Great Achievement has that million-dollar look

Manfred Man Ka-leung's Great Achievement bounced back from his disappointing race day effort to win yesterday's opening all-weather trial in impressive fashion at Sha Tin.

It was certainly a much better effort than he put in on his last start when finishing last behind Regency Horse last weekend.

He didn't have the best run through the race, but faded rather tamely soon after straightening and failed to find anything under pressure.

Yesterday, however, Eddie Lai Wai-ming bounced Great Achievement straight to the front and made every post a winner.

His ability to handle the specialist surface probably flattered him a fraction, but the fact that Man had him competing in the space of seven days may indicate he wants to give the International Sale graduate one more shot at winning the $1 million bonus.

Tony Cruz-trained Shining Day was another that was required to pass an official barrier trial before being entered to race again and the way he hit the line was very encouraging. He settled behind the leader and lengthened out strongly when asked to do so by Felix Coetzee.

He is obviously quite a timid galloper but there are signs to suggest he is getting to grips with racing among other horses.