Sizzling barrier trials at Happy Valley 11 days ago have provided the critical clue for three of the eight races at the city venue tonight.
Deep Laugh, prepared by Danny Shum Chap-shing, heads the markets at the tight quote of $27 for the second event, a Class Four over 1,200 metres, on the strength of his effortless win in the second trial that warm Saturday morning.
The Sri Pekan gelding, ridden by Eddie Lai Wai-ming, scored by 31/2 lengths, running the 1,200 metres in 1:13.5, but it was his acceleration in the straight that undoubtedly attracted attention.
Later in the morning, Jolly Gains and Arabian Wager fought out the finish of the sixth trial, with the judge separating them by a mere short head on the line.
The third horse, Grandway Shuttle, was seven lengths away third, underlining the superiority of the first pair.
Jolly Gains and Arabian Wager drew each other right out, with Arabian Wager ultimately prevailing in the photo. But both horses trialled impressively and each will be in solid demand tonight.
