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Grab hold of Millard's Lifeline

Exciting young prospect Lifeline Express can keep his unbeaten record intact by landing the ninth event today at Sha Tin's mixed meeting.

Tony Millard's gelding simply blew away his rivals on his debut when he posted a 4.25-length winning margin over 1,200 metres. It was a highly impressive victory and clearly handicapper Ciaran Kennelly was of the same opinion as he raised the strapping son of Marscay 16 points for his scorching win.

Robbie Fradd has picked up the ride from Douglas Whyte, who starts a three-meeting ban today, and from barrier eight he should land in a favourable position. One could argue that Lifeline Express beat a moderate field last time but, judging by the way he lengthened when asked for an effort by Whyte, he looks destined to climb higher in the handicap and the 1,400 metres should pose no problem.

It would have been interesting to see whether Whyte would have chosen Lifeline Express or Danriva. While he would probably have plumped for the former, it would not have been an easy decision and Shane Dye has landed a useful ride on Danriva, who is bidding for his third consecutive success.

Ivan Allan's gelding has progressed with each run this season, and there is no doubt he is a better proposition over 1,400 metres. The wide draw may make it a little awkward for him, but he is still on the upgrade and has a leading chance again.

Par Avion has not finished far away on his last few outings and has been holding his form well. While he may be at his mark in the handicap, he should enjoy a good run through the race and could easily fill a minor placing.

Full Effort should be suited by the move back to 1,400 metres, but he meets stronger opposition today. He has shown enough to merit consideration, though, and could figure in the finish. A similar case could be made for China Legend, who has impressed in his recent work and will benefit from the light weight of 117 pounds. Of the rest, Seasons Glory is capable but may prefer a rain-affected track, while Flags Up is a consistent sort who should be thereabouts.

The final event on the programme looks a competitive contest, but it may be worth sticking with Allan's Aucash. He has been a beaten favourite on his last two outings, but the step up to 1,800 metres is exactly what he has been looking for and the superbly bred son of Danehill should take all the beating. He was not suited last time off a slow pace, but a genuine tempo is likely today.

The main quinella pick is Eastern Express, who has finished in that spot in eight of his nine outings this season. He has been remarkably consistent and should have won more than three races this term. With Way Leung claiming 10 pounds, Eastern Express comes in dangerously handicapped and should be right in the finish.

In the sixth event, champion trainer Tony Cruz has a top chance with Namjong Spirit, who adopted different tactics last time after drawing a poor barrier. Felix Coetzee had him in a rearward position after jumping and the slow tempo of the race worked against him, but he still managed to rattle home into fourth position. He has drawn ideally in barrier one today.

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