Socrates has got what it takes to deliver the goods
A jackpot of $4.5 million in the Triple Trio tomorrow provides even more reason to attempt to find the winning combination and the Caspar Fownes-trained Socrates has all the right credentials to use as the banker in the middle pin.
The progressive stayer should excel with the move up to 2,200 metres following string of sound performances over 1,800m this term, including a win and two second places.
He has always left the impression he will only get better over further, and against some moderate opposition he should prove too good on the day.
The step up in trip looks a major bonus for Brown Beauty, who also strikes slightly weaker rivals. He is usually competitive over the extended trips in this grade and must be added to the short list.
Monza King's form has been excellent, managing to hit the frame four times from seven starts over the course and distance, including a win. Super Dana has been holding his form well and can fill a minor place, while Out Of My Way showed drastic improvement when winning last start and is another to consider.
A strong case can be made for Fownes' Telepride as banker material in the opening leg, following a solid win over 1,400m on February 5.
He has taken a little time to fulfil his potential but remains on the upgrade and given he is striking class five opposition once again, should prove hard to keep out of the frame.
Shanghai Delight has been a different horse since the blinkers went on him earlier this season. He won well on his latest appearance and should be right in the finish once again.
Mr Genki displayed a little more zest when finishing third to Telepride, and given he meets that rival on better terms should be kept safe.
Gold Digger can fill a minor place if able to produce his best, along with Cosmo Star, who should enjoy a charmed run from gate four.
Finding a banker in the final leg is no easy task but it may be worth sticking with Gold Sandfield, who was a beaten odds-on favourite over the Sha Tin mile last time.
The steady pace in that event may not have been ideal and his easy victory on his previous start was good enough to suggest he is the one they have to beat this time round.
Speeding Molly has proven competitive in this grade on his last couple of starts and with Douglas Whyte on board there are enough positives to suggest he should be kept safe.
There have been flashes of potential shown from both Fortune Warrior and Bullish General, each of whom look more than capable of hitting the frame, if they come to the races with their 'A' game.
The switch back to the turf is a bonus for Elite Win, who remains competitively handicapped and the multiple course and distance winner should figure in the finish.
Fownes may have the ideal banker option in the third event with Enchanted, who went close to winning on his last start when second to Wafer King over 1,400m. He has since impressed in an all-weather trial and looks ready to open his account.
King Of Field won well with a gear change last time and must be added to the short list.
A Plus Fit struck a hot race last run and should prove more competitive this time round, while Elfhelm is poorly drawn but displayed improvement on his last start and can fill a minor place.
