring about improvement in the gelding.
He ran a good third to Zambezi in December's International Jockeys Series at the Valley but has disappointed since.
Lucky Ahead ambled down the straight with Quick Speed and looked right at his top for his engagement in the sixth race.
Wednesday night sees racing back at the city track and Blue Imperial impressed as he went over 1,200 metres for Felix Coetzee.
The David Hill-trained galloper picked up the last 400 metres in the company of Jewel Of Kentucky and looked spot-on for his engagement in a Class Four event over 1,650 metres.
He put the writing on the wall at his last outing and Hill appears to have found a most suitable race for his charge. One of his rivals is likely to be Chiu Shan Glory and if he takes to the city track, he looks sure to be the testing material.
The Lawrie Fownes-trained galloper made a big impression when running on for third on debut and his work yesterday indicated he has made plenty of improvement with the outing under his belt.
He went over 1,200 metres with Big Treasure and they picked up the last 200 metres in good style.
Others to work well were Songs Of Victory, Eastern Magnate, Rickfield and Win Perfection.
