Size's magic touch makes Electronic Unicorn hot property

A look at the best performances of the week has to start with Electronic Unicorn (race 143) and his electrifying win in the National Panasonic Cup. He has always had the ability, but new trainer John Size has waved the magic wand he used to reinvigorate a number of former top-grade horses in Australia and Electronic Unicorn's sprint between the 300 metres and 100 metres had Fairy King Prawn written all over it. The final 400 metres was officially run, leader to leader, in 22.2 seconds, and Electronic Unicorn stood them up a second's start. He has no easy race ahead in the Hong Kong Mile but should be able to get another Chevalier Cup before then.

Behind him, Charming City ran well after being wide without cover and so, too, did Citizen Kane, who has yet to run a bad race this term. Outpaced over the 1,200 metres and wide, he came on strongly over the final 200 metres to finish sixth. Citizen Kane really needs a 1,400-metre race and cannot find one, but he is going so well he could win even at a slightly unsuitable distance with better luck.

A number of horses caught the eye in the other Class One event (race 144) won by Super Molly. Punters might find a dollar in Triple Expresso, who raced well to finish sixth at 42-1. He may have been flattered by the perfect run he had early, but he got no room at all in the final 200 metres when he was travelling strongly. Triple Expresso has yet to run a bad race at 1,400 metres, even though his record reads five starts for no placings, so he will be long odds again next time and worth a ticket at that trip or switched back to 1,200 metres.

Almost everything that Tony Millard put a saddle on raced well last weekend and those who have been following rejuvenated Spartan should continue to do so after his fifth place (race 138). As is his pattern, the gelding was at the rear in a race dominated by on-pace horses, but he unleashed a very strong finish and was making ground on the front four right to the wire. Millard's Goldchin Best had a similar story when he was caught well back and very wide without cover but applied himself in the final 300 metres to finish fourth (race 139). His best recent efforts have been with a little cut in the ground, so the firm conditions were not in his favour.

Winning Dragon, who runs in the Electronic Unicorn colours, did enough on his debut (race 136) to suggest his turn will come soon in Class Four. His trials in Australia and Hong Kong had shown above-average ability and a very good attitude to racing, but the gelding was stopped and bumped on straightening in this race. That was a new experience for him, but he kept his mind on the job well enough to finish fifth.

Further back in that race, Global Runner looked a coming winner for Brian Kan Ping-chee. He appeared in need of the run but was finishing off well from the back before his condition gave out. With the benefit of that run, a step up to 1,400 metres should see him more competitive.