Classy Supreme Gains is expected to consolidate his place as a leading contender for next month's Mercedes-Benz Hong Kong Derby by making a winning return to the track in today's Plover Cove Handicap (1,600m) at Sha Tin.
The brilliant Anabaa gelding has built up the impressive record of five wins from seven starts, despite always having given the indication he would be a better horse with a bit of time and maturity.
He opened the season with an excellent victory over the smart Excellent Boy back in September before scoring narrowly over Bullish Cash on November 4 after being forced to race wide for the entire trip after jumping from gate 13.
Trainer Manfred Man Ka-leung opted to give the four-year-old a break from racing following the success and it appears to be a decision that will bear fruit judging by the barrier trial performance of Supreme Gains on January 23.
Jockey Douglas Whyte took his time on Supreme Gains early in the trial as Eddie Lai Wai-ming made play up front on Reunion, with the David Hall-trained galloper having opened up an eight-length break on the circle.
In the straight, under a minimum of urging, Supreme Gains swallowed up the leader and went to the line with something in reserve to score by a half length.