The King gets his chance to reign
Tony Millard's Argentinean import The King has been more than a shade unlucky not to have notched his first victory this season but can put that all behind him in today's Victoria Racing Club Trophy (race eight) in Sha Tin.
The King started to display his potential when switched to the all-weather surface, which is somewhat ironic given his form in Argentina was not on the specialist surface like many of his compatriots.
In any case, back in February 5 he finished a neck third to Lucky Champion over the course and distance.
He had excuses on his next outing when beaten over the all-weather dirt mile but showed his previous run was no fluke when finishing third to Wong's Success over 1,800 metres on March 19.
Millard hasn't galloped The King since that outing but his work has been outstanding.
He should enjoy the run of the race for Craig Williams from gate two and should prove very hard to run down.
The opposition The King faces also lacks depth, with only Pretty Trio, Master Gigolo and King Of Win having won on this surface.
Although Pretty Trio has had his share of problems in the past, Almond Lee Yee-tat conjured a win first-up this season when scoring on the turf over the Sha Tin mile. He returned to the track after an eight-month break.
He finished a respectable fifth to Wind Winner in his next outing and that run can be forgiven.
He is a better horse than that performance indicates, and from gate one deserves plenty of respect.
John Moore's Master Gigolo, who is resuming after a three-month break, has had quite a bit of work and impressed in his all-weather trial last Tuesday.
Master Gigolo, who won first-up this term, has the class to prove competitive.
Danny Shum Chap-shing's King Of Win is perfectly drawn in gate three and is another that will have every chance to figure in the finish. His recent form is rock solid and from three starts he has managed a win and a second over the all-weather mile. He looks a genuine chance of improving on those statistics.
The drop in grade and step up in trip may suit John Size's Kingston Winner, despite failing to hit the frame on both starts on this course and distance.
His chance depends on how much pressure is applied on him if Shane Dye decides to lead, which looks a suitable option.
He may prove hard to run down, and is worth keeping safe in multiples.
Sean Woods and Olivier Doleuze are starting to form a successful partnership following a double at the mid-week fixture and Best Luck could continue that trend.
His form is sound and he has often trialled well on this surface in the past but will need a lot of luck from a wide gate. Although he is conceding weight all-round he will probably do well to hit the frame.
Royal Army has his first start for his new trainer Caspar Fownes and he managed to finish second on his only start over 1,200m on this surface back in June 2002.
It would be a surprise if Royal Army managed to win this event but he has place claims.
The remainder leave a lot to be desired based on recent form. Golconda ran fairly well on his only start on this surface.
The Derby-winning combination of David Ferraris and Anthony Delpech are in great form but the overall form of Golconda this term is simply not good enough to warrant consideration.
Ambitious Tycoon has never competed on this surface but has left the impression he is on his mark at the moment, while Evergreen has shown very little ability from a couple of starts and may need more time. Aberdeen, who was soundly beaten on this surface on his debut, can be safely dismissed.
