Red-hot Hall fits the bill in search for TT bankers
David Hall's stable is riding on the crest of a wave and Triple Trio players are well advised to jump on the bandwagon with the Australian trainer looking to have outstanding chances in the final two legs at Sha Tin on Sunday.
With the Triple Trio failing to be lifted at the last two Sha Tin meetings, the pool is expected to reach $16 million and stablemates Bodacious and Bold Win look to have found perfect races, making each an appealing banker.
Hall, in only his second season since relocating from Melbourne, prepared his first Hong Kong treble last Saturday to give him 26 winners for the season and elevate him to the top 10 on the premiership race.
Hall has swung around the fortunes of several horses this season, including Beethoven, Jubiloso and Groom Raider, and Bodacious, set to run in the middle pin, is another that has finally turned the corner after a slow start to his career.
After managing only one placing in his first 13 starts, Hall ordered the five-year-old to be gelded and the results were instant, with Bodacious resuming from a spell to score a comprehensive win at Happy Valley on April 12.
He took a rise in class 25 days later and was responsible for an excellent effort in finishing third to the promising Skyview Bar after ruining his winning chance with a slow getaway.
In a race that looks likely to be run at a solid tempo through the likes of Buddies Power, Joyful World and Universal Pioneer, Brett Prebble should have Bodacious settled just on the back of the speed and he makes plenty of appeal in a race lacking depth.
The speed horses are all capable of figuring in the finish, while Po On Gem and Fly Me To The Moon, with the blinkers being added for the first time, look the other legitimate contenders.
Bold Win resumes from a spell in the final leg and the Catbird gelding has already displayed plenty of promise in five runs this season after arriving from Australia with good credentials.
The four-year-old has placed at each of his outings and his last-start effort when rocketing home from near the tail of the field to finish third in a three-way photo behind Gold Striker indicated he has a very bright future.
Bold Win was tuned up for his return with two soft barrier trials and he looks primed for a win after coming up with gate three for Robbie Fradd.
Main dangers will come from last-start winner Circular Machine, who looks aided by a rise in distance and a drop in weight, promising Zabeel gelding Winning Bullet, all the better for one run from a spell, and likely leader Zero In.
Lifeline Rapide is also entitled to consideration on his good effort two starts back behind Pocket Money as his effort last week can be excused after he lost any chance with a slow getaway.
The opening leg looks tricky but the consistent Pleasure Pleasure is impossible to go past in the search for a banker.
The Almond Lee Yee-tat-trained gelding has been in the placings in his last five appearances, breaking through for a well-deserved win last attempt under Gerald Mosse.
Lee has pulled the masterstroke of engaging in-form apprentice Terry Wong Chi-wai and after his 10-pound claim, Pleasure Pleasure will drop seven pounds on his last victory and has come up with barrier one.
His biggest hurdle looks to be Brave Commander, who scored a comprehensive victory when lining up for his first outing for the Tony Cruz stable last start, while Fat Dragon, Star Prodigy and Good Trio all appear to have found a suitable contest.
