The first of the 'qualifying' trials was held yesterday at Sha Tin, where Danny Shum Chap-shing's unraced Triumphant Unicorn went to the line an impressive winner of the first 1,000-metre heat.
The son of Golden Slipper (Aus-G1) winner Danzero is a strapping sort who officially clocked the time of 59.1 seconds under the allotted 125 pounds. Irishman Mick Kinane was relatively quiet aboard Triumphant Unicorn (rated 52), who looks good enough to win when he makes his debut.
In the same heat, Big Winner displayed plenty of gate speed and although he was caught in the final 100 metres, he showed potential.
There were four more trials held on the turf, and Tony Millard had the first three past the post in the 800 metres trial for griffins.
The pick of the South African's trio of runners was winner Sharki. The unraced New Zealand gelding went to the line untouched by Robbie Fradd and had plenty in reserve. The performance was good enough to suggest he will prove highly competitive when he makes his debut. Stablemate Wonderful Boy (second) showed good early speed. He does not have the quality of Sharki, but looks above average.
The $1.8 million International Sales purchase Smart Champ, a son of Flying Spur, took a little time to get balanced under Glyn Schofield but was moving better the further he went. He should prove competitive when he steps out, and there appears to be plenty of scope for improvement.
