Australian trainer Geoff Lane can keep his bandwagon rolling with new recruit Surplus in today's Lusitano Challenge Cup, the 1,400-metre feature race at Sha Tin. Lane, who had another double at Happy Valley on Wednesday night, has taken over from David Hayes with the well-bred son of Marscay, who is a multiple winner over course and distance and throughout his career has proved a most reliable type. He was a highly creditable eighth behind Solid Contact on his last start, which came in Class One company. He was only beaten a length and a half on that occasion, and was a shade unlucky not to have picked up some prize-money as he was steadied on the heels of the placegetters in the final 50 metres when making a strong late charge. He drops back to Class Two today and the easier competition should make all the difference. His work leading up to this event has also been positive, having moved well in a couple of barrier trials at Sha Tin. One of the hardest to beat will be Lawrie Fownes' Born Dragon, who is another consistent performer. While he may be slightly better suited by the Happy Valley mile, he has also shown a distinct liking for this trip at Sha Tin, and from barrier seven he should enjoy a good run through the race. Lucky Number has been tried over a variety of distances this season but has clearly been most effective at Sha Tin over 1,400 metres. He has a good turn of foot and must be given strong consideration. Greenmore is likely to be in a similar position to Lucky Number turning for home, with both liking to settle in the rear of the field and wait for a late challenge. He has probably been a shade unlucky not to have won more than his tally of three races this term, and judging on recent efforts could easily fill a minor placing again. The interesting runner in the lineup is I Deliver, who comes in very well weighted with Way Leung's 10-pound claim and could spring a surprise. Ivan Allan has called up claimer Patrick Tse for Huangdi, who is at the top of the weights. It appears the handicapper may have his measure and, while he will not be far away at the finish, there is no real reason to see him as a winning chance today. Delightful Special was aided by the moderate tempo and a track suiting those on the pace when successful on his last start. While there looks unlikely to be a great deal of pressure in the lead today, which he should gain easily from barrier one, he is six points higher in the handicap and the track conditions are likely to be somewhat more equitable. Dr More has been something of a disappointment this season and will have a tough task from a wide barrier. While he may be coming down to a mark where he can score, this does not look to be his race. Dollars And Sense is a difficult ride as his tendency to hang right costs him valuable ground almost every time. He should enjoy a good run through the race from barrier two, but he may need a little relief in the handicap. Somluck won on his first start of the season from a rating of 83, and racing off a mark of 82 today clearly should be respected. Exultation wears blinkers for the first time, but it is hard to envisage them making that much difference. Even so, a return to his early season form could see him make the frame. Good Record just has not shown enough to this point in time and can be ignored, while Top Light and V-Can look out of their depth. Graphic: S1400glo