In a tricky and intriguing Chinese Recreation Club Challenge Cup at Sha Tin today it will pay to side with trainer Lawrie Fownes and the above average Brilliant Way.
Fownes' gallopers have been running tip-top races in the past two weeks, many of them benefitting considerably for a run and with Wendyll Woods back on duty.
It has all come together well for the stable and there is no reason why it will not continue for some time.
Brilliant Way is at his mark but he can give a good sight in this 14-runner Classes One and Two event and is well suited by the trip.
Fownes has always had an opinion of Brilliant Way and persuaded one of his owners to put in a strong bid when the horse went up for tender last season. Fownes' faith in the horse and the owner's loyalty to the trainer were quickly repaid with an excellent win. That success came over today's trip and off a rating one point lower than today.
Interestingly, he had High Sky behind him on that day and the Irish import, to be ridden by Steven King, looks one of the main dangers here.