JOINT champion trainer David Hill won't be in the least surprised if his much improved Irish import Fortune Leader makes it two wins in succession and captures the Group Three, $1.35 million Sha Tin Trophy today.
And Fortune Leader, who obliged on opening day at odds of 13-1, is likely to be well-priced today, despite his excellent first-up win.
''I thought he would run a great race on the first day and I was not surprised at all to hear that he had won it. I was in Keeneland so I had to wait for a few days until I actually saw a tape of the race.
''He won it very well indeed and he certainly hasn't gone back since that win. I could see him doing it again here and he's the sort of horse that could get under people's guard.'' Fortune Leader has soared right up the ratings and he's now in the top echelon of local horses - although most observers will still strongly feel that his best trip is well in excess of today's 1,600 metres.
There is a well established and reputable racing theory that stayers will go well fresh over a distance that is essentially short of their optimum trip. That was the view held when Fortune Leader won first-up - with the fast pace set in that race also a major help.
But the authority of that win over today's trip suggests that this now well matured Irish galloper has the zip and zest necessary to perform over a mile and he can be involved in the finish of this quality event.
