Douglas Whyte stole the show at Happy Valley yesterday, winning all four barrier trials and indicating he will be aboard plenty of future winners if these turf heats are any guide.
Whyte teamed up with Caspar Fownes to win the opener over 1,700 metres with Military Option, who was simply too good for his opposition. It was an excellent trial from the son of Red Ransom and he appears to be back working as well as ever.
He easily had the measure of First Among Equals (rated 80), who is rated 12 points higher, so there was plenty to like about the four-length winning margin.
Whyte and Fownes won the third trial with ageing Snippedydooda, who hit the line with plenty of zest. In the past, Snippedydooda has been inclined to hang out around turns but that wasn't the case yesterday.
Whyte bounced him into the lead and no rival looked like getting past him at any stage. He looks in tremendous order and should prove competitive.
Fownes also had second-placed Liaobuqi and he hit the line well, and continues to show some potential in his work. Whyte won the second trial aboard British import Carrizo Creek, another one that led virtually from start to finish.
The Andy Leung Ting-wah-trained galloper appears to have progressed handsomely since his debut last month.
