Record-chasing trainer Tony Cruz unveiled another potential star last Saturday at Sha Tin's only qualifying trial where Shiny Ribbon took out the heat in a very impressive manner.
The son of St James's Palace Stakes (Group One, 1,600 metres) winner Dr Fong displayed plenty of early dash over the minimum trip and Felix Coetzee couldn't have been much quieter aboard the grey gelding.
He knows his job very well and the trial suggested he is going to not only have the ability to win first-up, but could well be the type to string a few wins together.
In the same trial, Almond Lee Yee-tat has a nice prospect with Lord Cairns, who had to be urged along by Brett Prebble in order to stick it out with Shiny Ribbon. He definitely has more-than-average ability and left the impression he is open to a considerable amount of progress.
John Size secured third and fourth place with Har Har Charms and Rely On Me respectively, with a narrow preference for the latter. He was slowly away, wasn't pressured too hard at any stage by Douglas Whyte but hit the line nicely and will strip a good deal fitter for this piece of work.
Conversely, Har Har Charms showed good early speed and weakened out in the concluding stages. He too is open to further progress.
Meanwhile, there were two all-weather trials at Sha Tin yesterday, the first of which was won by Cape Of Good Hope. He won well and has settled in well since losing to Silent Witness last time.
