First-time blinkers can get Liverbird back on track
The switch back to Sha Tin along with the application of blinkers for the first time collectively make Danny Shum Chap-shing's Liverbird an appealing choice for banker in the final leg of the Triple Trio at Sha Tin on Sunday.
On his last start, Liverbird had absolutely no luck in running when competing over the Valley mile, but still ran well in defeat.
The gear change should sharpen him up and from gate two he will get every chance to prove highly competitive on his first attempt over the Sha Tin mile.
The recent form of Fortune Warrior has been sound enough to suggest he can figure in the finish, even though he has failed to hit the frame on his previous two attempts over the course and distance.
It is hard to leave Easy Game out of calculations following two victories from his last four outings. Speed Of Light, who is competitively weighted, strikes stronger opposition but warrants place claims.
Bullish General has proven more than a shade disappointing but could still figure in the frame, if he can produce his best.
Finding a banker material in the opening leg is no easy task, but it's worth taking a chance with lightly raced Lucky Winner.
He takes a drop in grade following an improved performance on the all-weather surface last time and will prove very hard to beat.
Silverbird is another that warrants respect given his solid recent form, which has predominantly come on the all-weather track. However, he has decent form over 1,400 metres and must be kept safe.
Joyful World has proven a little hard to catch right this term but has been a force to be reckoned with over the course and distance and deserves one more chance.
Solar Power impressed when winning an all-weather trial last month and the quality of his work has picked up markedly. He looks capable of hitting the frame, as does Rely On Me, who disappointed on his debut at the city course but is capable of better.
The best option for banker in the middle pin is Cruz-trained Mystic Force.
The progressive stayer should have won more races this term but gets his chance to atone against some moderate opposition and will no doubt prove hard to beat.
Cheerful Heart managed to beat Mystic Force the last time they met. He meets that rival on worse terms but he is perfectly drawn in gate one and should get the run of the race from there.
Sunny Riviera has won over 2,000m and should appreciate the step back to Sha Tin following a disappointing effort at the city circuit last time. The John Size-trained galloper must be fitter this time round and should be included in the shortlist.
Dash Ahead has place claims, along with Peak Power, who showed improvement on his last start.
The safest option for banker in the third event is last-start winner Cosmo Star, who returns to his pet 1,400m trip.
Arigato has shown glimpses of potential and can hit the frame, along with Elvis, who has been freshened-up for this assignment.
The drop in grade and booking of Douglas Whyte aboard Care Free Prince make him worth considering, while Millennium Supreme has been competitive in this grade all season.
