Rising star Danacourt should take another step on the path to the top by giving leading trainer John Size a second Chevalier Cup win at Sha Tin today.
Size has been there before when former champion Electronic Unicorn gave away huge handicap weights all around but prevailed in 2001 when the Chevalier Cup occupied the place in the calendar now taken by the International Mile Trial.
While Danacourt (Douglas Whyte) has plenty to do to be spoken about in the same breath as Electronic Unicorn, the four-year-old does possess a brilliant turn of acceleration that makes him one of the brightest prospects racing in Hong Kong and today's step into Class One should give a further indication of just what heights he might reach.
Danacourt's impressive opening 1,000 metres win last season was followed by disappointment for his backers when beaten first-up for the new term over 1,200m, but it was still an eye-catching effort and previewed an even better one.
Stepping to 1,400m last time out, Danacourt was checked at the 700m, losing a couple of lengths and his box seat trailing position.
For most horses competing in a good class event, that would be enough to see them defeated, but Danacourt, who has pedigree to handle longer distances, put his impressive acceleration on display to turn the race around in just a few strides once the field headed for home.
