The formidable combination of John Size and Shane Dye has a number of top chances on the Sha Tin card today and Shogun looks one that should take all the beating first-up down the straight 1,000 metres course.
Size worked his magic with Shogun, who scored on his final start last term over 1,200 metres, comprehensively beating Class Four opposition. After displaying oodles of potential in his trackwork, both with Size and his previous trainer, the mercurial Australian handler managed to get the best out of Shogun in a race.
Now that Shogun has proven he is no morning glory, the next question is can he live up to the potential shown in his work, which is often of a very high caliber? That was the case earlier this month when Shogun moved stylish in an all-weather trial and he appears to have come back this season every bit as good as last season.
Admittedly, the minimum trip at Sha Tin is a touch on the sharp side but given this is his first outing of the season, he should be fresh enough to run to his best and is very well weighted (118 pounds).
There are three main dangers, all of which make strong appeal for the various multiples. Billet Express, Bulb King and Cendamy all look the logical threats.
The presence of Bulb King should ensure decent value about Shogun and there it is more than likely Bulb King will start a short-priced favourite.
