Manfred Man Ka-leung is already enjoying a lucrative season and it looks as though he has one of his stable stalwarts, Successive Gains, ready to add to the yard's record.
Successive Gains trialled against four rivals over 1,600 metres at Sha Tin yesterday and simply embarrassed them, with Douglas Whyte stepping on the gas at the 400m and getting an instant response from the American-bred six-year-old.
Successive Gains steamed down the final 400m in 22.8 seconds, the final 200m in 11.76 and posted a 31/2 length margin over Classic Delight, who was given a kind time by Shane Dye.
Successive Gains beat only one horse to the post at his most recent start over 1,800m at Happy Valley on November 16. However, the race was not a true guide as the gelding was badly checked at the 200m and virtually stopped in his tracks.
The significant thing about yesterday's trial is that it was conducted on turf at Sha Tin, where Successive Gains has never really shone. To do so well there, and run such a strong final sectionals while showing a good turn of foot, he must be in top form and that augurs well for a return to his happy hunting ground at the city venue shortly.
Man has trained 11 winners for the season to date and they have included some difficult students like Winning Smile, a rehabilitated galloper who scored an effortless winner on the all-weather track at Sha Tin on Wednesday night.
