Trainer Eddie Lo may not have the force of numbers to train but there are a few in the yard that are shaping with promise including Star Of Shantou, who won the second of two dirt barrier trials at Sha Tin yesterday.
This son of speed-oriented stallion Vyner's Orb (NZ) is yet to have his first race start, but certainly looks above average based on a solid finishing effort in a recent trial. He displayed good early speed before being allowed more room in the home straight where he lengthened well under Howard Cheng to win the heat by half a length. He definitely looks above average and should prove competitive in Class Four when he first appears.
There was also a lot to like about the effort of Multi-Win, who was never pressured at any stage by Douglas Whyte. His work so far this season has been excellent, and has been given a solid preparation by Francis Lui Kin-wai. He could have won the trial, but more importantly is jumping cleanly out of the gates and is far more settled in his work generally.
The fashion in which Mastery bounded home in the final quarter was worth noting. His effort on his only outing this term was highly creditable - a fourth to Splendid Patrol over the Happy Valley mile, where the sedate tempo made it virtually impossible for him to win.
On the positive side, he has improved even further since then in his general condition and looks primed to run well when he next appears.
Andy Leung Ting-wah's Modern Prospect was the winner of the first but had to be pushed out to win and second-placed Jolly Gains was far more impressive.
Jolly Gains, a progressive sort, appears to have strengthened up considerably since last term and travelled very strongly all the way to the wire for Whyte. There should be further improvement to come out of this heat and can be followed on his first outing this term.
