Champion jockey Douglas Whyte has given Triple Trio players a huge tip in the final leg at Happy Valley tomorrow night by switching from last-start course-and-distance winner Specific Sorceror to Meath despite the gelding managing only one placing in 15 starts.
With the TT failing to go off at the last two Happy Valley meetings, the pool is expected to reach $16 million and Whyte's decision should pay dividends for backers of Meath, who put the writing on the wall with a much-improved performance last start.
The Sadler's Wells gelding arrived in Hong Kong with the impressive credentials of two wins and three placings from five starts in Ireland before he travelled to England where he failed in the 2004 Derby behind North Light.
Meath began his Hong Kong career 15 months ago off a rating of 92 but he has struggled to perform anywhere near his Irish form. A glimmer of hope arrived three starts back when Meath turned in an improved effort after racing wide behind Gallant Falcon but he was a shade disappointing at his next assignment when sixth to Spokesman after being well supported.
Whyte had his first ride on Meath last time and the five-year-old showed dramatic improvement, working home soundly in the final stages to finish third to Can Opener.
The Me Tsui Yu-sak-trained gelding is ideally suited by the step up to 2,200 metres, should park right on the speed, which was his running style in Ireland, and get his chance to finally open his winning account.
The biggest danger is likely to come from the in-form Lazy Buddies, who looks set to get all the favours here, while Cypress Hill, Ever King, Specific Sorceror and Spectacular Hit are all entitled to consideration.