It is difficult to envisage John Size being caught in the trainer's championship and the leading Australian handler can strengthen his hold on first place and add to his impressive season's tally with free-running Fortune Smiles in the final event at Happy Valley tonight.
The handy colt has a win and a second from two starts over 1,650 metres at Happy Valley and has performed admirably in the latter half of the season. This son of multiple Group One winner Hector Protector lost nothing in defeat when second to Asali over the Valley mile on April 21 when beaten 11/4 lengths. He is competitively weighted with 117 pounds and, as he's receiving a good deal of weight from the majority of his rivals, he is expected to take some catching.
Stablemate Wealthy Treasure will no doubt be a worthy opponent, particularly if there is any rain about. This fellow fought on gamely to win over 1,400 metres on April 3, his fourth win of the season. The tenacious galloper is a winner over the course and distance and remains well treated for his latest victory, mainly because he never gets there by a big margin.
Tony Millard-trained Sambuca deserves another chance after a disappointing seventh, beaten 53/4 lengths, behind Special King Prawn at the end of last month. He went within three-quarters of a length of beating Wealthy Treasure prior to that and meets that rival on six pounds' better terms tonight. Douglas Whyte is a positive booking and although Sambuca tackles the city course for the first time, from gate six he has every chance to perform.
David Ferraris' Kiddyland (rated 90) is entitled to get the run of the race behind the leaders from gate two and on his better form lines is good enough to win this event. Back in November, he finished third to Darwin over the course and distance when competing in Class One off a rating of 95. His form has been rather inconsistent but he looks a genuine chance if able to produce his best.
A good case can be made for topweights Lucky Paradise and Helene Momentum, who both take a significant drop in grade. The former has placed twice from three starts at Happy Valley and finished a respectable seventh to Magnifier on April 11 over 1,600 metres. This is an easier test but, with top weight of 133 pounds, he appeals only as a place chance.
Helene Momentum carries one pound less and, likewise, has been placed on two of three starts around the city circuit. He ran very well in defeat when fourth to Special King Prawn, especially considering the track bias favouring leaders that day. Against easier opposition this evening, he must be kept safe.
