Derek Cruz's Freebird hasn't won a race in 27 attempts but doesn't have to improve on that statistic to justify banker status in the final leg of the Triple Trio tomorrow night at Happy Valley, where he should hit the post based on recent form.
Freebird strikes similar opposition when second to Uppa Hand over the Valley mile last start.
He has drawn ideally in gate one and regular rider Howard Cheng Yue-tin should have every chance to go one better this time.
Sunny Desert finished third in the race won by Uppa Hand and based on that performance must be given due respect, although he will need his share of luck from a wide gate.
Treasure Raiders may not have been ideally suited by the yielding conditions when he last competed and deserves one more chance, while Couldn't Care Less is well handicapped and capable of hitting the frame.
The best option for a banker in the opening leg is Lucky Bird, who will relish the move back to 2,200 metres following a game effort when running on strongly over 1,800m last start.