The John Size juggernaut will maintain its momentum in the coming weeks with some fresh ammunition, judging by the results on Friday's two all-weather barrier trials at Sha Tin.
Gold Striker, a consistent three-year-old last season, has come back a significantly stronger horse after a good spell and his third to Summerville Power on the second heat over 1,200 metres was a good effort.
From barrier six, jockey Chris Munce took Gold Striker straight back to last and kept the New Zealand-bred gelding back there, nice and relaxed, until rounding the home turn.
Munce then took Gold Striker to the outside and the big brown gelding lengthened stride impressively, ultimately claiming third prize ahead of King of Win and Brainiest right on the line.
This was Gold Striker's second trial this preparation and follows a pleasing third to Group One galloper Vengeance of Rain on November 4, when handled by Corey Brown. On that occasion Gold Striker went forward early and was eased in the straight to be beaten seven lengths by the Hong Kong Derby and QEII Cup hero.
Size also had Fashion Jewellery represent him in the opening heat. The Entrepreneur gelding shared the lead in a very slow pace but was held down in the final 200m to finish fourth in a four-way photo finish.
