With the jury out on so many of his capable rivals, up-and-coming Ultra Fantasy can take full advantage of a light weight to capture today's $1 million Flamingo Handicap (1,400m) at Sha Tin.
While the likes of Yellow Diamond, Jiang Jun, Sirocco and Noble Crusader would dominate betting if anywhere near their best form, the quartet are currently in racing's wilderness, which should allow the new kid on the block to prevail under Manoel Nunes.
Ultra Fantasy was anything but a star when prepared by David Hayes in Australia but the Encosta De Lago gelding proved to be a reliable type over varying distances during a busy three-year-old season.
In 10 starts last season in his homeland, Ultra Fantasy only managed one win but placed on a further four occasions from distances ranging from 1,200 to 1,800 metres. But when he was sold, he went with the Hayes seal of approval as being 'an ideal Hong Kong horse'.
Ultra Fantasy wasted little time in making an impression for his new trainer David Ferraris when winning his local debut in style at Happy Valley on October 18 despite having his first attempt at 1,000m.
He lumped the impost of 132 pounds at his following start 20 days later around the same circuit and, after looking all over a winner, was nailed in the shadows of the post by Glory Years. He then indicated he was ready for a longer trip when running an honest third to all-the-way winner Cannonise.
Even though Ultra Fantasy may not have the class of his higher-profile rivals, he does look ideally placed with only 115 pounds on his back, should relish the rise to 1,400m and take a lot of beating at a value price.
